Muscat – The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) has seized products, which used the sultanate’s official emblems without obtaining a licence.

A statement issued by MoCIIP said, ‘Some commercial establishments and accounts on social networking sites are using the National Emblem of the Sultanate of Oman (khanjar and two swords) and the Royal Emblem (crown, khnajar and two swords) on various commercial products without obtaining a licence.’

The commercial use of the National Emblem, the Royal Emblem, the Omani khanjar, and the sultanate’s map on various commercial products without obtaining necessary approvals is in violation of the law.

MoCIIP has called on all commercial establishments wishing to use the National Emblem on their products or advertisements to submit their applications to the ministry to get the necessary approval. MoCIIP confirms that it will continue to conduct inspection campaigns to monitor the market and take all necessary legal measures against violators.

An MoCIIP statement said, ‘Using the National Emblem or the Royal Emblem without a licence is contrary to Royal Decree No 53/2004 on the Law of National Flag, Emblem and Anthem.’

According to the law, ‘It is prohibited to use the emblem as a commercial brand, or for the use of commercial marketing and advertising. It is also prohibited to use the emblem on jewellery, products or instruments that are produced locally, or imported, without advance permission from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion.”