Saturday 11 / October / 2025
In Oman, the sale of counterfeit or unauthorised products is not a minor commercial irregularity, it is an offence. The Consumer Protection Law, promulgated by Royal Decree 66/2014, establishes a strict penalty against such practices, recognising the serious risks they pose to consumer safety, market fairness, and legitimate trade.
Speaking exclusively to the Times of Oman, Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Zadjali, Founding Partner of Mohammed Ibrahim Law Firm stated that “trading in counterfeit or unauthorised goods is strictly prohibited under the law. Violators are subject not only to fines but also to criminal penalties and imprisonment. The law prohibits to trade or advertising of any good that is adulterated, spoiled, counterfeit, or unauthorised for trade. This prohibition extends to possession, storage, or distribution of such goods with the intent to sell.”
He explained that “the law is designed not only to protect intellectual property rights but, more importantly, to protect consumers’ health, safety, and economic interests. Moreover, the law empowers enforcement officers of the Consumer Protection Authority to seize suspected goods and inspect commercial premises. Non-cooperation with inspection procedures may result in additional penalties.”
He further stated that “the sanctions are stringent. For such violations, the law prescribes imprisonment of not less than three months and up to three years, and a fine of not less than OMR 2,000 and not exceeding OMR 50,000, or one of these two punishments. If the offence results in the death of one or more persons, the punishment shall not be less than five years’ imprisonment. In addition to criminal liability, the law authorises the competent court to order the confiscation or destruction of counterfeit goods, suspend business operations, or permanently close the premises where the offence occurred. If a violator is found guilty, the court may direct that the judgment be published in a daily newspaper at the violator’s expense, as a measure to deter violations and notify the public.”
With the increasing flow of goods into the local market, Oman’s strict enforcement policy acts both as a deterrent and a safeguard. By criminalising counterfeiting and equipping authorities with comprehensive enforcement powers, the law reinforces integrity, accountability, and fairness in the Sultanate’s commercial practices, he concluded.
(Mohammed Ibrahim Law Firm ([email protected]), (+968 244 87 600) was established 18 years ago and is serving clients through its offices in Muscat and Sohar, as well as operating on a request basis in other areas. It offers legal representation across a wide range of practice areas that include Labour Law, Corporate, Commercial, Contracts, Banking and Finance, International Trade, Foreign Investment, Insurance, Maritime Law, Construction and Engineering Contracts, International Arbitration, Intellectual Property and more).
