Starting in May 2025, the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition in Kuwait will implement a new fee structure for its services. This initiative comes in response to Cabinet Resolution No. 956 of 2021, which addresses the depletion of liquidity in the general reserve and works towards solving the state’s budget deficit.

Key Aspects of the New Fee Structure

As reported by Al-Seyassah daily, the authority has begun discussions with relevant government departments, including the Licensing Department, to finalize the regulation. The new fee structure will cover 82 services provided by the authority, with fees ranging from 250 fils to 500 dinars.

Departments Affected by the New Fee Structure

The new fee regulation will impact the following five key departments within the General Authority for Food:

1. Imported Foods
2. Inspection in the Governorates
3. Inspection in Slaughterhouses
4. Specifications and Standards
5. Special Food Control
6. Administrative Affairs

These departments cover a wide array of services, including food inspections, accreditation, and the destruction or re-export of imported food.

Breakdown of Fees for Specific Services

Destruction of Imported Food

• 50 dinars for the first 100 kilograms.
• 100 dinars for up to one ton (additional 50 dinars per ton).
• A 20 dinar fee will be charged for each day of delay beyond 30 days after the notification of destruction.

Re-exporting Imported Food

• 50 dinars per transaction.

Accrediting a Representative

• 20 dinars per representative per year for companies, institutions, and clearance offices.

Accrediting a Clearance Office Authorization

• 20 dinars per authorization for a single company per year.

Renewing a Computer Number or Importer’s File Number

• 15 dinars.

Importing Food Items for Non-Commercial Purposes

• 1 dinar per person and 20 dinars per company per request.

Impact of the New Fees on Businesses and Consumers

The new fee structure is expected to impact both businesses and consumers in various ways. The introduction of fees for services related to food inspection, accreditation, and food destruction may lead to adjustments in operating costs for companies involved in food imports and distribution.