Resolution No. 281/2025 issuing the Executive Regulations of the Law regulating Trade in Wildlife.

These Regulations, comprising 29 articles, provide as general rules the following (i) anyone possessing a specimen of wildlife or endangered wildlife must provide legal documentation proving lawful possession; otherwise, the possession is considered illegal; (ii) any specimen that is imported, exported, stored for export, or transiting through the territory of the Sultanate of Oman is subject to applicable health, veterinary, and agricultural quarantine procedures and regulations, as well as customs regulations enforced by the competent authorities; (iii) during the transport of wildlife and endangered wildlife, the guidelines established by the Convention, the International Air Transport Association, and relevant animal welfare legislation must be followed to minimize the risk of injury, adverse health effects, or cruel treatment; (iv) authorized administrative authority personnel have the powers of judicial officers to monitor, inspect, and enter all sites belonging to the licensee that are connected to the license, and to review the issued licenses, supporting documents, records, and the activities conducted therein.
Chapter 2 addresses the Scientific Authority established under Article 3 of the Law, defining the criteria for appointing its members, as well as its functions and operating procedures. Members are required to hold at least a bachelor’s degree in relevant biological fields and have a minimum of two years’ experience in scientific research and reporting. The Authority is tasked with conducting studies on the impact of trade in listed species, assessing environmental risks associated with import and export, setting annual trade quotas, establishing standards to protect wildlife and endangered species, proposing suitable shelters for confiscated specimens, providing scientific advice, and recommending protective measures or temporary trade bans when necessary. The Regulations also outline procedural aspects, including meeting schedules and voting rules, and empower the Authority to request any information needed from relevant authorities.
Chapter 3 sets out the functions of the Administrative Authority and establishes the conditions, rules, and procedures governing the licensing of activities related to wildlife and endangered wildlife. The Authority is responsible for issuing licenses for import, export, re-export, introduction from the sea, artificial propagation, and breeding, to ensure species protection and sustainability, and it may adjust approved quantities where required in the public interest. Licensing is mandatory for all such activities involving specimens listed under the Convention, and applications must be submitted using prescribed forms accompanied by the relevant supporting documents, which vary depending on the activity and may include certificates of origin, import or export documentation, permits for collection or possession, and proof of commercial registration where applicable. Additional requirements apply to propagation and breeding activities, including site plans, evidence of appropriate land use, and detailed technical proposals, while stricter prior authorization is required for specimens listed in Appendix I of the Convention. Endangered species applications also require documentation from the relevant exporting or importing authorities, and, where applicable, vessel registration details for introduction from the sea. For industrial propagation or breeding, preliminary approval is granted to enable site preparation, followed by inspection and final approval once compliance is verified and any required external approvals are obtained. Licenses may be revoked if they are found to have been issued based on incorrect information or documentation.
Chapter 4 sets out the obligations and prohibitions applicable to licensees. They are required to comply strictly with the terms of their licenses, including the specified types and quantities of specimens and the permitted purpose, maintain a detailed register, and ensure that wildlife is not harmed or subjected to mistreatment. Licensees must also prevent the escape of specimens, keep them in appropriate conditions, and notify the authorities in case of loss, while imported specimens must be registered within seven days of entry into the Sultanate of Oman. Further restrictions include a prohibition on breeding imported endangered wildlife for re-export and on carrying out hybridization without prior authorization. Licensees engaged in artificial propagation or breeding are additionally required to operate only at the approved site, implement effective specimen tracking systems, display the license prominently, and refrain from any genetic modification without prior approval.
Article 28 specifies the designated points of entry and exit for specimens, which include land border crossings, seaports, and airports. Article 29 stipulates that, in the event of a confirmed violation, the President or their designee may impose administrative penalties on the violator, including a warning, suspension of the license for up to thirty days, a fine, or revocation of the license. In the Appendix are listed the fees to the Executive Regulations governing trade in wildlife.