GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan Food Department has notified fixed rates for registration and annual renewal of licences for various food related businesses and establishments under the Gilgit-Baltistan Food Act, 2022.

The notification, issued by the secretary food department on March 9, 2026, takes immediate effect. It is based on sections 12, 13 and 30 of the Act and aims to regulate food safety, hygiene and formal licensing across the region.

Under the new schedule, canteens in educational, medical and public or private premises will pay Rs10,000 for registration and Rs2,000 for annual renewal. Hotels with three star status and above will pay Rs100,000 for registration and Rs20,000 for renewal.

Other major hotels, restaurants and cafes with seating capacity exceeding 50 persons will pay Rs50,000 for registration and Rs10,000 for renewal. Hotels, cafes, restaurants and fast food centres with seating under 50 persons will pay Rs25,000 for registration and Rs5,000 for renewal.

Marriage halls and conference venues will pay Rs50,000 for registration and Rs10,000 for renewal, while supermarkets will pay Rs50,000 for registration and Rs10,000 for renewal. Retail marts will pay Rs25,000 for registration and Rs5,000 for renewal, and general stores will pay Rs10,000 for registration and Rs2,000 for renewal.

Chicken, mutton and beef shops and slaughter houses will pay Rs15,000 for registration and Rs5,000 for renewal. Milk and dairy shops will also pay Rs15,000 for registration and Rs5,000 for renewal.

Fruit and vegetable shops will pay Rs10,000 for registration and Rs3,000 for renewal, while sweets and bakery shops will pay Rs10,000 for registration and Rs3,000 for renewal.

Food processing and manufacturing units of large, medium and small scale will pay Rs50,000 for registration and Rs10,000 for renewal. Roadside cafes and beverage or juice corners will pay Rs5,000 for registration and Rs2,000 for renewal.

Catering units will pay Rs20,000 for registration and Rs3,000 for renewal. Oils and ghee distribution units will pay Rs10,000 for registration and Rs3,000 for renewal.

Large fast food establishments will pay Rs20,000 for registration and Rs5,000 for renewal, while small fast food establishments will pay Rs10,000 for registration and Rs5,000 for renewal.

Food warehouses and distribution units will pay Rs15,000 for registration and Rs5,000 for renewal. Bee farms will pay Rs5,000 for registration and Rs2,000 for renewal, while RO water plants will pay Rs30,000 for registration and Rs10,000 for renewal.

District food controllers have been directed to issue notices to all concerned businesses in their areas and ensure registration through district food offices within 30 days. Authorities warned that non compliance may lead to action under the Gilgit-Baltistan Food Act, 2022.

Officials said the measure aims to strengthen monitoring of food handling, processing and service sectors in Gilgit – Baltistan, where tourism and small businesses play a significant role in the local economy. Businesses have been advised to contact their respective district food offices for registration details.