MUSCAT — The logistics sector in the Sultanate of Oman is undergoing continuous development, with the Directorate General of Customs playing a central role in enhancing trade flows, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening the country’s competitiveness at regional and global levels.

Officials said Customs has been advancing digital transformation, upgrading procedures, and boosting human resource efficiency to ensure faster and more flexible movement of goods while maintaining compliance with international standards for inspection, control, and supply chain security.

At the core of this transformation is the Bayan system, a comprehensive electronic platform linking 74 government entities and offering more than 490 digital services to businesses without requiring physical visits to customs ports. The system includes pre-clearance services, electronic payment, cargo splitting, risk management tools, and advanced inspection technologies to detect prohibited and counterfeit goods.

Authorities said the integration of customs data with other government and logistics systems has improved transparency, reduced operational risks, and enabled real-time monitoring of customs operations, significantly accelerating decision-making and cargo release times.

Infrastructure upgrades at major ports, including Sohar Port, have further strengthened trade efficiency through advanced electronic risk-based inspection systems and improved audit mechanisms, enhancing Oman’s performance in cross-border trade indicators.

Customs has also introduced key logistics initiatives such as the secure customs corridor, which connects ports with free zones and warehouses, cutting time and costs by up to 50 percent, officials said.

Additional measures include tax-exempt investment warehouses supporting storage and re-export activities, and the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, which strengthens public-private partnerships and improves compliance across supply chains.

The activation of the electronic air waybill system and the International Road Transport (TIR) framework has further streamlined transit trade by reducing border delays and improving connectivity with global markets.

The authority has also updated tariff structures in line with international standards, simplified goods classification, and expanded training programs to enhance staff efficiency and ensure compliance with global customs regulations.

Officials said these reforms reflect a broader strategic partnership between the public and private sectors aimed at positioning Oman as a competitive regional logistics hub.