Muscat – Oman has introduced two new national standards for Omani frankincense products, marking another step towards strengthening quality assurance, supporting exporters and enhancing the global reputation of one of the sultanate’s most iconic natural products.

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion announced the adoption of two Omani Standards: OS 1660, covering the Essential Oil of Omani Frankincense, and OS 1661, which sets specifications for Distilled Omani Frankincense Water used in cosmetic products.

The new standards are designed to harmonise technical requirements, ensure consistent product quality, strengthen consumer and market confidence, and improve the competitiveness of Omani products in regional and international markets.

Frankincense has been an integral part of Oman’s history and economy for thousands of years. Produced mainly from the Boswellia sacra trees that grow naturally in Dhofar, Omani frankincense is internationally recognised for its distinctive aroma and high quality. Today, it is widely used in perfumes, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, aromatherapy and wellness products, making quality assurance increasingly important as global demand continues to grow.

Under OS 1660, manufacturers of Omani frankincense essential oil must comply with a comprehensive set of technical requirements covering the product’s physical and chemical characteristics. The standard also establishes specifications for packaging and storage to preserve product quality throughout the supply chain.

In addition, it requires verification of the oil’s chemical composition to ensure authenticity and consistency while setting clear labelling and warning requirements that provide consumers with accurate product information and promote safe use.

Meanwhile, OS 1661 focuses on distilled Omani frankincense water intended for cosmetic applications. The standard specifies quality and purity requirements to ensure products meet recognised safety and performance criteria.

It also outlines packaging and storage conditions, sets permissible limits for contaminants and establishes labelling requirements that help improve transparency for consumers and facilitate compliance with local and international market regulations.

The adoption of these standards reflects Oman’s broader efforts to develop internationally competitive national products through standardisation and quality infrastructure. By introducing unified technical specifications, the standards are expected to support manufacturers, exporters and small and medium enterprises by providing a recognised framework for production and quality control, the ministry stated. 

The move is also expected to enhance the international marketability of Omani frankincense products, particularly as consumers increasingly seek premium natural ingredients with verified quality and traceability.

With global demand for natural fragrances, essential oils and botanical cosmetics continuing to expand, the new standards position Omani frankincense producers to compete more effectively while preserving the authenticity and heritage of one of the Sultanate’s most celebrated natural treasures.