Required Report - public distribution

**Date:** 9/11/2004

**GAIN Report Number:** MU4001

MU4001

**Oman**

**Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards**

**Updated FAIRS Report - 2004**

**2004**

**Approved by:**

![](media/image1.wmf)ATO: Michael Henney

U.S. Consulate General

**Prepared by:**

ATO: Mohamed Taha

**Report Highlights:**

This is an updated version of the Oman FAIRS report (OM2011). This
report provides extensive and detailed information on Oman's import and
other regulatory requirements.

Includes PSD Changes: No

Includes Trade Matrix: No

Annual Report

Dubai \[TC1\]

\[MU\]

Table of Contents

[**Executive Summary 3**](#__RefHeading___Toc82683308)

[1. General Food Laws 4](#__RefHeading___Toc82683309)

[2. LABELING REQUIREMENTS 4](#__RefHeading___Toc82683310)

[Language On Labels 5](#language-on-labels)

[Product Dating 5](#product-dating)

[3. FOOD ADDITIVES 6](#__RefHeading___Toc82683313)

[4. PESTICIDES AND OTHER CONTAMINANTS 6](#__RefHeading___Toc82683314)

[5. OTHER REGULATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS 6](#__RefHeading___Toc82683315)

[6. OTHER STANDARDS 7](#__RefHeading___Toc82683316)

[7. COPYRIGHT/TRADE MARK LAWS 7](#__RefHeading___Toc82683317)

[8. IMPORT PROCEDURES 7](#__RefHeading___Toc82683318)

[A. Natural Food Colors 9](#a.-natural-food-colors)

[B. Artificial Food Colors 10](#b.-artificial-food-colors)

[C. Coloring Matters Allowed for Use in Selected Foods
10](#c.-coloring-matters-allowed-for-use-in-selected-foods)

[D. Recently Prohibited Colors 11](#d.-recently-prohibited-colors)

#  

# Executive Summary

SULTANATE OF OMAN: FOOD IMPORT REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS

Last Updated: September 10, 2004

DISCLAIMER: This report has been prepared by the Agricultural Trade
Office of the USDA/Foreign Agricultural Service in Dubai, UAE, for U.S.
exporters of domestic food and agricultural products. While every
possible care has been taken in the preparation of this report, the
information provided may be dated, as some import requirements are
subject to frequent change. It is highly recommended that U.S. exporters
ensure that all necessary customs clearance requirements have been
verified with local authorities through your Omani importer before the
sale conditions are finalized.

FINAL IMPORT APPROVAL OF ANY PRODUCT IS ALWAYS SUBJECT TO THE RULES AND
REGULATIONS AS INTERPRETED BY THE COUNTRY OF IMPORT AT THE TIME OF
PRODUCT ENTRY.

U.S. food products are rarely rejected due to the unauthorized use of an
additive.

A. General

The Sultanate of Oman is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
that also includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and
Saudi Arabia. The GCC member states have unified several food standards,
and are working to harmonize all remaining food import standards. The
GCC states have agreed to base their regulations and standards on
directives, rules and regulations issued by the FAO's Codex Alimentary
in order to remain in line with international practices. This includes
matters related to biotechnology, novel foods, food coloring agents and
other food additives.

The GCC took a major step towards regulatory harmonization with issuance
of Gulf Standard (GS) 9/1995, which revised previous label regulations
for prepackaged food products, and GS 150/1993, Part I, which
established shelf‑life standards for a number of food items. Oman
adopted GS 9/1995 as Omani Standard (OS) 58/1995 and GS 150/1993, Part
I, as OS 246/1993. In its accession WTO agreement, Oman accepted the
manufacturer recommended shelf life duration for products identified in
OS 246/1993.

On June 26, 2000, the Omani Minister of Commerce issued Ministerial
Decree No. 74/2000 which relates to food labeling and safety. This
decree, said to complement OS 58/1995, contains the following main
components:

Article (1): Labeling information on food and food products shall be in
accordance with the Codex General Standard for the labeling of
prepackaged foods (Codex Stan.1) and all information shall be written in
Arabic and any other language beside Arabic.

Article (2): Food products shall not contain alcohol, pork, lard or
their derivatives.

Article (3): Definitions and limits of food additives, contaminants,
residue of pesticides and residue of veterinary drugs in food and food
products shall be in accordance with Codex Alimentary standards.

Article (4): Whatever contradicts this decree shall be canceled.

Such wording created slight confusion over Oman's commitment to the GCC
on one hand, and its commitment to the WTO on the other. An Omani high
level official acknowledged that the country understands that by
attempting to follow CODEX regulations simultaneously with GCC standards
could cause slight confusion among third parties. However, the official
noted Oman is hopeful that time will lead other GCC member states to
voluntarily come into compliance with its WTO commitments. Towards that
end, all GCC member states have agreed to adopt CODEX regulations
governing the use of food coloring agents and other food additives.

The Directorate for Specifications and Measurements, Ministry of
Commerce and Industry (MOCAI), is responsible for formulating food
safety regulations and standards. Regulations become law by official
decree issued by the Minister of Commerce and Industry. Usually, a grace
period of up to six months is granted prior to enforcement of new
regulations.

Since December 2003, Oman has banned import of all U.S. beef and
beef-based products including pet food containing meat and meat
by-products from the U.S.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc82683309 .anchor}1. General Food Laws

Regulatory enforcement on food products is divided between the Ministry
of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF), the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the
various municipalities within the Sultanate of Oman. The MAF is
responsible for inspecting live animals and plants, red meat, poultry
meat, agricultural materials, timber and grains and other unprocessed
agricultural products at all points of entry into the country. The
Health Quarantine Department, the MOH, is responsible for inspecting all
imported semi‑ and fully‑processed food products, including sugar.
Although some municipality officials are based at the country's ports of
entry, their role in inspection of imported foods is very marginal.
Their main responsibility is to inspect food products that are available
on the local market.

Products shipped in bulk must meet Omani labeling requirements and must
be accompanied by small, easy‑to‑handle samples for possible laboratory
testing. For example, edible oils imported in bulk are required to be
accompanied by a small (one liter) sample of the product. The sample
container must contain a label that meets all Omani labeling
requirements.

Compliance disputes are reviewed by a committee comprised of
representatives from the MAF, the Standard and Measurements Directorate
of the MOCAI, the MOH, the chamber of commerce and appropriate
municipality bureaus. Trade contacts report that consignments rejected
for minor labeling and other infractions may be granted a one‑time
waiver, provided the product is found to be safe for human consumption.

## 

To facilitate entry, U.S. suppliers are encouraged to work closely with
their local importer agent to obtain pre‑export approval for labels,
particularly for new‑to‑market products, and to ensure that their
products meet all local food import regulations.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc82683310 .anchor}2. Labeling Requirements

OS 58/1995 and Oman Ministerial Decree No.74/2000 define Oman's labeling
requirements. Labels must be in Arabic or can be bilingual, if one
language is Arabic. Required information must appear on the original
label or primary packaging. The required information includes:

‑ Product and brand names

‑ Country of origin

‑ Ingredients, in descending order of proportion

‑ Additives, contaminants, any residues of pesticide or veterinary drugs

‑ Origin of animal fat (e.g., beef tallow), if applicable

‑ Net content in metric units (volume in case of liquids)

‑ Production and expiry dates

‑ Name and address of manufacturer, packer, distributor, exporter,
importer or vendor

‑ Nutritional information for foods for special dietary uses

‑ Special storage, transportation and preparation instructions, if any.

Products shipped in bulk must meet Omani labeling requirements and must
be accompanied by small, easy‑to‑handle samples for possible laboratory
verification. For example, edible oils imported in bulk are required to
be accompanied by a small (one liter) sample of the product. The sample
container must contain a label that meets all labeling requirements.

# Language On Labels

## 

Bilingual labels are permitted, provided one of the languages is Arabic
(e.g. Arabic/English). Arabic language stickers are permitted in lieu of
the original Arabic or bilingual label provided the sticker:

‑ Complies with all labeling requirements and is applied by the
manufacturer;

‑ Does not conceal required information on the original label;

‑ Does not contradict information on the original label;

‑ Is extremely difficult to remove.

If a consignment arrives without an Arabic label, the Ministry of
Commerce may waive this requirement on a one-time basis or it may
request the importer to add Arabic stickers to the products before
releasing the products. Unofficially, small consignments appear to be
exempt from the Arabic language requirement but confirm with your import
agent before shipping.

# Product Dating

Dates must be engraved, embossed, printed or stamped directly onto the
original label or primary packaging at the time of production, using
indelible ink. Stickers with date stamps imprinted are not accepted.
While technically these dates must be printed in Arabic, dates printed
in English or English/Arabic are accepted. If printed in multiple
languages, the dates must be the same. Any discrepancy in dates will
lead to rejection of the product/shipment.

Bar coding is not permitted in lieu of P/E dates. Dates must be printed
in the following order, as determined by the shelf‑life of the product,
in either digit or text format:

‑ Day/month/year for products with a shelf‑life of 6 months or less;

‑ Month/year for products with a shelf‑life longer than 6 months.

As noted previously, OS 246/1993 is a voluntary, not mandated, guide for
determining the shelf life of a product for the Oman market. Because
products could be shipped from Oman to regional markets most Omani
traders will request products comply with OS 246/1993.

Specialty food product labels, for items such as diet, health and infant
foods, must contain detailed ingredient information (vitamins, minerals,
supplements, additives including food colorings, preservatives, etc.),
nutritive value per 100 grams, health warnings if any, and instructions
for proper use and storage. The U.S. nutritional panel is permitted.
Baby foods must be inspected and approved by the Medicine Control
Section, Ministry of Health. U.S. suppliers should verify with the
import agent if an import permit is required for the particular
specialty food shipment.

OS 58/1995 requires production and expiry (P/E) dates on products. In
2000, Oman relaxed this requirement under its WTO accession agreement.
Currently only perishable products, such as eggs and dairy products are
required to bear dates of production and expiry. Shelf-stable products,
such as packaged food, may only carry expiry dates. The U.S. supplier
should be advised that if the product would be destined for another Gulf
state, that State may require the P/E dates on the original package as
stickers containing such information would not be accepted by some of
the GCC states.

Bulk or institutional‑sized containers must comply with labeling
requirements. P/E dates are not required for certain products, including
fresh fruits and vegetables and fresh bakery items, as indicated by OS
246/1993. Importers will often request production date information be
included on the product though. Expiry dates are not required for
products deemed to be extremely shelf‑stable such as salt and sugar.
Products arriving clearly marked as samples not intended for sale, are
exempt from label regulations.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc82683313 .anchor}3. Food Additives

In general, Oman accepts any food or coloring additive approved by the
Codex Alimentary, even those additives that are not listed in GS
23/1998. Under GS 23/198, the common name and index number of color
additives contained in a product must be noted on the label. European
\"E\" numbers are permitted. (See Appendix A for a list of approved
color additives).

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc82683314 .anchor}4. Pesticides And Other
Contaminants

Oman Standard OS 482/1994 correlates to GS 382/1994 for \"Maximum Limits
of Pesticide Residues in Agricultural and Food Products - Part I\" while
OS 483/1994 correlates to GS 383/1994 for \"Maximum Limits of Pesticide
Residues in Agricultural and Food Products - Part II\". Codex Alimentary
standards are used as guidelines. The Ministry of Agriculture and
Fisheries monitors for residues.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc82683315 .anchor}5. Other Regulations And
Requirements

All food consignments must be accompanied by:

1\) Health certificate issued by the appropriate government agency in
the country of origin that attests to the product\'s fitness for human
consumption.

2\) Halal slaughter certificate issued by an approved Islamic center in
the country of origin for all meat and poultry products.

Both an Arab Chamber of Commerce and the Oman Embassy, or one of its
consulates in the United States, must notarize these certificates. If
the latter were not present, another Arab diplomatic mission would be
acceptable.

Poultry products are randomly tested for salmonella. Omani guidelines
allow for a maximum tolerance of salmonella in 20 percent of the samples
tested.

Alcoholic beverages are restricted to 6 imported-licensed companies.
Non‑alcoholic beer requires an import license issued from the MOCAI and
mandatory testing at Point-of-entry.

Pork and pork product can be imported, but are subject to 100 percent
duty. Pork and Pork products must be retailed in a separate section of
the retail outlet that is headed with a sign \"Pork products, not for
Muslims\".

No special packaging or container size requirement exists for food
products. Radiation and dioxin-free certificates are no longer required
for imported foods of European and Asian origin. Oman does not have any
regulation governing the importation of irradiated food products, but
such products tend to encounter problems at Custom entry points.

Municipality food inspectors randomly check food products in the market
regardless of origin. In addition to a visual label inspection, a sample
is analyzed to verify the accuracy of the label versus actual product
ingredients. If a discrepancy is found, the product is removed from the
market and destroyed at the supplier\'s expense.

If the infraction is severe, i.e., the label does not identify a pork
ingredient or it has been intentionally altered or falsified, the
product may be banned from the market for a specified period of time,
usually six to twelve months.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc82683316 .anchor}6. Other Standards

No special requirements exist for import of food samples. Samples
destined for food shows and other types of promotional events are exempt
from local label and shelf‑life regulations. A health certificate, as
well as an invoice stating that the product is not for sale and has no
commercial value, however, must accompany such shipments.

Except for labeling requirements, there are no special regulations
governing import of specialty products, such as infant, diet or health
foods.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc82683317 .anchor}7. Copyright/Trade Mark Laws

Oman Ministerial Decree No. 38/2000 gave legal recognition of
international copyright laws and legal protection on trademarks. The
Ministry of Commerce is responsible for brand registration, which
usually can be completed in a short time.

In 1996, an agency decree was issued that permitted the importation of
food products by importers other than the registered agent. Oman permits
parallel imports.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc82683318 .anchor}8. Import Procedures

The Port of Sultan Qaboos in Muscat is Oman's main port. In recent
years, the port has expanded and upgraded its infra-structure,
particularly the container terminal, significantly. Port inspection
services (foods and customs) improved as well with the average time
required now to clear food consignments at 1-2 hours.

Recently, the Port of Salalah underwent a major expansion and
development program. This port facilitates Oman's trade to Yemen and
other East African countries. The Port of Sohar, the country's third
largest port, is expected to undergo a face lift in the near future as
well.

Import documentation required for food items include:

‑ Commercial invoice

‑ Packing list

\- Bill of Lading

‑ Health certificate

‑ Halal slaughter certificate (for meat and poultry products only)

‑ Certificate of Origin

\- Import permit from the respective Ministry

The Arab Chamber of Commerce and Oman Embassy or Consulate must notarize
halal and health certificates.

The MAF requires prior written approval before import of agricultural
products under its jurisdiction - live animals and plants, red meat,
poultry meat, agricultural materials, timber, grains and other
unprocessed agricultural products.

No appeal process exists for food products rejected as unfit for human
consumption. Rejected consignments must be destroyed or re‑exported.

Products rejected for minor labeling infractions may be allowed entry
upon appeal. New‑to‑market and ethnic food products are normally allowed
entry on a one‑time basis, despite minor labeling infractions.

P/E date related infractions (i.e., missing production and expiry dates,
dates printed in the wrong order and dates printed on stickers rather
than original labels) normally result in rejection of the product.
Products arriving without date of production might be permitted provided
date of expiry is mentioned. Disputed products may be stored at the port
of entry or under bond outside the port until a final resolution is
announced.

Arabic label is required. However, the Ministry of Commerce will allow
the importer to add Arabic stickers to the label to permit the sale of
the product.

Basic commodities, such as rice, sugar, wheat, wheat flour, corn,
barley, fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh and chilled meat and poultry,
bulk edible oils, powdered milk, seedlings and planting seeds, are
exempt from import duties.

Processed or value added food products are subject to a five percent
import duty, ad valorem CIF basis. Pork and pork products, alcoholic
beverages and dried lemons are assessed a 100 percent import duty.
Bananas and edible oils in retail pack are levied a 25 percent
protective tariff while dates are assessed a 20 percent tariff.
GCC‑origin products are exempt from all import duties.

B. APPENDICES

APPENDIX A. LIST OF PERMITTED FOOD COLORS

\- PRODUCTS APPROVED BY CODEX AND ARE NOT LIST BELOW WILL BE ACCEPTED IN
OMAN.

# A. Natural Food Colors

####### Color/Description International Number Other Names

[Red to Yellow Colors]{.underline}

Carmine 120 Cochineal, Carminic Acid

Annato extracts 160B Bixin, Norbixin

Beta Carotene 160A Carotene blend

Lycobine 160D

Beta‑Apo‑8‑carotenal 160E

Beta‑Apo‑8‑carotenoid acid 160F

Lutein 161B

Carrot oil None

Beet root red 162 Betanine

[Red to Purple Shade]{.underline}

Anthocyanins 163

Grape skin extract 163

Blackcurrant extract 163 Enocianina

Beet powder None

Paprika None

Paprika oleoresin 160C

[Orange and Yellow Colors]{.underline}

Saffron None Natural yellow 6

Turmeric powder 100

Curcumin 100

Turmeric oleoresin None

Riboflavin 101

Riboflavin-5-Sodium Phosphate 101

Enter stocks subcategory text here

[Green Colors]{.underline}

Chlorophylls 140 Chlorophyllins

Chlorophyll copper complex 141

Sodium and potassium salts of 141

chlorophyll copper complex

[Brown Colors]{.underline}

Plain caramel 150A

Caustic sulfite caramel 150B

Ammonia caramel 150C

Ammonia sulfite caramel 150D

[Black Color]{.underline}

Activated vegetable carbon 153

[Inorganic Colors]{.underline}

Titanium dioxide 171 Food white 6

Iron oxides 172

# B. Artificial Food Colors

[Red Colors]{.underline}

Azorubine 122 Carmosine, Food red 3

Allura Red 17 129 Food red 40

[Yellow Colors]{.underline}

Sunset yellow FCF 110 Food yellow 3, Food orange S, Yellow 6 for food,
drugs and cosmetics

Tartrazine 102 Food yellow 4, Yellow 5 for food, drugs and cosmetics

[Brown Color]{.underline}

Chocolate brown HT 155 Food brown 3

[Green Color]{.underline}

Fast green FCF 143 Food green 3, Green 3 for food, drugs and cosmetics

[Blue Colors]{.underline}

Indigotin 132 Carmine indigo, Blue 2 for

food, drugs and cosmetics , Food blue 1

Brilliant blue FCF 133 Food blue 2, Blue 1 for food, drugs and cosmetics

[Black Color]{.underline}

Brilliant black BN 151 Food black 1, Black PN

# C. Coloring Matters Allowed for Use in Selected Foods

  ------------------- ---------------- ------------------- ----------------
  International#      Color            Food                Maximum Limit

  127                 Erythrosine      Cherry & Products   None

  128                 Red 2 G          Sausages            20 ppm

  161G                Canthaxanthin    Cooked Sausages     30 ppm

                                       Frozen Foods        100 ppm

  173                 Aluminum         External Cover for  According to
                                       Cake and Pasta      Good Production
                                                           Practice

  174                 Silver           External Cover for  According to
                                       Sweets              Good Production
                                                           Practice

  175                 Gold             External Cover for  According to
                                       Sweets              Good Production
                                                           Practice

  180                 Lithotrubine     Cheese Covering     According to
                                                           Good Production
                                                           Practice

  None                Orange B         Sausage and         150 ppm
                                       Frankfurters        
                                       Covering            

  None                Citrus Red 2     Orange Peel         2 ppm
  ------------------- ---------------- ------------------- ----------------

Parts per million = ppm

# D. Recently Prohibited Colors

  -------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------------
  International \#     Color                  Remarks

  104                  Quinolin yellow        Prohibited in all food
                                              products

  124                  Ponceau 4R             Prohibited in all food
                                              products
  -------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------------

APPENDIX B. REGULATORY AGENCIES/USEFUL CONTACTS

Directorate General for Specifications and Measurements

Ministry of Commerce & Industry

P.O. Box 550, Postal Code 113

Muscat, Oman

Phone: 986/771-3238 Fax: 968/771-5992

Mr. Sulaiman H. Al Yahmadi, Director

Health Quarantine

Ministry of Health

P.O. Box 393

Postal Code 113 ‑ Muscat, Oman

Phone: 968/714‑233 Fax: 968/602‑161

Dr. Rashed Bin Mohamed, Director

Quarantine Division

Animal Wealth Department

Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries

P.O. Box 467

Postal Code 113 ‑ Muscat, Oman

Phone: 968/696‑300 Fax: 968/696‑271

Mr. Saleh Al Zadgali, Director of Specifications

Directorate General for Specifications and Measurements

Ministry of Commerce & Industry

P.O. Box 550

Postal Code 113 ‑ Muscat, Oman