Muscat: Imad bin Khamis Al-Shukaili, Director General of Specifications and Metrology at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, highlighted the sector’s qualitative initiatives, including the launch of the Standardization and Quality Strategy (2026-2030), expansion of the electronic platform for standardization services, and new specifications for water meters, smart bricks, and precast ceilings.
The surge in revenues is largely attributed to the Hazm platform, Oman’s advanced digital conformity system, which has streamlined certification processes and expanded compliance checks. In 2024, 254 Omani conformity certificates were approved, while 19 conformity assessment bodies were registered for energy efficiency standards and 14 for low-voltage electrical equipment safety.
Additionally, the Oman Business platform has facilitated 13,526 conformity certification permits in 2024 alone, contributing to economic efficiency and sustainability by reducing reliance on imports. The number of product release permits dropped from 6.3 million in 2020 to just 22,005 in 2024, signaling the success of national policies in balancing the local market.
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Oman’s commitment to high-quality standards extends to calibration and product verification. The National Center for Measurement and Calibration has verified 3,355 devices and calibrated 2,539 measuring tools, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. A mobile laboratory has also been introduced to verify fuel pumps, guaranteeing accuracy in fuel quantity measurements.
Over the past year, the Directorate adopted 1,000 new standard specifications, bringing the total to 4,635 specifications, reinforcing Oman’s global competitiveness. A total of 227 conformity assessment bodies—including laboratories and inspection entities—have been registered, with 55 assessors deployed for private laboratory evaluations.
Looking ahead, Oman will implement a market survey plan for 2025, expanding its quality management systems to ensure regulatory compliance across industries. Plans are also in place to provide training for SMEs on standardization requirements and enhance intellectual property protections, following a successful collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
