Muscat – More than 1,000 smuggling cases were recorded in Oman in 2025, a 10% increase from the previous year, as authorities intensified measures to combat illicit trade and strengthen border security, a senior customs official said.
Brig Gen Said bin Khamis al Ghaithi, Director General of Customs, said the increase reflects stronger monitoring and enforcement at border crossings.
“Customs today is an integrated risk management system that plays a fundamental role in protecting society and facilitating legitimate trade,” he said.
Brig Gen Ghaithi added that Omani customs has evolved from a purely regulatory authority into a partner supporting trade and investment while safeguarding national security. This shift was underpinned by tighter controls aimed at preventing the entry of prohibited goods that pose risks to public safety.
These measures are supported by an electronic risk management system under the Bayan platform, which relies on advance cargo information, databases and risk indicators to identify high-risk shipments.
Customs officers handled more than 1,000 smuggling cases during the year, underscoring what officials described as heightened vigilance against smuggling in all its forms. The objective, Brig Gen Ghaithi said, is to ensure a safe environment for citizens and investors.
At the same time, customs procedures have been streamlined to support economic diversification and trade growth. Non-oil exports rose 1% in 2025, while imports increased 13%, reflecting higher trade volumes.
Clearance times fell to record levels, averaging one minute and 36 seconds at land ports, one minute and 25 seconds at seaports, and one minute and 55 seconds at airports. Officials said the reductions strengthened the logistics sector and reinforced Oman’s role as a regional trade and re-export hub.
Among key initiatives, Brig Gen Ghaithi highlighted the Bayan system, which has been integrated with several government entities. Artificial intelligence is being introduced in risk management, customs valuation and post-clearance audits, alongside big data analysis to support decision-making.
Other measures include pre-clearance services, allowing procedures to be completed before goods arrive, and the Authorised Economic Operator programme, which deepens cooperation with compliant companies. The Secure Customs Corridor now links ports and airports with free and economic zones such as Duqm, Suhar and Salalah, while also supporting the International Road Transport system.
Digital transformation enabled customs to process more than 1.29mn declarations in 2025 without easing control standards. Over 140,000 government permits were issued through the Single Window system, with some processed in as little as 16 seconds.
These improvements contributed to a 9% increase in customs revenue, Brig Gen Ghaithi said, adding that staff training remains a priority to ensure effective use of advanced systems.
Customs is preparing to launch its third five-year strategy for 2026–2030, focusing on AI, proactive security, institutional development and environmental sustainability.
Brig Gen Ghaithi urged traders and travellers to comply with customs procedures and declare goods accurately, saying cooperation is essential to smooth trade flows and protecting the economy.
