If you're planning to start a burger food truck in the UK, this is the article you cannot skip.

Because in the UK, your biggest risk isn't competition.

It's compliance.

Many new operators invest £20,000–£50,000 in a truck… only to realise they can't legally trade yet.

This guide explains:

• Every licence you need

• Which certificates are mandatory

• What your local council will inspect

• How to avoid costly compliance mistakes

• How to prepare your burger truck correctly from day one

Let's break it down clearly.

1 - Do You Need a Licence to Run a Food Truck in the UK?

Short answer: Yes. Multiple.

There is no single “food truck licence.”

Instead, you must obtain several approvals from different authorities.

2 - Food Business Registration (Mandatory for Everyone)

Before trading, you must:

✔ Register your food business with your local council
✔ Do it at least 28 days before trading

Cost: Free
Penalty for failing to register: Unlimited fine

This applies whether you operate from:

• A trailer

• A van

• A market stall

• A permanent pitch

Your truck will then be inspected for food hygiene standards.

3 - Food Hygiene Rating (Very Important for Sales)

After inspection, your business receives a rating:

In competitive cities like London or Manchester, a rating below 4 can seriously hurt sales.

How to prepare your truck properly:

• Stainless steel surfaces

• Separate hand wash sink

• 3-compartment sink

• Hot water system

• Proper waste water tank

ZZKNOWN builds layouts that follow commercial kitchen logic, making inspections smoother.

4 - Street Trading Licence (The Big One)

This is where things vary dramatically.

Issued by: Your local council
Cost: £500–£3,000+ per year

Important:

Some councils limit the number of licences.
Some require tender bidding.
Some restrict trading zones.

Examples:

• London boroughs = strict

• Coastal towns = seasonal

• Small towns = more flexible

Always check with your specific council before buying your truck.

5 - Gas Safety Certificate (If Using LPG)

If your burger truck uses:

• Gas grill

• Gas fryer

• LPG water heater

You must have inspection by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Cost: £250–£600

Certificate must be renewed annually.

Important:
Your gas installation must be professionally fitted. Poor installation can delay your approval.

6 - Electrical Installation Certificate

If your truck uses:

• 240V shore power

• Generator system

• Internal wiring

You need electrical certification.

Cost: £300–£800

Poor wiring is one of the most common inspection failures.

ZZKNOWN trucks are built with CE-compliant systems, making UK certification easier.

7 - Fire Safety Requirements

You must have:

✔ Fire extinguisher
✔ Fire blanket
✔ Fire risk assessment
✔ Possibly fire suppression system (recommended for fryers)

Insurance companies often require documented fire risk assessment.

8 - Insurance Requirements

Minimum typically required:

• Public liability insurance (£5 million cover common)

• Employer’s liability insurance (if hiring staff)

• Vehicle insurance (for vans)

Cost range:
£300–£1,500 per year depending on size and staff.

9 - DVLA Registration & Vehicle Compliance

If operating a:

Van

• Must be road-legal

• Valid MOT

• Proper insurance

• Emissions compliance (important for ULEZ zones)

Trailer

• Must meet UK road standards

• Proper braking system

• Lighting compliance

Trailers avoid engine emission restrictions in cities.

10 - Do You Need a Commissary Kitchen in the UK?

Unlike some US states, the UK does not always require a commissary kitchen.

However, you must demonstrate:

• Safe food storage

• Proper preparation method

• Cleaning facilities

Some councils require proof of base kitchen address.

11 - Common Mistakes New Operators Make

Buying a truck before checking council rules
Installing gas system incorrectly
Forgetting hand wash sink
No hot water
Insufficient waste tank capacity
Assuming licences transfer between councils

Each mistake can delay your launch by weeks.

12 - Timeline to Become Fully Legal in the UK

Total realistic preparation time:
1–3 months

Plan accordingly before peak season.

13 - How ZZKNOWN Helps UK Buyers Prepare Properly

While final certification must be done locally, ZZKNOWN:

• Designs compliant kitchen layouts

• Installs LPG-ready systems

• Builds stainless steel commercial interiors

• Provides technical drawings

• Uses CE electrical systems

• Exports regularly to Europe & UK

Production time: 25–30 working days after layout confirmation.

Preparing correctly during manufacturing avoids expensive retrofitting later.

14 - Final Checklist Before You Start Trading

✔ Registered food business
✔ Street trading licence approved
✔ Gas certificate
✔ Electrical certificate
✔ Fire safety equipment
✔ Insurance policy
✔ Hygiene inspection completed

Once all are done — you're legally ready to sell burgers in the UK.

Final Thoughts

The UK food truck industry is highly regulated — but not complicated once you understand the structure.

The key is preparation.

Choosing a properly designed burger truck from the beginning reduces compliance stress and speeds up approval.

Planning to launch in the UK? Contact ZZKNOWN to design a regulation-ready burger food truck built for UK standards.