As per a new move initiated by the Ministry, expatriates in Oman are now entitled to import just one used vehicle per year, whereas citizens have the liberty to import as many as they desire. The new rule, which will be implemented within three months of its announcement, has been declared under the Ministerial Decision Number 203/2015.
The Minister of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Ali bin Masaud bin Ali Al Sunaidy, emphasised that only expatriates older than 18 years are permitted by law to import any one vehicle including private car, bus, truck or a motorbike. The Director of Commercial Affairs Department, Awadh bin Said Al Alawi also stated that non-nationals are required to use their civil number in order to import a vehicle. However, no limitations are put on companies that deal in used vehicles.
Enterprises and other commercial entities are free to import as many trucks and equipments that are consistent with serving the purpose of their activities and requirements. However, individuals are obligated by law to acquire consent of the Ministry before importing motorbikes that encompass engine capacity of less than seventy cubic centimetres.
The Ministry has also put a ban on trade in of private vehicles that surpass seven years from time of production and on buses that go beyond ten years from date of manufacturing along with equipments that have lasted more than fifteen years. On the other hand, Vintage cars exceeding thirty years from date of production can be imported provided they comply with the region’s terms and conditions regarding the same.