Start Here
All food businesses must register with City of Edinburgh Council - it's free. Register at least 28 days before you start. Edinburgh is governed by Food Standards Scotland (FSS), not the FSA. The hygiene system is FHIS Pass/Fail, not England's 0-5 star ratings. Delivery platforms require a registered FHIS entry before onboarding.
How to Register Your Food Business
Register as a Food Business
Free registration with City of Edinburgh Council
Complete online form at edinburgh.gov.uk/registerfoodbusiness
More infoFood Hygiene Training
Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate minimum
Online courses available (£15-25) or in-person training in Edinburgh
FHIS Inspection
Environmental Health Officer visits to assess your premises under Scotland's Food Hygiene Information Scheme
Be prepared for unannounced visit - maintain standards consistently
Receive FHIS Result
Scotland uses Pass/Fail (not England's 0-5 stars). Pass means you meet legal standards.
Aim for "Pass" and the FSS "Eat Safe" award which recognises businesses exceeding legal minimums
More infoScotland's FHIS System (Not FHRS)
Scotland Is Different
Edinburgh uses the Food Hygiene Information Scheme (FHIS) operated by Food Standards Scotland. This is a binary Pass/Fail system, completely different from the 0-5 star FHRS used in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Do not confuse the two systems.
Pass
Your business meets legal food hygiene standards. This is required by delivery platforms like Deliveroo before they will onboard you.
Improvement Required
Action is needed to meet legal standards. You will receive a report detailing what must be fixed. Delivery platform onboarding will be blocked.
FSS "Eat Safe" Award
The Food Standards Scotland "Eat Safe" award recognises businesses that go beyond legal minimums. It is a voluntary scheme that signals higher standards to customers. New businesses are listed as "Awaiting Inspection" until their first FHIS visit.
Inspection Frequency
FHIS inspections are risk-based. High risk businesses are inspected every 6 months. Low risk businesses are inspected every 2 years. Frequency is determined by the type of food you handle, your track record, and the complexity of your operations.
Licences You May Need
| Licence Type | Cost | Who Needs It | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food Business Registration | Free | All food businesses | Ongoing (update if changes) |
| Street Trading Licence | Varies | Food trucks, mobile vendors on public streets | Annual renewal |
| Late Night Refreshment | Varies | Selling hot food/drinks between 11pm-5am | Ongoing with annual fee |
| Market/Event Trading | Varies by market | Trading at markets and events | Per market/event |
Edinburgh-Specific Regulations
Low Emission Zone (LEZ)
Active in city centre. Euro 5 diesel / Euro 4 petrol minimum. PCN fines from £60, doubling for repeat offences. Delivery operations must use compliant vehicles, electric vans, or cargo bikes within the zone.
Dark Kitchen Planning
Dark kitchens classified as Sui Generis. Cannot simply rent a unit and start cooking. Full planning application required for Change of Use. Process takes 8-12 weeks. Strict odour and noise requirements apply. City Plan 2030 governs.
Food Waste Separation
Mandatory food waste separation for businesses producing over 5kg of food waste per week. Edinburgh Council strictly enforces trade waste compliance. You must arrange a commercial waste collection contract.
Small Business Bonus Scheme
Scotland's Small Business Bonus Scheme offers 100% rates relief for properties with rateable value under £12,000 (tapered to £15,000). Many small industrial units qualify. Verify if managed kitchen pods are assessed individually.
Key Areas for Food Businesses
| Area | Notes |
|---|---|
| Leith / Newhaven | Regenerated waterfront area, growing food scene, good transport links |
| Sighthill | Industrial units available, lower rents, good for production kitchens |
| Newington / Southside | Student area, high footfall, diverse food demand |
| Gorgie / Dalry | Affordable commercial space, residential demand, emerging food businesses |
Preparing for Your FHIS Inspection
Inspections can be unannounced. Maintain standards consistently, not just before expected visits. Environmental Health Officers can visit any time during your operating hours. Scotland's FHIS is Pass/Fail - there is no "nearly passing".
Key Edinburgh Contacts
Environmental Health (Food Safety)
Web: Visit site
For: Food business registration, FHIS inspections, hygiene compliance
Food Standards Scotland
Web: Visit site
For: Scottish food safety regulation, FHIS scheme, Eat Safe award
Trading Standards
Email: tradingstandards@edinburgh.gov.uk
For: Food labelling, weights & measures, allergen compliance
Written by
James Mitchell
Ghost Kitchen Operations Director & Industry Expert
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register a food business in Edinburgh?
Register online at edinburgh.gov.uk/registerfoodbusiness at least 28 days before you start trading. Registration is free. Scotland uses Food Standards Scotland (FSS), not the FSA. After registration, expect an FHIS inspection. You can start trading after 28 days even if the inspection hasn't happened yet.
What is the FHIS food hygiene rating in Scotland?
Scotland uses the Food Hygiene Information Scheme (FHIS) with a binary Pass/Fail result, unlike England's 0-5 star FHRS system. "Pass" means you meet legal food hygiene standards. "Improvement Required" means action is needed. Delivery platforms like Deliveroo require a registered FHIS Pass before onboarding. The FSS "Eat Safe" award recognises businesses that go beyond legal minimums.
Do I need a street trading licence in Edinburgh?
Yes, you need a street trading licence to trade on public streets in Edinburgh. Contact Edinburgh Council for available pitches and fees. Trading on private land (events, business parks) may not need a street trading licence but you still need food business registration.
How does Edinburgh's Low Emission Zone affect food businesses?
Edinburgh's LEZ bans non-compliant vehicles (pre-Euro 5 diesel, pre-Euro 4 petrol) from the city centre. Fines start at £60 and double for repeat offences. Delivery operations must use compliant vehicles, electric vans, or cargo bikes within the zone. Check your vehicle compliance before planning delivery routes.
What planning permission do I need for a dark kitchen in Edinburgh?
Dark kitchens are typically classified as Sui Generis in Edinburgh. You cannot simply rent a unit and start cooking - a full planning application is required for Change of Use. The process takes 8-12 weeks. Strict odour and noise requirements apply. City Plan 2030 governs planning decisions.
Can I get business rates relief in Edinburgh?
Scotland's Small Business Bonus Scheme offers 100% rates relief for properties with a rateable value under £12,000, with tapered relief up to £15,000. Many small industrial units used as commercial kitchens qualify. Verify whether managed kitchen pods are assessed individually or as part of a larger property.
What food waste rules apply in Edinburgh?
Mandatory food waste separation applies to businesses producing over 5kg of food waste per week. Edinburgh Council strictly enforces trade waste compliance. You must arrange a commercial waste collection contract - you cannot use domestic bins for business waste.
How long does food business registration take in Edinburgh?
You must register at least 28 days before starting. The registration itself is processed within a few days. First FHIS inspection timing varies by risk category - high risk businesses are inspected every 6 months, low risk every 2 years. New businesses are listed as "Awaiting Inspection". You can legally trade after your registration date regardless of inspection timing.