CP44 Gas Safety Certificate for Mobile Catering: Complete UK Guide
Running a mobile catering unit on LPG means navigating a straightforward but important certification process. This guide covers everything you need to know about the CP44 gas safety certificate — what it is, who needs one, what the inspection covers, and how much it costs.
CP44 is the standard gas safety certification for any commercial mobile catering unit operating on LPG in the UK. It is the most widely recognised inspection record accepted by event organisers, market managers, and local councils as confirmation that your gas equipment has been independently checked and is safe to use.
What Is a CP44 Gas Safety Certificate?
A CP44 gas safety certificate is the standard inspection record for mobile catering units that operate on LPG bottled gas. It certifies that a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer has inspected your gas appliances, pipework, regulators, and ventilation — and that your setup meets the safety standards expected of a commercial mobile catering operation.
The CP44 is specifically for mobile setups: food vans, catering trailers, horse boxes, and market stalls using LPG. It is separate from the CP42, which applies to fixed commercial kitchens running on mains gas. If your unit moves and runs on propane cylinders, CP44 is the certificate you need.
Who Needs a CP44 Certificate?
Most operators running a mobile catering unit with LPG-powered equipment should have a valid CP44 certificate in place before trading commercially. This includes food van operators, street food traders, catering trailer owners, and gazebo or pop-up stall holders using gas-fired appliances.
The certificate is widely required by event organisers, market managers, and local councils as part of their standard trader documentation checks. Most UK street food markets and festivals will ask to see a valid CP44 certificate before issuing a pitch or allowing you to set up on site. Without one, you may find yourself refused entry or asked to leave before trading begins.
Your insurer may also ask for confirmation that your gas equipment has been inspected. It is worth checking your policy conditions and speaking to your event organiser early — some require documentation to be provided several weeks before the event date.
What Does a CP44 Inspection Cover?
A CP44 inspection is a thorough check of your entire LPG gas system, carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer who holds the relevant commercial mobile catering (CMC) competence. The inspection typically covers:
Gas Appliances
The engineer checks each gas appliance — fryers, griddles, burners, bain maries, water boilers — to confirm they are correctly installed, in good working order, and free from damage or visible faults. Burner pressure and flame quality are assessed to confirm the appliance is running as intended.
Flame Failure Devices (FFD)
Commercial LPG appliances used in mobile catering should be fitted with a Flame Failure Device. The FFD cuts the gas supply automatically if the flame goes out — preventing unburnt gas from escaping into an enclosed space. The engineer tests the FFD on each applicable appliance to confirm it operates correctly.
Pipework and Hoses
All gas hoses and pipework are inspected for signs of wear, cracking, corrosion, or damage. LPG hoses have a service life and should be replaced before they deteriorate. The engineer checks each connection point for leaks using appropriate detection methods.
Regulators and Cylinder Connection
The LPG regulator — the device that reduces cylinder pressure to the working pressure your appliances run on — is checked for condition and correct operation. Cylinder storage position, securing arrangements, and correct connection to the supply are also assessed as part of the inspection.
Emergency Shut-Off and Ventilation
The engineer confirms that emergency shut-off valves are present, in working order, and accessible. They also assess ventilation to ensure the cooking area has sufficient fresh air for safe appliance operation — particularly important in enclosed van or trailer setups.
How Much Does a CP44 Certificate Cost?
CP44 inspection costs vary depending on your location, the number of gas appliances in your unit, and the engineer or company you use. As a general guide, most operators can expect to pay between £150 and £350 for a standard single-unit inspection. Engineers in London and the South East tend to charge more than those in northern regions, reflecting travel time and local demand.
If you have multiple gas appliances — for example, a fryer, a griddle, and a water boiler — the inspection will take longer and typically costs more. Many engineers charge a base rate for the first appliance and an additional fee per extra appliance, often around £25–£40 each.
Always confirm whether the quoted price includes VAT and whether the inspection fee covers the written certificate itself. Some engineers include the certificate in the inspection price; others issue it separately.
How Often Does a CP44 Certificate Need Renewing?
A CP44 gas safety certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Annual renewal is the standard expectation for most mobile catering operations. In practice, many operators book their annual inspection a few weeks before a busy season or a major event booking, to ensure they hold a current certificate when it is most needed.
In some cases, an engineer may issue a certificate valid for six months rather than twelve — typically where equipment is assessed to be in higher-risk condition or where the unit’s gas connections are regularly made and broken (for example, gazebo traders who disconnect and reconnect cylinders frequently). If this applies to your setup, factor in the shorter renewal cycle when budgeting.
CP44 vs CP42 — What’s the Difference?
The most important distinction is the type of gas supply and the type of premises. CP44 covers mobile catering units operating on LPG from cylinders — vans, trailers, and outdoor market setups. CP42 is the equivalent certificate for fixed commercial kitchens that run on mains natural gas.
If you operate from a fixed commercial kitchen as well as a mobile unit, you may need both. For the vast majority of mobile caterers in the UK — food vans, street food traders, and festival operators — CP44 is the relevant certificate.
How to Find a Qualified CP44 Engineer
Your engineer should be registered on the Gas Safe Register and hold the commercial mobile catering (CMC) competence relevant to LPG systems. You can search the Gas Safe Register website to verify that any engineer you are considering is registered and holds the appropriate qualifications before booking.
It is worth asking the engineer specifically about their experience with mobile catering units before confirming the booking. An engineer who regularly works on commercial mobile catering equipment will typically carry out a more thorough inspection than one who primarily works on domestic gas appliances.
Before your inspection, it pays to check that all your LPG appliances are in good working order, hoses are undamaged, and your gas cylinders are properly secured. Arriving at the inspection with obvious faults can mean a failed certificate and a return visit fee.
Gas Safety and Your LPG Equipment
Keeping on top of CP44 certification is one part of running a safe mobile catering setup. The condition of your LPG appliances matters throughout the year — not just at inspection time. Regular visual checks of hoses and connections, keeping equipment clean and well-maintained, and replacing worn components promptly all contribute to a unit that passes inspection without issues and performs reliably during service.
All mobile catering appliances should run on propane, supplied from correctly rated cylinders at the working pressure your equipment is designed for. Propane remains consistent in UK outdoor conditions throughout the year — including cold weather — which is why it is the standard fuel for commercial mobile catering operations. Browse our range of mobile catering appliances to find equipment suited for your van or trailer setup.
Frequently Asked Questions: CP44 Gas Safety Certificate
What is a CP44 gas safety certificate?
A CP44 gas safety certificate is an inspection record issued for mobile catering units that operate on LPG bottled gas. It confirms that a Gas Safe registered engineer has inspected your appliances, pipework, regulators, and ventilation, and that your setup meets the safety standards expected for commercial mobile catering. It is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
Do I legally need a CP44 certificate for my food van?
There is no single piece of legislation that names CP44 as a specific legal requirement for all operators, but the Health and Safety at Work Act and associated regulations require LPG systems in commercial use to be properly maintained and safe. In practice, most event organisers, markets, and councils commonly require a valid CP44 certificate before allowing you to trade. Without one, you are likely to be refused a pitch and may face issues with your insurer.
How much does a CP44 inspection cost in the UK?
Most mobile caterers pay between £150 and £350 for a CP44 inspection, depending on location and the number of appliances in the unit. Engineers in London and the South East typically charge more than those in northern England or rural areas. Additional appliances are usually charged at around £25–£40 each on top of the base rate. Always confirm whether VAT is included and whether the written certificate is covered in the price.
How long is a CP44 certificate valid for?
A CP44 gas safety certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of inspection. Some engineers may issue a six-month certificate where equipment is assessed as higher risk — for example, where connections are made and broken regularly, as is common with gazebo traders. Annual renewal is the standard for most food van and catering trailer operators.
What is the difference between CP44 and CP42?
CP44 is for mobile catering units using LPG from cylinders — food vans, trailers, and outdoor market setups. CP42 is the equivalent inspection record for fixed commercial kitchens running on mains natural gas. If you operate a mobile unit exclusively, CP44 is the relevant certificate. If you also trade from a fixed kitchen premises, you may need both.
What does a CP44 engineer check during the inspection?
The engineer checks all gas appliances for correct installation and condition, tests Flame Failure Devices, inspects hoses and pipework for wear or leaks, verifies regulator operation and cylinder connections, confirms emergency shut-off valves are functional and accessible, and assesses ventilation. Burner pressure and flame quality are also assessed on each appliance as part of the inspection.
Can I get a CP44 certificate for a catering trailer as well as a van?
Yes — CP44 covers any mobile catering unit operating on LPG, including food vans, trailers, converted horse boxes, and outdoor stall setups. The inspection process is the same regardless of unit type. If you operate more than one unit, each requires its own separate CP44 certificate. The engineer inspects each unit individually and issues a separate certificate for each.