Ship vehicles from China to Oman with GCC 5% duty, GSO conformity certification, and full ROP registration support.

Total taxes are approximately 10.25% of CIF value — one of the lowest in the GCC. Customs duty is a flat 5% of CIF. VAT at 5% is charged on the CIF + customs duty amount (compounded). Electric vehicles are fully exempt from both customs duty and VAT, bringing the total tax burden to 0%.

Oman enforces a 7-year maximum age limit for used passenger vehicle imports, calculated from the year of manufacture. For 2026, this means the car must be a 2019 model year or newer. Some sources indicate ROP may apply a stricter 5-year limit from the first registration date for certain import categories. Enforcement is absolute — vehicles exceeding the age limit cannot be registered with ROP.

No. Oman drives on the right-hand side of the road and ROP strictly prohibits the import and registration of RHD vehicles. This is a firm rule with no exemption pathway except diplomatic or military vehicles.

The SASE or GCC Conformity Certificate is a mandatory document certifying that a vehicle meets GCC technical regulations, including GSO 42:2015, Euro 5 emissions standards, and safety requirements. Must be issued by a GSO-notified body — TÜV Rheinland, TÜV SÜD, SGS, Bureau Veritas, and Intertek are commonly recognised. Process typically takes 2–4 weeks.

As of 2026, BEVs qualify for: 0% customs duty (standard 5% fully waived), 0% VAT on both the vehicle and spare parts, zero ROP registration fees, total effective tax burden of 0%. Over 5,900 EVs were registered in Oman by mid-2026, representing 138% year-on-year growth. 160+ public charging points operational, targeting 350 by 2027.

Step 1 — customs clearance through the Bayan portal (3–5 business days); Step 2 — Fahas technical inspection at an authorised centre; Step 3 — secure third-party motor insurance from an Omani insurer; Step 4 — submit documents at the ROP traffic department or through the eTraffic portal; Step 5 — pay registration fees: OMR 60–100; Step 6 — receive the Mulkiya and Omani license plates. Total: typically 5–7 business days after customs clearance.

Fahas is the mandatory technical inspection programme administered by ROP for all imported vehicles over 3 years old. It covers brakes, suspension, lighting, exhaust emissions (Euro 5 minimum), structural integrity, VIN verification, tyre condition, and odometer accuracy. Fee: OMR 10–20 ($26–$52). If failed, you have 30 days to repair and re-test.

BYD is the fastest-growing, particularly the Yuan Plus (Atto 3) and Seal with the full EV incentive package. Chery has a strong presence with the Tiggo 8 Pro. GAC Motor is well-regarded for the GS8. Zeekr is entering the luxury EV segment with the 001 shooting brake.

Yes, but with important rule changes effective July 1, 2025. ROP now requires an export certificate from the vehicle's country of registration — a clearance certificate is no longer accepted. Vehicles over 3 years old from GCC are treated as used imports and must meet all standard requirements.

Day 1–3 vehicle selection; Day 4–10 procurement; Day 11–18 documentation (GSO/SASE certification, CO, export declaration); Day 19 container loading; Day 20–40 sea transit to Sohar (18–25 days); Day 41–47 customs clearance via Bayan; Day 48 Fahas and insurance; Day 49–52 ROP registration via eTraffic. Total: approximately 7–8 weeks.

While individuals can theoretically clear their own vehicles, a licensed customs broker is strongly recommended and mandatory for commercial imports. Fee: OMR 60–100 ($155–$260) per vehicle. We can connect you with recommended brokers at Sohar, Port Sultan Qaboos, and Salalah.

Third-party liability insurance is mandatory. As of February 2026, a new Unified Motor Insurance Policy took effect, introducing mandatory natural disaster cover (up to OMR 5,000 coverage). Insurance must be secured from an Omani-registered insurer before ROP registration.