H E Dr Abdullah bin Ali al Omari, chairman of Environment Authority, has issued Ministerial Decision No 15/ 2021 to regulate the export of waste.

The decision bans the export of all types of hazardous and non-hazardous waste without obtaining a licence from the Environment Authority.

‘Mixing more than one type of waste in one container or truck is disallowed. Waste that cannot be treated or recycled are exempted from export duty,’ the decision stipulated. 

Companies and shops that produce and deal with hazardous and non-hazardous waste must register with the authority, specifying what is sold and discarded.

The decision also stipulates an administrative fine of no less than RO500 and no more than RO2,000 for those who violate this decision. The fine will be doubled for a repetition of the violation. The decision will be executed in cooperation and coordination with Oman Environment Services Holding Company – be’ah, Royal Oman Police, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, and other concerned authorities.

Waste export licence fees

RO100 to export 1 tonne of used lead acid batteries and lead moulds

RO150 to export 1 tonne of used cooking oil

RO35 to export 1 tonne of electronic and electrical waste

RO35 to export 1 tonne of aluminum, copper, tin and zinc scrap

RO35 to export 1 tonne of scrap metals

RO10 to export 1 tonne of any type of plastic waste

RO20 to export 1 tonne of any type of paper waste 

The decision was issued on January 14 and came into effect a day following its publication in the Official Gazette.