08-03-2025
Oman strengthens standards and quality sector
MUSCAT: Oman has made significant strides in the specifications and standards sector, driven by strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing product quality, improving competitiveness, and supporting the national economy. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion has outlined a comprehensive vision to further develop this sector, aligning with the country's broader economic diversification efforts under Oman Vision 2040.
Imad bin Khamis al Shukaili, Director General of Specifications and Standards at the Ministry, highlighted that the coming years will witness the implementation of several key initiatives, including the launch of the national standardisation and quality strategy for the period 2026–2030. This strategy aims to strengthen regulatory frameworks, introduce new quality standards, and expand the scope of conformity certification services.
One of the most significant advancements in the sector has been the exponential growth in revenues, surging from RO 56.9 million in 2022 to RO 362.9 million in 2024, marking an impressive 537% increase. This remarkable expansion has been attributed to a series of policy reforms, enhanced legislation, and digital transformation initiatives.
The introduction of the "Hazm" platform has played a crucial role in streamlining certification processes, facilitating electronic standardisation services, and expediting product compliance procedures. Additionally, the Ministry has focused on strengthening the sector's infrastructure by adopting international best practices in standard specifications and expanding the network of authorised conformity assessment bodies.
The drive for higher quality standards has extended across various industries, with new specifications being introduced for essential products such as water meters, smart bricks, and precast ceilings. The Ministry has also intensified efforts to implement quality management systems, ensuring that locally manufactured and imported products meet strict regulatory requirements. As part of a broader market surveillance plan for 2025, authorities will conduct extensive inspections to monitor compliance and prevent the circulation of substandard goods.
The precious metals sector has also witnessed substantial growth, with revenues amounting to approximately RO 203.7 million between 2020 and 2024. This reflects increased consumer confidence in certified gold, silver, and platinum products, supported by rigorous quality control measures and a robust licensing framework. The Ministry has introduced a set of electronic services to enhance efficiency, including an automated system for issuing conformity certificates through the "Oman Business" platform. In 2024 alone, a total of 13,526 permits were issued, significantly reducing bureaucratic delays and improving ease of doing business.
Oman's focus on standardisation is not only aimed at improving local market conditions but also at enhancing the country's export potential. By ensuring that Omani products adhere to global quality benchmarks, businesses can gain greater access to international markets, strengthening trade relations and attracting foreign investment. The government's commitment to reducing import dependency has also been evident, as sustainable industrial strategies have led to a sharp decline in the number of product release permits—from 6.3 million in 2020 to just 22,005 in 2024. This shift underscores the growing capability of domestic industries to meet market demands while maintaining high standards of production.
Oman plans to expand its electronic standardisation services further, integrating artificial intelligence and automation to enhance efficiency and accuracy in regulatory compliance. The Ministry is also exploring new partnerships with international standardisation bodies to facilitate knowledge exchange and ensure that Omani regulations remain aligned with evolving global trends. In addition, efforts are being made to boost consumer awareness of quality standards through public campaigns and industry collaborations, reinforcing the importance of compliance for businesses operating in the Sultanate of Oman.
