Required Report - public distribution

**Date:** 7/19/2006

**GAIN Report Number:** MU6001

TC6001

**Oman**

**Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards**

**Country Report**

**2006**

**Approved by:**

![](media/image1.wmf)Michael T. Henney, U.S. Consulate General, Dubai

ATO Dubai

**Prepared by:**

ATO: Mohamed Taha

**Report Highlights:**

This is an update of Fairs Report MU5002. Sections A, and Appendices.

Includes PSD Changes: No

Includes Trade Matrix: No

Annual Report

Dubai \[TC1\]

\[TC\]

Table of Contents

[**Executive Summary 3**](#executive-summary)

[General 3](#general-updated)

[1. Food Laws Overview 4](#food-laws-overview)

[2. Labeling Requirements 4](#labeling-requirements)

[Language 5](#language)

[Product Dating 5](#product-dating)

[3. Food Additives 6](#food-additives)

[4. Pesticides and Other Contaminants
6](#pesticides-and-other-contaminants)

[5. Other Regulations and Requirements
6](#other-regulations-and-requirements)

[6. Other Standards 7](#other-standards-updated)

[7. Copyright/Trade Mark Laws 7](#copyrighttrade-mark-laws)

[8. Import Procedures 7](#import-procedures)

[APPENDICES 9](#appendices)

[Appendix A. Lists of Permitted Food Colors
9](#appendix-a.-lists-of-permitted-food-colors)

[1. Natural Food Colors ^1/^ 9](#natural-food-colors-1)

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

[3. Coloring Additives Allowed for Use in Selected Foods
10](#coloring-additives-allowed-for-use-in-selected-foods)

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

[Appendix B. Regulatory Agencies/Useful Contacts
11](#appendix-b.-regulatory-agenciesuseful-contacts)

# Executive Summary

Section(s) Updated: Sections A, 6 - Para 1, Appendices revised. Last
Updated: July 11, 2006

**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 might 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 the Omani importer before 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.

# General (Updated)

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 Standards), 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 their 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.

As a result of the U.S. -- Oman bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA),
several of the food regulations are in focus to ensure their conformity
with the country's WTO and Codex obligations.

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.

On April 30, 2005 Oman lifted its ban on U.S. beef and beef-based
products including pet food containing meat and meat by-products from
the U.S. via decree 24/2005.

As ruled by all GCC states, Oman enforces a 5 percent import duties on
most imported food products. Staples and fresh produce are mostly exempt
from the import duties.

# 

# 1. Food Laws Overview

Regulatory enforcement of 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. MAF is responsible
for inspection of live animals and plants, red meats, poultry meat,
agricultural materials, timber and grains and other unprocessed
agricultural products at all points of entry into the country. The
Health Quarantine Department, MOH, is responsible for inspection of
imported semi‑ and fully‑processed food products, including sugar.
Municipalities may post officials at the country's ports of entry, but
their role in inspection of imported foods is very marginal. The
Municipalities are primary involved in the regulation of food thru
inspection of products available on the local market.

Compliance disputes are settled 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 product entry, the U.S. supplier is encouraged to work
closely with its local importer agent to obtain pre‑clearance approval
for labels, particularly for new‑to‑market products, and to ensure that
the U.S. product complies with local food regulations.

## 

# 2. Labeling Requirements

Until a unified GCC adoption of the newly proposed 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 being Arabic. Required information must
appear on the original label or primary packaging. Required information
includes:

‑ Product and brand name

‑ 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 (P/E)

‑ 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

## 

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 add Arabic language stickers on the package before
releasing the product. Always 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 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, MOH. 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 carry expiry dates only. The U.S. supplier is
advised that if a product would be destined for a second GCC member
country, that country would require P/E dates on the original package.
No GCC member country accepts P/E information printed on a sticker in
lieu of the original package.

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.

# 3. Food Additives

In general, Oman accepts any food or coloring additive approved by the
Codex Alimentarius, even those additives that are not listed in GS
23/1998. Under GS 23/1998, 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).

# 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.

# 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 Oman Consulate
in the United States, must notarize these certificates. If the latter
are 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.

While alcoholic beverages are restricted to 8 imported-licensed
companies, only 2 companies are licensed to retail it. 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 not required for
U.S. origin foods. 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
may be analyzed to verify the accuracy of the label versus actual
product content. 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 is intentionally altered or falsified, the product may be
banned from the market for a specified period of time, usually six to
twelve months.

# 6. Other Standards (Updated)

Food samples - No special requirements exist. Samples destined for food
shows and other types of promotional events are exempt from local label
and shelf‑life regulations. Samples must be accompanied by health
certificates and invoices that state the products are not for sale and
are of no commercial value.

Infant, diet and health foods -- No special regulations govern their
import. Such products must comply with labeling regulations. Baby foods
must be registered at the Ministry of Health who will issue an import
permit for every shipment prior to Customs clearance.

# 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.

# 8. Import Procedures

The Port of Sultan Qaboos in Muscat is Oman's main port. In recent
years, the port has invested in infrastructure expansion and
modernization, particularly at the container terminal. Port inspection
services (foods and customs) are improving with the average time
required now to clear food consignments at 1-2 hours.

The Port of Salalah is undergoing 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
the health and Halal certificates.

The MAF issues import permits for 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 language labeling is required. However, the Ministry of Commerce
will allow the importer to add Arabic language 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.

# APPENDICES

## Appendix A. Lists of Permitted Food Colors

### 1. Natural Food Colors ^1/^

####### 

  ------------------------------ ------------------ ---------------------
  **Color/ Description**         **International    **Other Names**
                                 No.**              

  **Red to Yellow Shade**                           

  Carmine                        120                Cochineal, Carminic
                                                    Acid

  Annato extracts                160A               Bixin, Norbixin

  Beta Carotene                  160B               Carotene blend

  Lycobine                       160D               

  Beta‑Apo‑8‑carotenal           160E               

  Beta‑Apo‑8‑carotenoid acid     160F               

  Lutein                         161B               

  Carrot oil                     None               

  Beet root red                  162                Beta nine

  **Red to Purple Shade**                           

  Anthocyanins                   163                

  Grape skin extract             163                

  Blackcurrant extract           163                Enocianina

  Beet powder                    None               

  Paprika                        None               

  Paprika oleoresin              160C               

  **Orange and Yellow**                             

  Saffron                        None               Natural yellow 6

  Turmeric powder                100                

  Curcumim                       100                

  Turmeric oleoresin             None               

  Riboflavin                     101                

  Riboflavin-5-Sodium Phosphate  101                

  **Green**                                         

  Chlorophylls                   140                Chlorophyllins

  Chlorophyll copper complex     141                

  Sodium and potassium salts of  141                
  chlorophyll copper complex                        

  **Brown**                                         

  Plain caramel                  150A               

  Caustic sulfite caramel        150C               

  Ammonia caramel                150C               

  Ammonia sulfite caramel        150D               

  **Black**                                         

  Activated vegetable carbon     153                

  Inorganic Colors                                  

  Titanium dioxide               171                Food white 6

  Iron oxides                    172                
  ------------------------------ ------------------ ---------------------

##  

### 2. Artificial Food Colors

  -------------------- ------------------- -------------------------------
  **Color/             **International     **Other Names**
  Description**        No.**               

  **Red**                                  

  Azorubine            122                 Carmosine, Food red 3

  Allura Red 17        129                 Food red 40

  **Yellow**                               

  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**                                

  Chocolate brown HT   155                 Food brown 3

  **Green**                                

  Fast green FCF                           

  **Blue**             143                 Food green 3, Green 3 for food,
                                           drugs and cosmetics

  Indigo tin           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**                                

  Brilliant black BN   151                 Food black 1, Black PN
  -------------------- ------------------- -------------------------------

### 3. Coloring Additives Allowed for Use in Selected Foods

  ----------------- --------------- ------------------ ---------------------
  **International   **Color**       **Food**           **Maximum Limit**
  No.**                                                

  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 Good
                                    Cake and Pasta     Production Practice

  174               Silver          External Cover for According to Good
                                    Sweets             Production Practice

  175               Gold            External Cover for According to Good
                                    Sweets             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

### 4. Recently Prohibited Colors

  -------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------------
  **International      **Color**              **Remarks**
  No.**                                       

  104                  Quinolin yellow        Prohibited in all food
                                              products

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

1/ Note: Oman will recognize a non-listed color or color additive if
approved under Codex or other International Standard.

## Appendix B. Regulatory Agencies/Useful Contacts

Mrs. Aida Riyami, Director General

Directorate of Specifications and Measurements

Ministry of Commerce & Industry

P.O. Box 550, Postal Code 113

Muscat, Oman

Phone: (968) 24 813-238; Fax: (968) 24 815- 992

**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

Phone: (968) 24 813-238; Fax: (968) 24 815- 992

**Mr. Sulaiman H. Al Yahmadi, Director**

Health Quarantine

Ministry of Health

P.O. Box 393

Postal Code 113 ‑ Muscat, Oman

Phone: (968) 24 714‑233; Fax: (968) 24 602‑161

**Dr. Rashed Bin Mohamed, Director**

Veterinary Division

Animal Wealth Department

Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries

P.O. Box 467

Postal Code 113 ‑ Muscat, Oman

Phone: (968) 24 696‑300; Fax: (968) 24 696‑271