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Oman operates import prohibitions for reasons of human and animal health, public morals, environment, and security. They cover, inter alia, narcotics, weapons, and certain media products (Table 3.5). (…)

Table 3.5 Prohibited imports, January 2014
HS code: 01066910
Product description: Camels
Justification: Preservation of Omani camel breed (camels entering for race purposes excepted)
Institution: Ministry of Agriculture

(…) Most import restrictions maintained by Oman are on safety, health, religious or moral grounds, and apply to, inter alia, alcohol products and organic fertilizers (Table 3.6). Goods subject to these restrictions must be accompanied by certificates from the relevant authorities.

Table 3.6 Restricted imports, 2013
HS code: 31010000
Product description: Organic fertilizers, mixed or chemically treated
Justification: Could contain pests or snake eggs
Institution: Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries

Table 3.6 Restricted imports, 2013
HS code: 90221990
Product description: Other sources of rays
Justification: Environment protection
Institution: Ministry of Environment

(…) Oman is a signatory to the Basel Convention on Hazardous Wastes, the Rotterdam Convention on Trade in Hazardous Chemicals, the Montreal Protocol, and CITES.

Export restrictions apply (…) to three species of fish (lobster, abalone, and shark) during the breeding and reproduction seasons when fishing is not allowed (section 4.2.2).[13] In addition, export permits are needed for locally mined or quarried products (section 4.3.1).
[13] Lobster, abalone, and shark are in danger of over-exploitation in Omani waters. Permission to export these species during the restricted period may be obtained from the Ministry of Fisheries, provided the exporter is a registered Omani fish-trading company, and holds a licence from the competent authority.

Oman does not apply any export duties. However, it reserves the right to apply export duties, as permissible under WTO rules, if and when it deemed necessary. There are no export licensing requirements or procedures nor any export performance requirements. Export prohibitions are very few, relating to antiques, ancient manuscripts, old coins and date seedlings. Three species of fish are subject to export restrictions during breeding and reproduction season, for environmental reasons.

Oman's fish production in 2012 was 192,000 tonnes, up from 151,000 tonnes in 2007. Most fishermen harvest their catch in coastal waters, using seagoing canoes to which an outboard motor has been added. As at November 2013, there were 19,245 motorized canoes, 698 artisanal vessels (dhows), 98 coastal fishing vessels, and 11 industrial long-liners. Since June 2011, deep sea trawl fishing has been banned for environmental reasons.

The Government's main goals for the fishery sector include the development of infrastructure and marketing; the increase of fleet efficiency; the development of aquaculture; and sustainable management of resources.