Customs Information

Oman - All

 DOCUMENTS REQUIREDOman

  • Passport (original and two clear copies) including the page where Oman Visa is stamped
  • Visa/Residence Permit (two clear copies)
  • Work Permit
  • Inventory in English (fully detailed and two clear copies) Customs does not accept "PBO" entries
  • Letter authorizing Destination Agent to clear shipment
  • Insurance Certificate
  • Original bill of lading (OBL) / telex release / air waybill (AWB)
  • Oman residence visa stamp (on the passport)

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

  • CUSTOMER MUST BE PRESENT FOR CUSTOMS CLEARANCE AND HE/SHE HOLDS A VALID OMAN VISA
  • Used household goods are duty-free if owned for a minimum of 6 months; Customs allows multiple entries regardless of air, sea road shipments.
    • New items are subject to a 5% customs duty.
  • The approximate time frames for Customs clearance are as follows:
  • Sea; full container loads (FCL)              5 – 7 business days
  • Sea; less-than-container loads (LCL)     7 – 9 business days
  • Air shipments                                       2 – 3 business days
  • The approximate time frames for customs clearance during Ramadan are as follows:
  • Sea; full container loads  (FCL)             8 – 9 business days
  • Sea; less than container loads  (LCL)    9 – 10 business days
  • Air shipments                                       3 – 4 working days
  • Do not include alcohol in the shipment.
  • 100% inspection on all shipments
  • Visa/residence permit is required for custom clearance
  • Personal effects are subject to be open for inspection by custom authorities
  • Normal customs clearance takes 3-4 working days [Thursdays and Fridays Customs will remain closed]
  • Customs and port authorities will allow 5 days of free storage for full container load shipments, 15 days for less than container loads shipments and 5 days for shipments arriving by air
  • Books, literature, audio/video cassettes, records, CD's etc. are all detained by customs for screening and will be released to consignee only after approval by the Ministry of Information
  • All prohibited articles detained by customs may be destroyed without the consignee's consent
  • All wood crates must be heat treated with clear visible ISPM marking.
  • Oman has now introduced an e-service called Bayan.
    • All owners of the goods need to register their names in Customs and get a unique ID that will be used by the clearance company to college DO and clear the effects.
    • Destination agents can provide elaborate details. 

MOTOR VEHICLES

  • While importing a new or used motor vehicle, motorcycle, trailer, the owner of the goods must ensure the vehicle meets local standards, be left-hand drive, and not older than 7 years.
  • All vehicles are subject to a minimum 5% customs duty.
  • The owner of the goods must obtain insurance at least 24 hours prior to vehicle arrival in Muscat.
    • These documents will be filed with Customs by the destination agent.
  • The owner of the goods’ agent must apply for permission from Ministry of Commerce for the import of the vehicle; once obtained, the owner of the goods must to obtain insurance at least 24 hours prior to vehicle arrival in Muscat.
    • These documents along with an authorization letter and a no objection certificate (NOC) from the employer must be filed with Customs.
  • Once clearance is complete, Customs will issue a green form the owner of the goods will need to submit it with the Royal Oman Police for the registration of the vehicle.
  • Destination agents generally will not be involved with the vehicle’s registration process but can assist if needed at a fee.
  • The writer’s office will not be involved with the vehicle’s registration process.
  • For imports from a GCC country, vehicles are allowed duty-free entry if the vehicle is registered in the country of origin and is not older than 2 years prior to import.
    • A statistical report from Customs from the country of origin must show that duty has been paid on a previous shipment.
    • The original statistical report must be filed with Customs in Oman..
  • Permission is not required by the Ministry of Commerce for vehicle imports from GCC countries. 

Documents required:

  • Proof of ownership.(vehicle registration papers, purchase receipt, etc.)
  • Passport copy of consignee
  • Import License
  • Original bill of lading
  • Certificate of Registration copy from the origin country
  • Authorization letter from consignee to clear the car on his/her behalf.
  • Valid insurance policy, invoice, local dealer's No Objection Certificate, and Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry Permit (only left hand drive vehicles are allowed)
  • Statistical report, if applicable

PETS

  • Import Permit is online must be submitted with a copy of the pets rabies vaccination record and health certificate and obtained from Ministry of Agriculture before shipping
  • Vaccination against rabies is required no less than one month and no more than six months before the travel date.
  • Cats and dogs quarantined for up to 180 days, depending on country of origin
  • Health and Vaccination Certificates issued by the health authorities in the country of origin
  • Authorization letter from consignee to clear the pets on his/her behalf

Documents Required

  • Vaccination record
  • Veterinary health certificate
  • Import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Department of Animal Health

DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS

  • All household goods or personal effects less than a year old are dutiable
  • DVDs, videos and CDs are subject to release after censorship clearance from the Ministry of Heritage and Culture; it takes approximately 3-4 weeks for the release and additional charges may apply. 
  • CUSTOMERS THAT ARE HAVING PROBLEMS CLEARING THE RESTRICTED ITEMS SHOWN BELOW THROUGH CUSTOMS, AND SIGNIFICANT LOSS AND DAMAGE HAVE BEEN REPORTED.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

  • Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products
  • Pornographic literature, videos, magazines, films and pictures (including simple nudity of all kinds)
  • Nude pictures or paintings
  • Wireless and communication equipment, including walkie-talkie systems and remote cordless telephones
  • Political and religious literature need prior approval from the Ministry of Information
  • Political or religious literature or statues that might be deemed offensive to the Omani government or the Islamic faith
  • Drugs (medicine or prescription drugs are allowed in reasonable quantities and are subject to inspection / analysis)
  • Objects made of ivory or any endangered species
  • Explosives, firearms, ammunition, knives, swords, daggers, spears, etc. (even toy guns and decorative items of this nature are subject to confiscation)
  • *ALL MATTER, BOOKS, PICTURES, RECORDS, FILMS, TAPES, SLIDES,MOVIES, VIDEOS, COMPACT DISCS, COMPUTER SOFTWARE, ETC. SUBJECT TO CENSORSHIP AND CONFISCATION (MUST BE PACKED SEPARATELY FOR EASY ACCESS) A PROCESS WHICH CAN TAKE UP TO 3 WEEKS IF FOUND UNSUITABLE, SUCH ITEMS WILL BE DESTROYED AND THE CONSIGNEE IS LIABLE TO PAY A FINE.
  • Products of Israeli origin or manufacture, or any items on the Israeli blacklist
  • Airplanes and helicopters
  • Swords or spears
  • Animal hides, skins, and ivory products