Oman's position at the tip of the Arabian Peninsula has historically made it a target of various powers aiming to control marine traffic between The Gulf and the Indian Ocean.
As a result, Oman, like many of its neighbours, was commanded by outsiders for centuries, but now boasts being the Peninsula's oldest independent state.
In the last 50 years Oman has used its oil wealth to modernise the country. This has made its capital, Muscat, a wonderful touristic jewel speckled with scenic forts and contemporary museums hemmed in between mountains and oceanic beaches.
Though Oman is lesser known than some of its bigger and flashier neighbours, it has worked hard to rapidly develop information technology for its citizens. And with 43% of the population below the age of 15, e-commerce is sure to blossom very soon.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Oman through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Oman. in case you are an everyday shopper or a business,
you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.
Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to Oman
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Apr 3, 2023
8:49 am
Bawshar, BA, OM
Delivered
Apr 2, 2023
7:18 am
Salalah, SA, OM
In transit
Apr 1, 2023
9:03 pm
Seeb, SE, OM
International Clearance
Apr 1, 2023
8:14 am
Muscat, MU, OM
In transit
Apr 1, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
Mar 31, 2023
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan
Disclaimer!
While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is
important to consult a licensed broker in Oman before shipping any goods.
Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will require different
paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
All gift shipments to Oman from Canada will incur duty. There are no exemptions.
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
A gift shipped from an individual in Canada to an individual in Oman will incur duty. There is no value threshold below which there are no duty charges.
Shipments from Business-to-Business
All gift shipments, regardless of value, from a Canadian business to a business in Oman will be charged duty.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
If a Canadian business makes a gift shipment to an individual in Oman, there will be a duty charge imposed on the package. There are no exemptions.
Gift Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time
(see sample)
List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Qaboos bin Said Al Ghubrah St. Boshar Muscat Oman
Phone: +968 24 592030
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
CA
$79.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $79.99
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Multiple Gifts in One Shipment
If your shipment contains more than one gift, ensure that each gift is wrapped and tagged separately.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Qaboos bin Said Al Ghubrah St. Boshar Muscat Oman
Phone: +968 24 592030
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
CA
$39.99
1 Each
Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket
CA
$49.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $89.98
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Your personal effects may be shipped to Oman from Canada exempt from duty providing:
You are taking up residence in Oman for the first time
Your personal effects and household goods are used
The quantity of goods being imported are for your use only and are not in an amount that indicates a commercial shipment
Any foodstuffs are dry and in their original sealed containers with a clearly marked expiry date
NOTE:
Materials such as CDs, books, literature, and audio and video cassettes will be stopped by customs to be screened.
Moving Temporarily
Students
There is no information at this time regarding students moving temporarily to Oman to study and shipping their personal effects.
Non-Students
Non-students moving temporarily to Oman from Canada because of work may ship their personal effects exempt from duty.
The conditions for a duty-free exemption are as follows:
The amount of goods in the shipment is clearly for personal use, i.e. not a commercial quantity
Household items and personal goods are used
The owner of the goods is arriving as a first-time resident to Oman
Foodstuffs in the shipment are dry, sealed, and marked with an expiry date
The individual has a work contract for a minimum of 1 year
NOTE:
Materials such as CDs, books, literature, and audios and video cassettes will be inspected by customs.
Moving Permanently
Omani citizens returning to Oman from Canada to live permanently may ship their personal effects exempt from duty if they abide by the conditions below:
Foodstuffs are to be in small quantities stored in their sealed original containers and labelled with a clear expiration date
Household items and personal goods have been used
The quantity of goods cannot be mistaken for a commercial shipment
NOTE:
Customs will hold and screen literature, books, audio and video cassettes, as well as CDs.
Personal Effects Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
A detailed description of each item is provided
Expatriates must present documentation indicating a work contract in Oman with a minimum length of 1 year
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
Ship To
Invoice
Qaboos bin Said Al Ghubrah St. Boshar Muscat Oman
Phone: +968 24 592030
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
CA
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Promotional Material Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Repairs
Equipment shipped to Oman for repairs may enter the country as a temporary import and will be exempt from duty charges.
However, if the equipment's value is increased because of the repair then duty will be charged on the amount of the increase to its value.
The condition for duty exemption is that the equipment leaves Oman for Canada within 6 months of its entry. (An extension may be granted but the total time allowed in Oman is 1 year.)
Items Under Warranty
Equipment and items under warranty that are repaired in Oman will be exempt from GST when they return to Canada.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
An item no longer under warranty that is shipped to Oman for repair will incur GST upon its return to Canada calculated on the value of the repair and on any parts required for the repair.
Sending Product for Repair to Oman
Oman allows the temporary entry of equipment for repair with exemption from duty charges.
The product may stay in Oman a maximum of 6 months though it may be extended, but must not exceed 1 year in total.
Returning Repaired Product to Oman
Product repaired in Canada may re-enter Oman duty-free providing the value of the product has not been increased. In the event that the product's value increases due to the repair, duty will be incurred on this increased value.
Repair Checklist
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return
(see sample)
Include repair contract with shipment
Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under the Detailed Description of Goods section
Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the item was first exported to Oman or exported to Canada (depending on which case applies)
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
US
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Warranty Repair Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Temporary Imports
Goods imported for a temporary stay in Oman can do so exempt from duty providing they stay no longer than 6 months in the country.
Items typically shipped as a temporary import include:
Equipment and machinery for repair
Goods required for a theatrical presentation or concert
Instruments used for testing
Commercial samples for display at a fair or similar exhibition
Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import
In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Oman, you can pick from Option 1 or 2 of the Temporary Import Methods listed below.
Each option has its pros and cons. Regardless, each of the following methods requires you to complete a commercial invoice (CI). More details below.
Option #
Temporary Import Method
Risk of paying
1
Commercial Invoice Only (no other documentation is provided)
High - if broker cannot clear goods temporarily
2
Commercial Invoice
+
ATA Carnet
Very Low
1. Complete a Commercial Invoice (CI) only
This is the simplest and quickest option. See example.
NOTE: You should be aware that shipping using this method doesn't guarantee that your items will be imported duty/tax free.
Not all brokers will clear goods as temporary imports (i.e. UPS, FedEx, DHL) nor is it a guarantee that customs won't charge any duties and taxes.
2. Commercial Invoice (CI) + an ATA Carnet
Completing an ATA Carnet is great option for items that frequently travel in and out of the country.
It's also great because once you have an ATA Carnet, it is accepted by 176 countries worldwide making the application process a one-time thing.
In addition to declaring your commercial invoice as a temporary import, you can get an ATA Carnet for the items that are of temporary nature.
ATA Carnets are beyond the scope of the article however, you can find more information here:
http://www.chamber.ca/carnet/
NOTE: It is highly recommended to get an ATA Carnet for items that frequently
travel in and out of the country and especially so when it is valued over $2,500 USD
In addition to choosing option 1 or 2, the following conditions must also be met in order to qualify for a duty and VAT free exemption:
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than 24 months in Oman
NOTE:
If the above conditions are not followed, duties and taxes will be charged as though the goods have been imported permanently.
Your Customs broker can clear goods of a temporary nature (FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc. typically CANNOT clear goods of temporary nature)
Temporary Imports Checklist
Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods.
(see sample)
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than the period listed above
Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received within the country (whichever applies)
Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
Qaboos bin Said Al Ghubrah St. Boshar Muscat Oman
Phone: +968 24 592030
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
15 Each
Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
CA
$132.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent/Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Required Documents
Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This process alone can be confusing and time-consuming.
So we’ve narrowed down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of being needed.
Document Type
When?
Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading
Always required
This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel's destination.
Commercial Invoice
Required for all non-document shipments
For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels).
These are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document pouch outside of the box.
When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the system will help you create this document automatically.
B13a
Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled good
A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a controlled good
and is destined to a country other than the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with Oman. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Oman, it will incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Infrequently required
Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise,
it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet
Infrequently required
Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process and
ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties and taxes.
Duty and taxes owed on a shipment are calculated by Oman using the CIF method, i.e. the sum of the customs value plus insurance cost plus freight charges.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
If you can calculate the CIF value of your shipment, you will be able to predict the duty and taxes owed by the recipient.
Thresholds
Shipments with a value of OMR 100 or less (about $325 CAD) are exempt from duty and other taxes. This is called the threshold or de minimis value of a shipment.
Currency
Oman Rial (OMR)
Duty Exemption (De minimis Value
100 OMR (about $325 CAD)
Duty Calculation Method
CIF
TAX (VAT)
5% (starting April 16, 2021)
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
100 OMR (about $325 CAD)
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
Duties on Imports
Most shipments to Oman incur a 5% duty.
Excise taxes
Oman applies excise taxes on certain goods. They include:
Alcoholic beverages (100%)
Tobacco products (100%)
Pork products (100%)
Energy drinks (100%)
Sugar sweetened beverages (50%)
Starting April 16, 2021, Oman will start implementing a VAT charge at a rate of 5%.
You can purchase
insurance
through Secureship and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting your shipment.
Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment our system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.
Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable, if it doesn’t meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased through the carrier would not be available to you.
Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:
Personal belongings
Antiques
Artwork
Liquids (including alcohol)
Televisions
Jewellery in excess of $500
Perishable goods
Glass or Ceramic
And many more items
For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.
Shipping to Oman from Canada can take between 3-5 business days through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform.
More economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 1-2 months to complete the delivery.
