If a legal entity is registered with the tax authority of Oman, it can start a business and trade internationally as long as it meets the requirements set by the government of Oman. For business reasons, exporting and importing goods from and into Oman requires a registered trade with the appropriate license (if needed) and a listing in the Trade and Company Register of the country. The Royal Oman Police Customs Directorate (ROP Customs) is a customs agency that works to make sure that international trade in Oman is legal, safe, fair, and runs smoothly.
Export documentation
The electronic system “Bayan” target to support the commercial society through the facilitation and the movement of goods flow, whether coming to Oman or leaving, decreasing the cost of import and export processes, enhancing the partnership between customs and other segments in the commercial society, encouraging the local and foreign investment and capital attraction. The exporter should make sure they have all the correct export documents needed to get the goods through the port, through customs, and onto the pre-determined carrier. All export documentation must be completed correctly to avoid any missed shipments, port demurrage charges, or fines to the business. In general, there are three steps to the export process in every country:
- One-time registration procedure to obtain an export license.
- Documentation needed for exportation.
- Export customs clearance formalities.
How to register an export
Most countries have a one-time registration process for people who want to sell goods or services abroad. If the exporting country needs one, this kind of export license can be gotten from the right government office. Usually, for the exportation of goods from the exporting country, a one-time export registration to act as an Exporter/Importer is sufficient. But if restricted items are exported, the country from which they are sent may need a separate license to send them abroad. There is a separate government agency in exporting country that handles and regulates such specific products and issues export licenses or export permits. But some goods that can’t be exported because of the trade policy of the exporting country need a special license to leave the country. From time to time, lists of what can be exported freely, what can only be exported with restrictions, and what can’t be exported at all are made public. Products on the list of goods that can’t be exported can be found on the official website of the country doing the exporting.
The growth of the economy
In 2014, the real annual growth of GDP (%) was 2.9%. In its 2014 budget, the Omani government had predicted a growth of 5%. Because of record oil and gas revenues and the government’s “Vision 2020” plan, Oman’s government spends a lot of money on large-scale infrastructure projects. Oman’s main economic goal is to keep putting more money into the oil and gas industry. Oman is not part of the organization of petroleum exporting countries, though (OPEC). Oman’s economic policies aim to create more private sector jobs and encourage greater diversification by developing other sectors including:
- Petrochemical, metals, and minerals.
- Ports and freight.
- Fisheries and tourism.
Export documents needed to clear customs in the exporting country
The following documents are necessary:
Customs entry document
Specified by exporting country customs and prepared by the exporter’s customs broker or exporter.
Customs bond
If needed certain goods are exported to get import benefits from the government of the country being exported to.
Legal Undertaking
If applicable to claim export benefits from exporting country government or to export specific products to meet government requirements and obligations.
Customs declarations wherever applicable
Exporting country’s export customs clearance declarations as per the specified format of
Exporting license
Export Licence if applicable to be obtained from the government agency of the exporting country.
