To import food products into Oman, a business must hold a valid commercial import license issued by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP), register each product with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR), and clear shipments through the Bayan e-customs system operated by the Oman Customs Authority. Meat, poultry, and animal-derived products additionally require a halal certificate from an approved certifying body. Customs duty on most food products is set at 5% of the CIF value under the GCC common external tariff.
Oman imports over 80% of its food requirements, making it a consistent, high-volume market for international food suppliers. This guide covers every regulatory requirement for importing food into Oman: the import license, product registration, roles of the relevant authorities, Bayan customs clearance, food labelling rules, halal certification, and the complete step-by-step import process. For the full company registration process that underpins food import activity, see our guide to business setup in Oman.
Regulatory Authorities Governing Food Imports in Oman
Four government bodies are directly involved in the food import approval and clearance process in Oman. Understanding which authority controls which stage prevents delays and incorrect submissions.
| Authority | Role in Food Import Process |
| Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) | Product registration and approval. Issues import permits for food, agricultural, and animal-derived products. Food inspection at point of entry. |
| Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP) | Issues the commercial registration and trade license required to operate as a food importer. Monitors compliance with commercial trading regulations. |
| Oman Customs Authority | Operates the Bayan e-customs system. Processes all import declarations, calculates customs duty, and releases shipments after inspection clearance. |
| Ministry of Health / Municipality | Food safety inspection of products entering retail, food service, or processing facilities. Labeling compliance checks at border entry points. |
Food Import License in Oman
Every business importing food products into Oman must hold a commercial registration and a trading license, with food import activity listed under the approved activity codes. These are issued by MOCIIP through the Invest Easy portal. A food importer operating without a valid license faces refusal of customs clearance and potential seizure of goods.
To obtain the food import license in Oman:
- Register the company as an LLC, sole proprietorship, or branch through MOCIIP via the Invest Easy portal
- Select the food trading and import activity code during the commercial registration application
- Obtain the annual trading license covering import and wholesale or retail distribution of food products
- Register with the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (mandatory for all commercial entities)
- Open a corporate bank account in Oman to receive import payments and meet bank transfer requirements
The import license must be renewed annually. Lapsed licenses cause the Bayan system to block new customs declarations. See our guide to company formation in Oman for the full registration process.
Food Product Registration with MAFWR
Before a specific food product can be imported commercially into Oman for the first time, it must be registered with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources. Product registration confirms that the item meets Omani and GCC safety and quality standards before it enters the supply chain.
Documents required for food product registration with MAFWR include:
- Product specification sheet including full ingredient list, allergen declarations, and nutritional information
- Certificate of origin issued by the relevant authority in the exporting country
- Health certificate from the competent food safety authority of the country of origin
- Food safety certificate or free sale certificate confirming that the product is approved for domestic consumption in the country of origin.
- Halal certificate for all meat, poultry, and animal-derived products (see section below)
- Label samples in Arabic and English, meeting Omani labelling requirements
- Physical product samples for laboratory testing by MAFWR inspectors were required
Product registration approval typically takes two to four weeks for standard food categories. Regulated products such as infant formula, dietary supplements, or products with health claims undergo extended review.
Halal Certification for Food Imports into Oman
Halal certification is mandatory for all meat, poultry, and products containing animal-derived ingredients imported into Oman. This requirement applies regardless of the country of origin. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources will not register or clear meat and poultry shipments without a valid halal certificate issued by a recognized certifying body.
Requirements for halal-certified food imports:
- Halal certificate issued by an approved Islamic certifying organization recognized by MAFWR and the Gulf Accreditation Centre (GAC)
- Certificate must be product-specific and include the slaughterhouse or production facility registration number.
- Each shipment must carry the original halal certificate or a certified copy with the commercial documentation.
- Processed foods containing gelatin, emulsifiers, or flavour enhancers of animal origin also require halal certification.
For processed foods, beverages, and packaged goods that are free of animal-derived ingredients, halal certification is not mandatory but may be commercially advantageous in the Omani market.
Food Labeling Requirements in Oman
All food products imported into Oman must comply with GSS 9/2013, the GCC unified food labelling standard, and MAFWR labelling regulations. Non-compliant labels are the most common reason for border rejection of food shipments.
Mandatory label information for food products sold in Oman:
- Product name in Arabic (Arabic label is mandatory; English may accompany but not replace)
- Ingredients list in descending order by weight, in Arabic
- Allergen declarations for the 14 major allergens specified in GCC standards
- Nutritional information table per 100g or per serving, with serving size stated
- Net weight or volume in metric units
- Country of origin stated clearly
- Name and address of the importer registered in Oman
- Manufacturing date and expiry date in DD/MM/YYYY format
- Storage instructions where required by product type
- Halal logo where halal certification is held
Labels must be applied before the product enters Oman. Stickering in the customs warehouse after clearance is not considered original labelling compliance. Products found with non-compliant labels at border inspection are held pending re-labelling at the importer’s cost or returned to origin.
Bayan Customs System: Clearing Food Imports in Oman
All import customs declarations in Oman are processed through the Bayan electronic customs system, operated by the Oman Customs Authority. Every commercial food shipment entering Oman requires a customs declaration filed through the Bayan portal before or upon arrival of the goods.
Documents Required for Bayan Customs Declaration
- Commercial invoice showing the full description, quantity, unit price, and total CIF value
- Packing list matching the commercial invoice line by line
- Bill of lading or airway bill from the shipping carrier
- Certificate of origin issued by the chamber of commerce in the country of export
- MAFWR import permit for regulated food categories (issued following product registration)
- Halal certificate for meat, poultry, and animal-derived products
- Health and food safety certificate from the competent authority of the origin country
Customs Duty on Food Products
The standard customs duty on food products imported into Oman under the GCC common external tariff is 5% of the CIF value (cost plus insurance plus freight). Some essential food categories carry reduced or zero duty rates. Certain products may attract additional inspection fees from MAFWR at point of entry. Importers registered under the Oman VAT system must also account for 5% VAT on imported goods, applying to the customs value plus duty.
For a full breakdown of import duty calculation methods, see our guide to import tax in Oman.
Step-by-Step Process to Import Food Products into Oman
| Step | Stage | Action Required |
| 1 | Company setup | Register LLC or sole proprietorship with MOCIIP. Obtain trading license with food import activity code via Invest Easy portal. |
| 2 | Product approval | Submit product registration application to MAFWR with specification sheet, certificates, label samples, and samples for testing. |
| 3 | Certificate gathering | Obtain certificate of origin, health certificate, halal certificate (where required), and food safety certificate from the origin country. |
| 4 | Label compliance | Confirm all product labels meet GCC standard GSS 9/2013 in Arabic with all mandatory fields present before shipment. |
| 5 | Shipping arrangement | Engage a freight forwarder experienced with Oman customs. Arrange temperature-controlled transport for perishables. Confirm incoterms. |
| 6 | Bayan declaration | File the import customs declaration through the Bayan e-customs system with all commercial and regulatory documents uploaded. |
| 7 | Customs inspection | MAFWR and Oman Customs conduct physical or documentary inspection. Pay applicable customs duty (5% CIF) and any inspection fees. |
| 8 | Clearance and delivery | Receive customs release certificate. Move goods to licensed storage facility meeting food safety temperature and hygiene requirements. |
For perishable products, steps 1 to 4 must be completed before the first shipment departs. Steps 5 to 8 apply to each shipment. Establishing the product registration and documentation chain correctly at the start prevents recurring delays on every subsequent import.
Businesses looking to start a food trading company in Oman can also structure the import operation through one of Oman’s free zones. See our guides to Sohar Free Zone and Salalah Free Zone for logistics and food processing setups with customs advantages.
Conclusion
Importing food products into Oman requires a commercial import license from MOCIIP, product registration with MAFWR, full label compliance with the GCC standard GSS 9/2013, halal certification for animal-derived products, and customs clearance through the Bayan system at a 5% duty. Getting the documentation and approvals in order before the first shipment departs is the most effective way to avoid border delays, product rejections, and additional costs.
MakeMyCompany assists food importers and trading companies at every stage of business setup in Oman, from commercial registration and license applications to selecting the import activity code, submitting MOCIIP applications, and providing ongoing compliance support. Contact our team at omanbusinesssetup.com to start your food import business in Oman.
Frequently Asked Questions
What license is required to import food products into Oman?
A commercial registration and trading license issued by MOCIIP, with the food import activity listed, is required. This is obtained through the Invest Easy portal. The license must be renewed annually and must be active for Bayan customs declarations to be accepted.
Which authority approves food imports into Oman?
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) is the primary authority for food import approval and product registration. The Oman Customs Authority processes customs clearance through the Bayan system. The Ministry of Health and municipalities conduct food safety and labeling inspections.
Is halal certification mandatory for all food imports into Oman?
Halal certification is mandatory for all meat, poultry, and products containing animal-derived ingredients. It is not mandatory for plant-based or synthetic food products with no animal content, but it is commercially beneficial in the Omani market.
What is the customs duty rate on food products in Oman?
The standard customs duty on most food products is 5% of the CIF value under the GCC common external tariff. Some essential food categories are subject to reduced or zero duty rates. VAT at 5% also applies to the customs value plus duty for VAT-registered importers.
What is the Bayan system in Oman?
The Bayan system is Oman’s electronic customs declaration platform operated by the Oman Customs Authority. All commercial import declarations, document uploads, duty calculations, and customs release certificates are processed through the Bayan portal. A customs agent or licensed importer must be registered on the system to file declarations.
What labelling requirements apply to imported food products in Oman?
All food products must comply with GCC standard GSS 9/2013. Mandatory label fields include: product name in Arabic; ingredients list in Arabic; allergen declarations; nutritional table; net weight; country of origin; Omani importer name and address; manufacturing and expiry dates; and storage instructions, where applicable.
How long does food product registration take in Oman?
Standard food product registration with MAFWR typically takes two to four weeks. Regulated categories, including infant formula, dietary supplements, and functional foods, undergo extended review and may take six to eight weeks. Product registration must be completed before the first commercial shipment is dispatched.
Can a foreign company import food directly into Oman?
A foreign company must be registered in Oman as an LLC, branch office, or free zone entity, and hold a valid food import trading license to import commercially. The importer of record must be a licensed Omani-registered entity. Foreign suppliers can export to Oman only through a locally licensed importer or distributor.
About the Author
Shuja Ahmad is a Business Setup Consultant at MakeMyCompany, a business formation consultancy based in Muttrah, Muscat, Oman. He specialises in business setup in Oman for trading and import businesses, covering commercial registration, food import license applications, MOCIIP submissions, trading company formation, and import activity compliance. Shuja assists food importers, distributors, and international suppliers with every aspect of setting up a licensed food import operation in Oman, from MOCIIP registration and Invest Easy applications to activity code selection and ongoing license renewals. For expert guidance on starting a food import business in Oman, visit omanbusinesssetup.com.
