Field visits begin to strengthen customs exemption procedures

MUSCAT: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion has launched field visits under the Joint National Team tasked with customs exemption procedures, as part of broader efforts to strengthen industrial competitiveness and improve the investment environment in the Sultanate of Oman.
Eng Khalid bin Salim al Qasabi, Director General of Industry, said the national industrial strategy places emphasis on maximising the benefits of incentives, particularly customs exemptions, given their role in reducing operational costs and enhancing the competitiveness of industrial enterprises in both domestic and international markets.
He added that the strategy also seeks to enable Omani manufacturers to adopt Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, describing them as a key driver for improving productivity and operational efficiency. This forms part of a wider set of qualitative incentives offered by the Directorate General of Industry to support technological transformation and foster innovation across the sector.
Al Qasabi noted that the Industrial Exemptions Team plays a central role in raising awareness among industrial establishments regarding available incentives and associated procedures, ensuring optimal utilisation while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements.
The Ministry confirmed the commencement of the 2026 programme of field visits by the Joint National Team, aimed at monitoring the implementation of customs exemption regulations and strengthening coordination among relevant entities. These visits are part of ongoing efforts to streamline procedures and ensure effective use of granted exemptions, thereby supporting economic activity and encouraging investment.
Over the past five years, 1,327 customs exemption decisions have been issued, reflecting the growing importance of industrial incentives in supporting sectoral expansion.
Eng Saud bin Said al Jabri, Head of the Industrial Exemptions Department, said approximately 402 exemption decisions were issued in 2025, representing an increase of 4.4 per cent compared with 2024. He added that 79 field visits were conducted during the year, targeting industrial establishments benefitting from exemptions to assess compliance with applicable regulations.
He noted that these visits provide a platform for direct engagement with businesses, enabling authorities to gather feedback, address challenges and refine procedures. The next phase will focus on intensifying monitoring and awareness efforts, improving compliance levels and enhancing institutional coordination.
Al Jabri added that the 2026 visits will prioritise evaluating compliance, offering guidance and identifying operational challenges faced by beneficiary establishments, with a view to resolving them in coordination with relevant authorities and advancing the strategic objectives of the industrial sector.