The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) on Monday asked all commercial firms to take its permission before using official emblems in their products as well as not tamper with the identity of Omani dishdashas, mussars and kummas.
In this regard, MoCI has seized several military uniforms sold in markets in violation of the Ministerial Decision No 270/2015. The Directorate General of Commerce and Industry in North Batinah in Sohar too has seized several products containing the official emblems of the country.
In a statement, MoCI said that it has initiated legal actions against violating businesses and individuals. “We warn commercial establishments and companies against the illegal use of Royal Emblem (crown, khanjar and two swords) and the national emblem (khanjar and two swords), as well as the Omani khanjar and the sultanate’s map on commercial products, as a trademark, commercial advertisement or on locally made or imported jewellery, products or other goods without prior permission from us,” MoCI said.
The ministry said that the use of the Oman’s emblem or Royal Emblem without a licence is contrary to Royal Decree 53/2004 on the Law of National Flag, Emblem and Anthem.
The Royal Decree stipulates several penalties for violators. “Article 15 imposes fines against violating shops in the case of using the emblem without a licence and ensures confiscation of materials, without prejudice to any heavier punishment stipulated in any other law.”
Earlier too, the ministry had seized several products containing the Royal Emblem (crown, khanjar and two swords) and the national emblem (khanjar and two swords) in various governorates of the sultanate, through inspections carried out in cooperation with the ROP and Public Prosecution. The seized products comprised khanjars, swords, sticks, mussars, shawls, watches and rings.
MoCI also said that it would take legal action against anyone found tampering with the identity of the Omani clothes such as the dishdasha, mussar and kumma. “We warn companies against any form of infringement of Omani identity and not to sell or import such products in any way.”
MoCI said, “Ministerial Decision No 270/2015 prohibits the import of readymade garments, fabrics, textiles, shoes and all goods containing images, slogans, offensive or obscene words that violate public order and morality, as well as those which affect laws or contain images, logos or phrases related to any terrorist organisation.
“It prohibits the promotion of such goods by any means whatsoever, as well as bans the import of military or similar clothes and their accessories, and the import, design or infringement of traditional Omani clothing or making any amendments that offend the Omani identity.”
The decision imposes strict penalties on anyone found violating the Omani traditional costume standards.
“Anyone who contravenes the provisions of this decision shall be punished by an administrative fine not exceeding RO500 and an administrative fine not exceeding RO1,000 in the case of violation for the second time with the suspension of the licence for three months.
“An administrative fine not exceeding RO3,000 shall be imposed if the offence is repeated for the third time and the licence will be removed from the commercial register.”
The ministry has called upon all commercial establishments wishing to use official emblems in their products to take official permission as well as not violate the Omani costume specifications.
“We request everyone to contact us through our website, social media channels or offices for providing information on any irregularities in this regard.”
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