Health Certificate
What it is and Why it Matters
A Health Certificate confirms that your operating premises meet environmental/public‑health standards. It is commonly required for food premises and other public‑facing activities and is often requested during licensing or inspections. In Maseru, inspections/certificates are handled by Maseru City Council (MCC) Environmental Health; in other districts, by Public/Environmental Health Offices of the Ministry of Health (MoH).
A Quick Snapshot
| Legal Authority | Actors | What it means | Outcome |
| Public Health Order, 1970 (see LesLII) | Ministry of Health; Local Authorities (e.g., MCC Environmental Health) | Health Officers may inspect premises, require sanitary measures, and certify compliance to protect public health. | Premises are inspected and, if compliant, certified; certificates may be needed to operate and for later compliance checks. |
| Administrative practice | MCC Environmental Health (Maseru); District Environmental Health (MoH) | Inspection visit(s) precede issuance; deficiencies must be fixed before the certificate is issued. | Health Certificate issued (or re‑inspection ordered). Keep a copy for licensing and inspections. |
| Licensing interface | OBFC; sector regulators/councils (see OBFC Licensing) | Many sector licenses (esp. food) ask for a Health Certificate or proof of inspection. | Plan inspection before filing sector licenses to avoid delays. |
| Regulatory streamlining | Business reform (DB2020/CAFI) | Lesotho removed the blanket start‑up Health Certificate requirement; risk‑based, sector‑specific checks still apply. | Lower friction at company start‑up; food/public‑health activities still require inspection/certification. |
Process, Required Documents, and Where to Apply
| Step & process | Required documents (typical) | Where to apply / contacts |
| Step 1: Confirm if your activity needs a Health Certificate (food premises, hospitality, public‑facing services, etc.). | Business registration details; short description of activity; premises address. | Local Environmental Health authority: Maseru → MCC Environmental Health; other districts → District Environmental Health (MoH). See e‑Regulations procedure #67. |
| Step 2: Prepare premises and book an inspection. | Booking/application (form or email); lease/occupancy proof; ID of responsible person; basic layout; water & waste arrangements; pest control plan; (for food) hygiene/food‑safety arrangements. | MCC Environmental Health (Moon Star Building, 2nd Fl., Kingsway Rd, Maseru 100; +266 2231 7386) or your District Environmental Health Office (MoH). |
| Step 3: On‑site inspection by a Health Officer. | Access to premises; any requested registers or plans (cleaning, waste, hygiene); proof of waste contract (if applicable). | Inspection occurs at the premises with the assigned Health Officer. |
| Step 4: Fix issues (if any) and arrange re‑inspection. | Evidence of corrective actions (photos, receipts/works orders); updated plans/checklists. | Same authority as Step 2 (MCC/District Environmental Health). |
| Step 5: Certificate issued (or further instructions). | Proof of fee payment (if charged by the local authority); ID/authorization for collection. | Certificate issued by MCC Environmental Health (Maseru) or your District Environmental Health Office (MoH). Keep a copy for licensing/inspections. |
Practical Notes for Investors
- Sequence smartly: schedule the inspection so you can attach the certificate to any sector license that requires it (e.g., food).
- Local authorities set timelines and fees and vary with workload and risk category; confirm at booking (plan for 5–15 working days including fixes).
- Reforms context: the blanket start‑up requirement was removed, but sector‑specific inspections remain – especially for food premises.
Helpful Links
- e‑Regulations Lesotho – Health Certificate (procedure #67)
- Maseru City Council (MCC) – Environmental Health contact (general info site)
- Ministry of Health – Environmental Health (policy remit/contacts)
- Public Health Order, 1970 (LesLII repository)
- OBFC – Licensing (Requirements for Trading Licenses)
Food Handler’s Certificate
What it is and Why it matters
A Food Handler’s Certificate confirms that an individual working with food has passed required medical and hygiene screening and is cleared by the public health authority. It is commonly required for restaurants, cafés, bars, hotels, catering, canteens, and other food‑service operations, and is verified during inspections and licensing. In Maseru, clearances are coordinated with Maseru City Council (MCC) – Environmental Health; in other districts, with District Environmental Health Offices under the Ministry of Health (MoH). For the official step list, see e‑Regulations procedure #69.
A Quick Snapshot
| Legal authority | Actors | What it means | Outcome |
| Public Health Order, 1970 (see LesLII) | MoH Environmental Health + Local Authorities (e.g., MCC) | Health Officers can require medical checks, verify hygiene, inspect premises, and control who may handle food. | Individuals who pass required tests are certified to handle food; employers keep certificates available for inspection. |
| Administrative practice (see e‑Regulations #69) | MCC / District Environmental Health; public hospitals/labs | Typical steps: obtain lab request, do tests, pay fees, collect results, submit results to Public Health, certificate issued. | Named worker receives a Food Handler’s Certificate after submitting acceptable test results. |
Process, Required Documents, and Where to Apply
| Step & process | Required documents (typical) | Where to apply / contacts |
| Step 1: Check if your staff need Food Handler’s Certificates (anyone who prepares/handles food or food‑contact surfaces). | Staff list & roles; employer contact; ID/passport of each staff member. | Local Environmental Health authority: Maseru → MCC Environmental Health; other districts → District Environmental Health (MoH). |
| Step 2: Get lab request(s) and complete the medical tests required for food handlers. | Lab/microbiology request form(s); ID; facility card (if any); payment receipt. | Public hospital/approved lab; steps on e‑Regulations show lab request & blood sample – see procedure #69. |
| Step 3: Pay test fees & submit samples as instructed by the lab. | Payment receipt; samples (as directed); worker ID. | Health facility / approved lab (fees per facility schedule). |
| Step 4: Collect test results and submit them to Public/Environmental Health. | Test results; ID/passport; employer letter (sometimes requested). | Public Health Office (MCC or District). |
| Step 5: Obtain the Food Handler’s Certificate. | Any additional form requested; proof of certificate fee payment if applicable. | Issued by MCC Environmental Health (Moon Star Building, 2nd Floor, Kingsway Rd, Maseru 100; +266 2231 7386) or by your District Environmental Health Office (MoH). |
Conditions, Validity and Renewal
- Maintain personal hygiene standards and comply with Health Officer directions; authorities may re‑inspect or restrict food‑handling if risks are identified under the Public Health Order.
- Validity: 6 months.
Renewal commonly requires fresh medical tests and re‑submission of results before expiry.
- Change triggers: new employer, role change, or health conditions affecting safe food handling may prompt re‑testing or re‑certification.
Practical Notes for Investors
- Onboard planning: schedule tests for new hires early to avoid delays to opening/expansion.
- Files and compliance: maintain a staff certification register with certificate numbers, issue/expiry dates, and result receipts (digital + hard copy).
- Licensing: trading/hospitality licences may request proof of staff certification; coordinate HR and licensing timelines.
Helpful Links
- e‑Regulations Lesotho – Food Handler’s Certificate (procedure #69)
- Ministry of Health – Environmental Health
- Maseru City Council – Environmental Health (general site)
- Public Health Order, 1970 – LesLII repository
- OBFC – Licensing (Requirements for Trading Licenses)
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Clearance Certificate
What it is and Why it Matters
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Clearance Certificate confirms that your project has been screened and, where required, assessed for environmental and social risks under Lesotho law. It is mandatory for projects listed in the First Schedule to the Environment Act, 2008, and sector regulators generally require the EIA licence or a written confirmation that no EIA is required before issuing operating licences. Official process steps are available on e‑Regulations Lesotho (procedure #70). The legal basis is contained in the Environment Act, 2008 (Part V).
A Quick Snapshot
| Legal authority | Actors | What it means | Outcome |
| Environment Act, 2008 – Part V (see LesLII) | Director, Department of Environment (DoE); Line Ministries; public participation | Projects submit a Project Brief for screening; the Director may approve with conditions or require a full EIA study and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). | A legally binding EIA licence (clearance) is issued with conditions; or further studies/refusal are communicated with reasons. |
| First Schedule (project categories & sensitive areas) | DoE + relevant Line Ministries | Covers sectors like industry, mining, energy/transmission, roads, water works, tourism facilities, agriculture/chemicals, and sensitive locations. | If your project falls here, obtain EIA clearance before sector licences/permits are granted. |
| Administrative practice (see e‑Regulations #70) | DoE (EIA Office) | Typical steps: submit Project Brief → DoE review & comments → full EIA/EIS if required → issue EIA licence with conditions. | Expect documented review and timelines that vary by complexity. |
Process, Required Documents, and Where to Apply
| Step & process | Required documents (typical) | Where to apply / contacts |
| Step 1: Screening & Project Brief – determine if your project is in the First Schedule; prepare and submit a Project Brief. | Project Brief: project description, site, technology/process, alternatives, potential impacts, mitigation proposals (EMP), and any maps/diagrams. | Department of Environment (EIA Office). See e‑Regulations #70 for submission details. |
| Step 2: DoE review of the Brief – consultation with Line Ministry; public comments may be invited; decision to approve with conditions or require a full EIA. | Your Project Brief plus any clarifications requested by DoE. | Director of Environment (DoE) – screening decision issued in writing. Serves as an EIA Certificate where full EIA/EIS is not required. |
| Step 3: If required: Full EIA study & EIS – conduct assessment by approved experts, including stakeholder engagement; submit EIS. | Environmental Impact Statement (EIS): baseline, alternatives, impact analysis (direct/indirect/cumulative), mitigation, EMP, monitoring plan. | Submit EIS to DoE (EIA Office) for review; public comments may be invited. |
| Step 4: Decision & EIA licence — if adequate, licence is issued with conditions and a Record of Decision; otherwise, further work or refusal with reasons. | Final EIS (if applicable), Environmental Management Plan (EMP), acceptance of conditions. | EIA Certificate issued by the Director (DoE). Sector regulators typically require this before granting other licences. |
| Step 5: Post‑certification obligations — implement EMP; submit audits/reports as required; notify DoE of changes or transfer; fresh EIS may be ordered for material changes. | Compliance reports/audits; change/transfer notices; updated studies if directed. | DoE (EIA Office) monitors compliance and may cancel or amend conditions if necessary. |
Indicative Timelines and Copies
Project‑Brief screening commonly shows an indicative waiting period on e‑Regulations; complex projects and full EIAs require additional months for studies, public consultation, and review. Some offices request multiple hard copies plus a soft copy of the Brief/EIS for circulation; confirm current expectations with the DoE when filing.
Conditions, Transfer and Downstream Licensing
- Licence conditions bind operations and feed into audits/monitoring; keep a tracker for Environmental Management Plan (EMP) obligations and reporting dates.
- Licensing authorities generally require an EIA licence (or written confirmation that no EIA is required) before issuing sector licences (e.g. Manufacturing License).
- Transfers must be notified to the Director; only the same project may be transferred, and non‑compliance can attract penalties.
Practical Notes for Investors
- Engage early with the DoE and agree on scope; a solid Project Brief can avoid unnecessary full EIA requirements.
- Align EIA studies with design and seasonal baselines to prevent rework and delays.
- Plan public/stakeholder engagement to reduce objections and support smoother review.