Tag: Oman

  • Oman Bans Shisha and Vaping Products

    Oman Bans Shisha and Vaping Products

    Credit: YTA

    The chairman of the Consumer Protection Authority states that a fine of up to OMR2,000 ($5,196) for multiple violations will be imposed on anyone who trades in e-cigarettes, shisha, and their accessories in the Sultanate of Oman.

    His Excellency Sulayem bin Ali Al-Hakmani issued Ministerial decision No. 756/2023 on Sunday, January 7, 2024, creating the ban, according to media reports.

    Article One stipulates that the circulation of e-cigarettes, shisha, and their accessories is prohibited.

    Article Two states that, “without prejudice to the penal penalties stipulated in the aforementioned Consumer Protection Law, an administrative fine not exceeding OMR1,000 shall be imposed on anyone who violates the provisions of this decision, and the fine shall be doubled in the event of a repeat violation.

    shisha hookah
    Credit: Helga Bragina

    “If this violation continues, an administrative fine of OMR 50 will be imposed for each day that the violation continues, provided that its total does not exceed OMR 2,000. The seized quantities of electronic cigarettes, shishas, ​​and their accessories will be destroyed in accordance with the controls in force at the Consumer Protection Authority.”

    The new bill also repealed an earlier Resolution (No. 698/2015), as well as any laws or rules that contravene the current resolution or conflict with its provisions.

    It also stipulates that the decision “shall be published in the Official Gazette, and shall be effective from the day following the date of its publication.”

  • Oman to Implement Plain Packaging

    Oman to Implement Plain Packaging

    Image: mbruxelle

    Oman’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) announced that the mandatory standard for plain packaging of tobacco products will be effective April 2024, according to the Daily Muscat.

    “The ministry requests tobacco companies and local compliance firms to follow Ministerial Decision No. 2023/67, which requires implementing Omani Standard OS1655 for plain packaging of tobacco products. This becomes mandatory from April 4, 2024,” the MoCIIP said in a statement.

    The ministry issued a decision on the standard in March 2023 and deemed it a binding Omani standard specification.

    The standard requires that at least 65 percent of the packaging include a public health warning, picture and a message to quit while the rest of the packaging displays the brand name in a standardized font and color.

  • Oman Adopts Plain Packaging

    Oman Adopts Plain Packaging

    Photo: Chris

    The government of Oman will require tobacco companies to sell their products in generic packaging, reports Muscat Daily

    The Sultanate has become the second country  in the region, after Saudi Arabia, to adopt the measure.

    The World Health Organization office for the Eastern Mediterranean welcomed Oman’s action, describing it as “significant and pioneering.”

     According to the health body, the step is consistent with the obligations of the states that are party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

    The move is also in line with the sultanate’s plans to achieve a 30 percent reduction in tobacco consumption by 2025.

    Under the new rules, health warnings must cover at least 65 percent of tobacco packaging, while the brand name must be printed in a standardized font and color.