International Standards

As part of the GCC Customs Union, Oman is working toward unifying its standards and conformity assessment systems with those of the GCC, through the Gulf Standards Organization (GSO). Most Omani standards are either GSO standards or those derived from another international standards organization. Oman is party to the Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement and is a member of the WTO. 

IMPORT REQUIREMENTS AND DOCUMENTATION

Every importer or exporter has to prepare a wide range of documents before importing or exporting different kinds of products. These documents are the following: 

- An accredited copy of commercial registration and an activity form or permission for importing if such a form does not exist;

- A valid copy of the affiliation certificate to Oman Chamber of Industry and Commerce (OCIC);

- A valid certificate from the manufacturer;

- A valid quotation list;

- Packing lists;

- Bill of lading at sea and air custom offices only;

- A manifest of the shipment (a document which contains a detailed description of the cargo);

- A permission of deliverance from the shipping agent;

- A comprehensive valid written authorization from the person in charge for custom clearance;

- Filling in the import statement and the form of clearing and classifying the goods according to the operating system along with other required documents which should be submitted To Whom It May Concern;

- In case there is an absence of a valid purchase invoice or a valid certificate from the manufacturer, the clearance will cost R.O 20 paid in cash. This money could be reimbursed if the required documents are submitted within 90 days from the date of payment;

- Providing an approval from the authority in charge for the restricted goods only;

- Paying the required taxes and custom fees for the total value of the shipment including cargo and insurance (CIF).

All imports into Oman above RO 1,000 must be accompanied by: an accredited copy of commercial registration; a copy of the affiliation certificate to the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI); a commercial invoice, a bill of lading or airway bill; the relevant certificate or permit for restricted imports (section 3.2.6); and a certificate of origin for preferential imports. 

LABELING AND MARKING REQUIREMENTS

GCC labeling standards of imported goods is a key issue facing international exporters. Food labels must include product and brand names, production and expiration dates, country of origin, name and address of the manufacturer, net weight in metric units, and a list of ingredients in descending order of importance. All fats and oils (including gelatins) used as ingredients must be specifically identified on the label. Labels must be in Arabic only or Arabic/English, although some English-only labels may be approved for exceptional marketing purposes. 

Oman enforces GCC Shelf Standards GS 150/1993, Part I, which affects 44 food products. The manufacturer-established shelf life is accepted for other food products. The manufacturer must print production and expiry dates on the original label or container; dates cannot be added to the package via a sticker. Many international firms consider Omani shelf-life limits more restrictive than scientifically necessary. The international suppliers should work closely with the importer to ensure compliance with local shelf-life requirements.

PRODUCT CERTIFICATION

A product certificate is required to assure the product’s conformity to international or Omani/GCC standards. Non-food products are allowed automatic entry to Oman on the basis of a Manufacturer's Declaration of Conformity Assessment Certificate, supported by a test report verified by the DGSM; in parallel, some samples are collected unless a mutual recognition agreement is in place. Imported products that are not covered by certificates are released temporarily and their samples tested. 

PUBLIC HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Imports of plants and plant products require the prior approval of the Oman Agricultural Quarantine.

Live plants may not be imported in natural soil, including sand. Peat moss or a synthetic medium is acceptable.

Foodstuffs are usually subject to inspection by the Oman Customs authorities.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Petroleum and Minerals are responsible for the import of animals and animal products. Importers must provide this ministry with health certificates, issued by an approved authority in the country of origin. In Australia, this authority is usually the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources or the relevant state department of agriculture.

The importation of sheep and goats is prohibited unless prior written permission has been obtained from the Directorate - General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Petroleum and Minerals.

ACCREDITATION

Any laboratory testing certificates relating to conformity to Omani or international standards should be submitted to the Directorate General of Specifications and Measurements, which is responsible for accrediting laboratories and classifying and assessing the results obtained. 

CONTACTS

Directorate General for Specifications and Measurements (MOCI)

Mr. Sami Salim Al Sahib

Acting Directorate General for Specifications and Metrology

Tel no: 24 813 238, Fax no: 24 815 992

E-mail: sami.alsahib@moci.gov.om 

Website: http://www.moci.gov.om     

Directorate General of Customs, Royal Oman Police

Head of International Cooperation

Saif al-Mawali

Telephone: + (968) 24 521-109/24 521-108

E-mail: ropcustoms@yahoo.com ; saif.almawali@rop.gov.om 

Fax: + (968) 24 510-488

Website: http://www.rop.gov.om