Export to Oman

Oman, due to its strategic geographical location, economic and political stability, and good relations with Iran, has become one of the attractive destinations for exporting Iranian goods. Exporting to Oman brings numerous benefits including increased income, job creation, and economic development. Oman is recognized as a gateway to the markets of East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula due to its location.

Terms and requirements for exporting to Oman

Required Permits:
- Active commercial card (Iran)
- Standard certificate (for specific goods)
- Health and phytosanitary certificate (for food and agricultural products)
- Customs declaration
Compliance with Omani Standards:
- Packaging must be in Arabic and English
- Production and expiration dates in an accepted Omani format
- Indication of country of origin (Made in Iran)
- Adherence to Omani customs requirements and import regulations

Steps to export to Oman

1. Identifying Market Needs and Selecting the Right Product:

Research top-selling and high-demand products in the Omani market
Analyze competitors and pricing in the target market
Review and understand import regulations for the intended product

2. Preparing the Product for Export:

Obtain necessary certificates (health, standard, phytosanitary)
Package the product according to Omani standards
Label and provide product specifications in Arabic and English

3. Marketing:

Introduce the product to the Omani market
Participate in international exhibitions
Create a website in Arabic
Be active on social media

4. Signing a Contract with the Omani Buyer:

Draft an export contract specifying delivery terms (e.g., CIF or FOB)
Determine the payment method (bank transfer, letter of credit, or cash)

5. Transportation and Shipping:

Choose the appropriate shipping method (sea freight from southern Iranian ports or air freight for light and perishable goods)
Insure the goods
Select a reputable customs broker in Oman

6. Customs Clearance in Oman:

- Submit required documents (bill of lading, invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, health certificate)
- Pay customs duties
- Obtain import permit and clear the goods

Documents required for exporting to Oman

Sales Invoice (Invoice)
Packing List
Bill of Lading
Certificate of Origin
Specific Certificates (Health Certificate, Standard Certificate)
Export Permit from Iran Customs EPL System

Export costs to Oman

Marketing Costs
Permit Acquisition Costs
Transportation Costs
Insurance Costs
Customs Duties:
- Average import tariff: 5%
- Customs exemption for goods imported from GCC countries
- Value Added Tax (VAT): 5% (for most products)
- Certain special products (such as cigarettes, alcohol, gold) are subject to specific tariffs

Company Registration in Oman for Permanent Export

Possibility of Company Registration in Oman’s Free Zones for Permanent Presence
100% foreign ownership for export, import, and distribution of goods
Company registration leads to obtaining residency, a bank account, and legal representation
An export company can directly import goods and distribute them in the Omani market

Popular Export Goods from Iran to Oman

Agricultural Products:

Watermelon, Apple, Dates, Cucumber, Grapes, Pomegranate
Fresh vegetables, Tomatoes, Onions, Potatoes

Food and Processed Products:

Honey, Tomato paste, Canned goods, Sauces, Packaged dairy
Mineral water, Soft drinks, Biscuits, Iranian snacks

Building Materials:

Building stones, Tiles and ceramics, Cement
Refractory bricks, Gypsum, Iranian plumbing products

Industrial Products:

Auto parts, Electrical and electronic equipment
Household appliances (light)

Petrochemical Products and Petroleum Derivatives:

Bitumen, Polymers, Industrial oils
Chemical fertilizers

Handicrafts and Carpets:

Handwoven carpets, Tapestries, Wooden and metal handicrafts

How to Price Goods for Export to Oman

Analyzing competitor prices in Oman (on platforms like OpenSooq or Amazon Oman)
Considering customs duties, shipping, taxes, and the final profit margin of the importer
Setting the price based on CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) or FOB (Free on Board) terms.

How to find an Omani buyer

Participating in Specialized Exhibitions:

Food, construction materials, and medical equipment exhibitions in Muscat and Salalah
Booth setup or visiting with an Iranian commercial card

Digital Advertising and Marketing:

Advertising on Omani sites like OLX Oman, OpenSooq
Using Google Ads for the Omani market
Networking on LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and specialized groups

Collaborating with the Omani Chamber of Commerce:

Membership in OCCI (Chamber of Commerce)
Registration in the list of approved suppliers

Using Iran’s Commercial Attaché in Oman:

Receiving target market information
Introduction to reliable importers

Digital Platforms for Exporting to Oman:

TradeKey, Alibaba, Iran Trade Center
OpenSooq Oman, OLX Oman, YallaBanana
Official Omani import platform: eOman
Omani Chamber of Commerce

The best routes for transporting goods to Oman

Step	Approximate time	Important Note
Trade Name Reservation	1 business day	Must be unique and approved
Company Registration	5 to 7 business days	Through Invest Easy
Activity License	3 to 10 days	Depends on the type of activity
Bank Account	3 days	Requires document verification
Work Residency	2 weeks	After full company registration

The most important ports and customs in Oman

Sohar: Main import port, close to the UAE
Salalah: Hub for food and agricultural imports
Duqm: Emerging industrial port with customs advantages
Muscat: Fast clearance for consumer goods

Tax and Banking Guide

VAT in Oman: 5% (for most goods)
No tax payment is required in Iran for exports to Oman (if goods officially exit the country)
A bank account in Oman can be opened upon company registration.
Funds can be transferred via exchange offices or SWIFT transfers.

Benefits of exporting to Oman

A growing and untapped market with an import-driven economy
Economic and political stability
Consumer-oriented population with high per capita income
Geographic proximity of Iran to Oman (45 minutes by air)
Lower transportation costs compared to other Gulf countries
Friendly and tension-free political relations with Iran
Possibility of direct shipment from southern Iranian ports (Bandar Abbas, Jask, Chabahar, Qeshm, Lengeh)
No visa required for Iranian traders
Possibility of company registration in Oman for permanent market presence

Disadvantages of exporting to Oman

High competition
Need for proficiency in Arabic or English
Lack of familiarity with Omani culture and customs
Difficulty in finding an Omani partner

Important points about exporting to Oman

Before exporting to Oman, conduct thorough research and gather sufficient information.
Be aware of the laws and regulations related to exporting to Oman.
Consult with a reputable lawyer or advisor in Oman.
Strictly adhere to food and health standards.
Use attractive and climate-appropriate packaging for Oman.
Have proficiency in Arabic or English.
Be familiar with Omani culture and customs.

Possible risks of exporting to Oman

Solution	Possible risk
Contract with Force Majeure clause and constant information update	change in Oman customs laws
Cooperation with professional labor clearance and familiar with the Omani system	delay in goods clearance
Using LC or receiving advance payment	non-receipt of payment
Full compliance of packaging and product information format	difference in standards

Summary of Exporting to Oman

action	explanation
Product selection	It must be a bestseller and in demand in the Omani market
Product preparation	Compliance with export standards and packaging
Permissions	Business card, health and standard certificate
send goods	Via Bandar Abbas, Qeshm or Chabahar
Clearance in Oman	With complete documents and a valid representative
receive payment	By secure method such as LC or prepayment