As a part of the Sultanate of Oman’s ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency, competitiveness and transparency of logistics services, and to ensure a speedy flow of goods through the country’s various ports, the Ministry of Transport recently issued a circular urging the shipping industry to adopt new digital technology more extensively. The circular mandates shipping lines and their agents to share data with the Customs Bayan Single Window system through an electronic data interface.
From June 1st 2020, all shipping companies and agents must submit goods manifest documents listing details of cargo contents to Customs at least 48 hours before the arrival of the vessel at the relevant port in Oman. In the event that the sailing time is less than 48 hours, the manifest must be submitted immediately upon the departure of the vessel from its last port of call before reaching its destination in Oman. The circular also requires shipping lines to issue an arrival notice to customers two days before vessel arrival.
The Ministry of Transport says that the implementation of the circular will not only facilitate pre-arrival risk analysis and cargo clearance processes by the Directorate General of Customs, but it will also facilitate trade, reduce logistics cost and shorten lead times of private sector supply chains.
The Ministry of Transport has further called on shipping agents and freight forwarders to provide services on a daily basis, around the clock, including official holidays. This, it says, will ensure the continuous operation of logistics services in the Sultanate and facilitate clearance of international shipments.
Source: https://www.themaritimestandard.com/oman-steps-up-trade-digitalisation/