Muscat: The National Team for Combating Illicit Trade (NTT) has taken action against 410 companies found violating trade regulations
The inspections covered 581 commercial companies operating in Muscat, Dhofar, and North Al Batinah — regions selected due to their high concentration of commercial records. Muscat alone registered 20,244 records, followed by North Al Batinah with 16,094 and Dhofar with 10,290.
Administrative penalties were issued against 410 establishments, while 77 companies responded to audit requirements by submitting key documentation such as bank statements and lease contracts — bringing the compliance response rate to 13.2%.
Nasra bint Sultan Al Habsi, Director General of Commerce at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion and Head of the National Taskforce, stressed the campaign’s purpose: eliminating hidden trade, restoring market fairness, and boosting investor confidence. She highlighted that unchecked practices such as misuse of licenses, tax evasion, and labour violations pose serious threats to the national economy and fair competition.
The audit targeted 106 commercial activities, particularly those restricted from foreign investment, with limited exemptions granted to sectors like tailoring, car repairs, salons, and veterinary services — provided the businesses are over five years old.
This enforcement follows Ministerial Resolution No. 412/2023, which is being implemented in collaboration with several government bodies, including the Royal Oman Police, the Ministry of Labour, the Central Bank of Oman, and the Tax Authority.
According to Al Habsi, the campaign began with regulatory groundwork and coordination meetings, leading to on-ground inspections and public awareness efforts. A visual guide to the campaign was launched in November 2023, followed by an online reporting platform for citizens to flag commercial violations.
Looking ahead, the national team plans to expand public education, publish periodic updates on inspection outcomes, and convene a follow-up meeting to assess progress, address challenges, and refine implementation strategies.
