Ports and Border Crossings: practical notes

Major Omani ports we serve: Sohar, Salalah, and Muscat (port facilities serving Muscat governorates). Each port has different strengths: Sohar for fast transshipment and industrial imports in northern Oman; Salalah for southern Oman and transshipment services; Muscat for fast access to the capital region.

Border crossings (road): there are several commonly used border points between the UAE and Oman. The choice depends on origin emirate and final city in Oman. Efficient crossings and pre‑validated documents minimize inspection delays.

Planning tip: choose the border crossing that best aligns with the pickup location in the UAE to reduce empty mileage and save on costs.

Customs & documentation

To clear goods in Oman, the following documents are typically required for commercial shipments:

• Commercial Invoice — accurate unit values, currency, HS codes, seller and buyer details.

• Detailed Packing List — dimensions, gross/net weights, carton counts and pallet details.

• Certificate of Origin — legalized where required by trade or importer contract.

• Bill of Lading / Sea Waybill or Airway Bill (AWB) — carrier document.

• Consignment/CMR or Road Consignment Note for land shipments where applicable.

• Importer registration data — Oman importer ID and broker authorization (POA) when needed.

• Special permits / conformity certificates for regulated products (food, chemicals, certain electronics, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals).

Personal effects (household goods): prepare a detailed inventory and ID copies for sender/receiver — some items may be eligible for exemption but notice and packing evidence are required.

How we help: we pre‑check commodity rules, confirm whether certificates or conformity tests are needed, and coordinate a customs broker in Oman so the handover to local import processing is seamless.

Prohibited and restricted cargo 

Always disclose the full product list to your account manager. Examples of items that are commonly prohibited or tightly restricted include: alcohol, certain chemicals and hazardous materials without permits, counterfeit items, and items restricted under Omani law. Some foodstuffs and medical products require health or safety certificates.

If your cargo contains batteries, aerosols, flammable materials or temperature‑sensitive goods, tell us at booking time so we can prepare the correct packaging, permits, and handling.

Packing, palletizing, & labelling standards that speed customs

Good packing = fewer inspections and lower damage risk. Our standard requirements:

• Pallets: use standard EUR or 100×120/80×120 cm pallets where possible; stretch film and corner boards required for export stability.

• Pallet height: keep pallets under common height limits (usually 160–180 cm) unless otherwise agreed.

• Cartons: double‑wall cartons for heavier items; fill voids and seal well.

• Labeling: apply consignee details, PO number, carton sequence (1 of X), and handling icons.

• Loose items: secure in crates or on pallets; mark fragile and indicate center of gravity when necessary.

• Temperature control: reefers for chilled/frozen cargo with temperature loggers for perishable shipments.