Consumer protection office launched at Sohar Port

MUSCAT: Sulayem bin Ali al Hakmani, Chairman of Consumer Protection Authority (CPA), inaugurated the Consumer Protection Office at Sohar Port on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, marking a step towards strengthening the regulatory system at critical entry points.
The inauguration was attended by Dr Abdulhakim bin Abdullah al Ghilani, Director General of the Consumer Protection Department in Al Batinah North Governorate, along with officials from government and civil entities; and representatives of the port management.
The new office is designed to expedite regulatory procedures by enhancing direct coordination among relevant authorities through co-location. This will enable faster responses to observations, immediate handling of issues and the prompt enforcement of legal measures against violations.
The initiative aims to strengthen the efficiency of monitoring and initial inspection of goods arriving through Sohar Port, ensuring their safety and compliance with approved standards and specifications, while preventing the entry of non-compliant or counterfeit goods, in line with the Consumer Protection Law and its Executive Regulations. These efforts are expected to further safeguard consumer health and safety.
In addition, the office will help ensure adherence to applicable laws and regulations, prevent the entry of goods that violate regulatory decisions, establish an integrated and accurate database of goods and enhance collaboration with relevant entities.
The office represents a qualitative addition to the Authority’s efforts, through its Al Batinah North directorate, in monitoring goods and supply chains before they reach the market. This supports the creation of a safe and stable commercial environment, keeps pace with the governorate’s economic growth and strengthens consumer confidence in the quality of goods and services.
It also reflects the outcomes of close cooperation between the Authority and the Oman International Container Terminal (Hutchison Ports Sohar) at Sohar Port, within the framework of ongoing public-private partnership, contributing to the goals of Oman Vision 2040 and enhancing service quality.