Practical Guide  | Export Procedure
  See also
     Saudi Arabia      Bahrain      Egypt
     United Arab Emirates      Kuwait      Oman
     Qatar      Jordan      Lebanon
     Syria      Yemen        
  Oman Import Regulations
1. Local representation / agents and distributors agency legislation
2. Standards and technical regulations
3. Labelling and packaging regulations
4. Documentation
5. Import controls
6. Export Controls
7. Customs duties
  1. Local representation / agents and distributors agency legislation
  An import agent/distributor usually has sole distribution rights for the whole country, is able to provide coverage for the entire Omani market.
 

An agent should be able to obtain new business, to get things done, to inform you of the latest changes in regulations, to have a knowledge of procedures, to obtain document tenders.
  2. Standards and technical regulations
  Local companies normally adhere to European standards.
  All imported foodstuffs must have the date of manufacture and date of expiry clearly shown on the labels.
  Imported beef and poultry products require a health certificate from the UE and a halal certificate issued by an approved Islamic centre in the manufacturer country.
  3. Labelling and packaging regulations
  Labelling in Arabic is required on all consumer products.
  Labels need to provide information that includes placement of identification data, identification of the manufacturer, product information, and standard quality disclosures, the country of origin.
  Many food products may also have to comply with hygiene and ingredients regulations.
  4. Documentation
  Most European imports into Oman (except those of low pecuniary value) require a commercial invoice and an Arab Chamber of Commerce Certificate of Origin. The commercial invoice must be a supplier's invoice and may not originate from agents or representatives or importers. It should be a supplier's certified statement of origin.

The commercial invoice and certificate of origin must be legalised by the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman.
  5. Import controls
  Imports must be accompanied by a certificate of origin and a commercial invoice, which must be certified by an Omani Consulate or representative abroad.

Commercial samples and Temporary Imports
Oman has no provisions for the temporary entry of goods. Therefore samples brought into the country are liable to duty.

Bona fide unsaleable commercial samples, in reasonable quantities, may be sent by post or as airfreight and no duty is charged. Such samples should have a declaration that they are samples.

With the exception of a few items, import duties in Oman are levied at a rate of 5%-15%. For samples of high value, e.g. jewellery, the value of the bank guarantee necessary is calculated on the basis of the appropriate duty. Arrangements should be made for a bank in Oman to issue a guarantee in Rials Omani, which should be given, with an itemised list (in duplicate) of the samples, to the customs officer on arrival. On departure, the items will be checked against a copy of the list and customs duty must then be paid on the items not re-exported. The bank guarantee, less 1% in the case of jewellery, will then be given back to the returning visitor.
  6. Export Controls
  The Europeans Government maintains export controls to prevent the export of goods, including technology, for a variety of reasons including:
  • the collective security of the UE and its allies in NATO

  • national security and foreign policy requirements

  • international legal obligations and commitments

  • non-proliferation policy

  • concerns about terrorism

  • internal repression

  • other human rights violations
If goods or technologies are subject to your state export controls, a licence is required to gain the legal authority to export them.
  7. Customs duties
  Customs duties of 5% of cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value for most goods are charged.
  With a few exceptions, goods produced in other GCC countries enter duty free if accompanied by certificates of origin.
  Certain essential consumer goods and other items are exempted from customs duty.
Examples : currency, gold and silver bullion, seeds, fertilisers, live plants, agricultural implements and insecticides, books, refined petroleum products, tea and various foodstuffs.
  Special duties apply to :
  • alcoholic beverages, tobacco and pork products (up to 100%).

  • The government imposes duties of 10%-50% on some items in order to protect nascent domestic industries.