Muscat – New regulations have been introduced to protect the ozone layer, tightening controls on ozone-depleting substances and their alternatives, with businesses facing administrative fines of up to RO2,000 for violations.

Decision No 173/2026, issued by Dr Abdullah bin Ali Al Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority (EA), was published in the Official Gazette on October 11 and came into force on October 12.

The Regulation on the Protection of the Ozone Layer establishes controls governing the import, export, re-export, use and disposal of controlled substances, as well as equipment that relies on these.

The rules cover refrigeration and air-conditioning units, freezers, water coolers, ice-making machines, aerosol products and fire-fighting systems, in addition to ozone-depleting substances and their alternatives.

Under the regulation, businesses must obtain prior approval from EA before importing, exporting or re-exporting controlled substances. Importers must also comply with quotas established by the EA.

Companies handling these substances are required to submit annual reports detailing the quantities involved, ensure that cylinders and containers are properly labelled, retain invoices documenting the source of materials and comply with prescribed phase-out schedules.

The regulation prohibits the import or export of controlled substances without the required permits. It also restricts the import of used equipment that relies on controlled substances and trade with countries that are not parties to the Montreal Protocol.

The disposal of controlled substances and related equipment requires prior authorisation from the authority.

Administrative fines for violations range from RO100 to RO2,000, with fines doubling for repeat offences.

The regulation strengthens Oman’s framework for managing ozone-depleting substances and supports its commitments to international environmental agreements.

GCC environmental ministers discuss regional priorities

Meanwhile, Oman participated in the 28th meeting of the GCC Committee of Ministers Responsible for Environmental Affairs in Manama, Bahrain, with Al Amri representing the sultanate.

The meeting discussed regional environmental priorities, including the committee’s action plan through 2030, the proposed Gulf Environmental Performance Index, biodiversity conservation, the Green Middle East Initiative and the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer.

Ministers also reviewed international environmental issues, including preparations for the eighth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly, negotiations on a legally binding international instrument on plastic pollution, maritime carbon emissions and the early monitoring of emerging environmental challenges.

Oman’s proposal to strengthen GCC cooperation in responding to marine oil pollution incidents was also considered. The meeting recommended that the GCC General Secretariat organise a meeting between Oman and the GCC Emergency Management Centre to study the proposal and explore ways to strengthen joint response mechanisms.