MUSCAT : His Excellency Sulayem Ali Al Hakmani, Chairman of the CPA, inaugurated the Consumer Protection Office at Sohar Port on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, marking a significant step in enhancing regulatory oversight at critical entry points.

The event was attended by Dr. Abdulhakim Abdullah Al Ghilani, Director General of the Authority’s department in North Al Batinah Governorate, along with officials from government and civil entities and representatives from Port Management.

The new office is designed to expedite regulatory procedures by strengthening coordination among relevant authorities through co-location. This approach allows for rapid response to observations, immediate handling of issues, and swift legal action against detected violations. The initiative aims to improve the efficiency of monitoring and initial inspection of goods entering Sohar Port, ensuring compliance with approved standards, safety regulations, and the Consumer Protection Law.

By preventing the entry of non-compliant or counterfeit goods, the office reinforces consumer health and safety. It will also maintain a precise database of goods, promote compliance with applicable laws, and strengthen partnerships with related institutions. The establishment represents a qualitative addition to the Authority’s efforts in North Al Batinah Governorate, monitoring goods and supply chains before reaching local markets.

The initiative supports the creation of a safe and stable commercial environment, aligns with the governorate’s economic growth, and enhances consumer confidence in the quality of goods and services. It also reflects collaboration between the Authority and Oman Global Container Terminal Company at Sohar Port, highlighting the ongoing partnership between government and private sector in line with Oman Vision 2040.

On the sidelines of the inauguration, His Excellency the Chairman conducted a field visit to markets in North Al Batinah Governorate, reviewing regulatory workflows and monitoring efforts to ensure compliance by commercial establishments with applicable laws and standards.

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