Food Safety Authority permits
The Food Safety Authority issues operating permits to companies that produce or distribute food according to legislation on food, hygiene, and pollution prevention.
Before you apply
Operators must apply for an operating permit from the Public Health Authority of Reykjavík before operations begin.
How do I apply for an operating permit?
The public health representative processes applications once the operator applies. If the operator meets the requirements, the application is processed. Otherwise, the applicant is advised on what is missing. A positive statement from the building commissioner for the premises and its use must be available before the public health authority can process the application.
The application is submitted to a public health authority Permit Review Meeting for approval. Permit Review Meetings are held weekly on Thursdays.
How do I get issued an operating permit?
The public health authority sends a notification of permit approval with an invoice for the permit. The operating permit takes effect when the invoice has been paid. The permit letter is then sent to the permit holder. It is prohibited to start operations requiring a permit before the permit has taken effect.
Usage permit for street vending
When applying for a permit for a food cart, booth, or food market, the applicant needs a street vending permit from Reykjavík's Department of Environment & Planning.
Lodging establishments
Lodging establishments offer accommodations for a maximum of 30 consecutive days for a fee, such as in hotels, guesthouses, lodges, apartments, and summer houses, with or without meals.
Meat processors, dairies, and fish processors
The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority generally oversees meat processors, dairies, and fish processors. Direct all inquiries about these businesses to the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority.
Reporting businesses
Reykjavík Public Health oversees reporting food businesses, including vegetable producers who only grow their products (primary producers) but packaging and other processing occur at facilities by the Public Health Committee. Primary production also includes wild plant harvesting.
Manufacturers and importers of food contact materials must notify Reykjavík Public Health of their operations. Food contact materials include packaging, containers, utensils, equipment, tableware, and their components. Manufacturers and importers of food contact materials who distribute food need an operating license.
For more information on food contact materials, visit the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority website. The website also lists relevant laws and regulations.
A form to notify Reykjavík Public Health about primary producers and food contact material businesses is in development.
Fees apply for notification and inspection according to Reykjavík Public Health's current fee schedule.
Reykjavík Public Health
For inquiries, suggestions, or complaints, please use the form available on My Pages.
- Email: heilbrigðiseftirlit@reykjavik.is
- Borgartún 12, 105 Reykjavík
- Phone 411 1111