GB Food Department Fixes Registration Renewal Fees

Gilgit — The Government of Gilgit-Baltistan's Food Department has issued a new notification fixing registration and annual renewal fees for various food-related businesses and premises under the Gilgit-Baltistan Food Act, 2022.

The notification was issued by the Secretary Food Department, in exercise of powers under Sections 12, 13, and 30 of the Act.

The updated fee structure aims to regulate and license food handling, processing, and service establishments across the region to ensure food safety, hygiene standards, and formal oversight.

Key fee categories outlined in the notification include:

- **Canteens** operating in educational, medical, public, or private establishments/places: Registration Rs. 10,000; Annual Renewal Rs. 2,000.

- **Hotels, restaurants, guest houses, and related premises**:

  - Three-star and above hotels: Registration Rs. 100,000; Renewal Rs. 20,000.

  - Other major hotels/restaurants/cafés with seating capacity over 50 persons: Registration Rs. 50,000; Renewal Rs. 10,000.

  - Hotels/cafés/restaurants/fast food centers with seating capacity less than 50 persons: Registration Rs. 25,000; Renewal Rs. 5,000.

- **Marriage halls** and conference venues: Registration Rs. 50,000; Renewal Rs. 10,000.

- **Supermarkets, retail marts, general stores**: Registration Rs. 50,000 (supers), Rs. 25,000 (marts), Rs. 10,000 (general); Renewals Rs. 10,000, Rs. 5,000, Rs. 2,000 respectively.

- **Chicken, mutton, and beef shops/slaughtering houses**: Registration Rs. 15,000; Renewal Rs. 5,000.

- **Milk and dairy shops**: Registration Rs. 15,000; Renewal Rs. 5,000.

- **Fruits and vegetable shops**: Registration Rs. 10,000; Renewal Rs. 3,000.

- **Sweets and bakers' shops**: Registration Rs. 10,000; Renewal Rs. 3,000.

- **Food processing and manufacturing units** (large/medium/small): Registration Rs. 50,000; Renewal Rs. 10,000.

- **Roadside cafés (dhabas) and beverage/juice corners**: Registration Rs. 5,000; Renewal Rs. 2,000.

- **Catering units**: Registration Rs. 20,000; Renewal Rs. 3,000.

- **Oils and ghee derivatives distribution units**: Registration Rs. 10,000; Renewal Rs. 3,000.

- **Fast food establishments** (large): Registration Rs. 20,000; Renewal Rs. 5,000; (small): Registration Rs. 10,000; Renewal Rs. 5,000.

- **Food warehouses and distribution units**: Registration Rs. 15,000; Renewal Rs. 5,000.

- **Bee farms / RO water plants**: Registration Rs. 5,000; Renewal Rs. 2,000.

The notification directs all District Food Controllers (DFCs) to issue notices to food-related businesses in their respective districts, requiring them to register with the Food Department through concerned District Offices within 30 days.

Failure to comply may result in enforcement actions as per the provisions of the GB Food Act, 2022.

The order has been distributed to key officials, including the Director Food Gilgit-Baltistan, Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, and relevant secretaries across departments.

This measure is part of broader efforts by the Gilgit-Baltistan administration to strengthen food safety regulations, formalize businesses, and generate revenue for oversight and quality control in the region's growing food and hospitality sector, particularly amid increasing tourism and population movement. Businesses are advised to contact their local District Food Office for registration procedures and compliance.