The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion ( MoCIIP) recently issued Ministerial Decree No. 619/2022, a by-law that aims to regulate the marketing and promotion of goods and services through websites and social media platforms.
The Ministerial Decree stipulates that individuals must apply for a licence through the Ministry before promoting products or services on online websites and social media platforms with or without charge.
Licensees will have to adhere to a set of guidelines when engaging in the promotional activities online.
The guidelines prohibit the promotion of counterfeit goods and unlicensed projects , in addition to the promotion of tobacco and smoking in all forms and methods of consumption.
The guidelines will also prohibit the infringement of intellectual property within the promotional materials.
Permittees must display their licence number during the activity, and avoid the spread of rumours and misleading news. In addition to promoting content in a clear and unambiguous manner, without exaggeration.
Failure to adhere to the guidelines might result in a warning, a fine not exceeding RO 1000, a suspension of the licence for a period no longer than a year, or the termination of the licence.
Exceptions to the Ministerial Decree include promotional activities of non-profit practices, such as charity or voluntary work, and the marketing of goods or services by traders and service providers.
According to the Ministry, interested applicants may apply to obtain a licence from the Department of Commercial Affairs and E-Commerce at the Ministry.
Approved applicants will be informed within 15 days of receiving their complete application , and the licence will last for 3 years and will be subject to renewal.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
