Muscat – The Environment Authority (EA) has issued executive regulations for the Law Regulating Trade in Wildlife, introducing stricter controls on the possession, import and export of wildlife and endangered species.
The regulations were issued under Decision No 281/2025 by Dr Abdullah al Amri, Chairman of EA, on December 16 and come into effect on Monday.
Under the regulations, anyone in possession of wildlife or endangered wildlife should provide legal documentation proving lawful ownership. Possession without valid documents will be considered a violation of the law.
All wildlife specimens imported into, exported from, stored for export or transiting through the sultanate will be subject to health, veterinary and agricultural quarantine procedures, in addition to customs regulations enforced by the competent authorities.
The regulations also provide for the formation of a specialised committee to oversee implementation. Committee members must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in a field related to plants, animals or marine organisms, and have a minimum of two years’ experience in preparing scientific studies and reports.
The committee will conduct studies on the impact of trade on protected species, assess environmental risks related to imports and exports, and determine annual quotas for each species. It will also recommend standards to ensure that trade does not harm wildlife populations, propose suitable facilities for confiscated specimens, and provide scientific advice on their handling and protection.
The committee will meet once a year under normal circumstances, with extraordinary meetings convened when necessary. Decisions will be taken by majority vote, provided a quorum is met.
The regulations require prior approval for the import of endangered wildlife, supported by detailed information on the specimen and documentation confirming artificial breeding or propagation, where applicable.
Licence holders must comply with the quantities and purposes specified in their permits, maintain a special register of wildlife holdings, and follow all instructions issued by the administrative authority. Wildlife may not be released outside approved locations, and licensees must ensure safe housing and proper care, while preventing escape or harm.
Importers are required to register wildlife, including endangered species, with the administrative authority within seven days of entry into Oman. The regulations prohibit breeding endangered wildlife for re-export and ban hybridisation without prior approval.
The import or export of samples is permitted only through designated entry and exit points, including land border crossings at Dibba, Al Darah, Khatm al Shiklah, Al Wajajah, Al Mazyunah and Rub al Khali; seaports at Khasab, Suhar and Salalah; and airports at Muscat and Salalah.
Penalties for violations include warnings, temporary suspension of licences for up to 30 days, fines of up to RO1,000 and cancellation of licences.
