MUSCAT – Announcing the implementation of the regulation, the Ministry called on advertisers to apply for a license through its Invest Easy portal.

Violators of the regulation are liable to get an administrative fine not exceeding OMR 1,000, suspension of the licence for a period not exceeding one year, and/or cancellation of the licence.

The regulation aims to oversee the marketing and promotion of all products, goods and services on social media, to protect traders and consumers, provide necessary protection for e-commerce transactions, and preserve the rights of consumers.

Explaining the procedure to obtain a license for marketing and promotion services activity, the Ministry states that the same can be done by entering its ‘Invest Easy’ portal through self-service or service delivery centres, and by creating a new commercial register or choosing an active commercial register.

Following this, one needs to choose the commercial registry licensing service, select the activity, fill in data and attach the necessary documents, and opt for the licence period ranging from one to three years.

Conditions for obtaining a license to practice the activity

1. Through a company registered in the commercial register
2. The license issued to him to engage in marketing and entertainment activities must not have been previously suspended or revoked
3. Determining the website or social media to be used in carrying out the e-marketing activity
   Though it mandated license as a prerequisite for practicing product and service promotion, the bylaw excludes people engaged in non-profit activities, like charity or volunteering services, as well as a merchant’s promoting his/her own products or services.