SAUDI ARABIA
Since November 2019
Pillar Public procurement of ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Exclusion from public procurement
Cabinet Resolution No. 245 of 03/29/1441 AH on the Regulations on Preference for Local Content and Local SMEs and Companies Listed on the Capital Market in Business and Procurement Transactions
Saudi Arabia applies a “Mandatory List” of national products in government procurement. Under the Regulations on Preference for Local Content and Local SMEs and Companies Listed on the Capital Market, the Mandatory List is defined as a list of national products issued and regularly updated by the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority (LCGPA) (Art. 1) and made available on the LCGPA website. Government entities shall require bidders to source the products in the Mandatory List locally (Arts. 4(1) and 7(1)). In practice, foreign suppliers cannot offer imported products in categories covered by the Mandatory List and must either source listed items from Saudi manufacturers or localise production (e.g. through joint ventures or local manufacturing), otherwise their bids may be rejected or their supplies refused for non-compliance.
Coverage Horizontal
SAUDI ARABIA
Since April 2018
Pillar Public procurement of ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Surrender of patents, source code or trade secrets to win public tenders/Restrictions on technology standards for public tenders
Regulations for Licensing of Telecommunications and Information Technology Equipment
تنظيمات تراخيص أجهزة الاتصالات وتقنية المعلومات
تنظيمات تراخيص أجهزة الاتصالات وتقنية المعلومات
Art. 11.9 of the Regulations for Importation and Licensing of Telecommunications and Information Technology Equipment provides a general requirement to disclose details of encryption systems contained in ICT equipment being imported, including equipment imported for government public procurement.
Coverage ICT Equipment
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231004001857/https://www.tamimi.com/law-update-articles/special-delivery-importation-of-it-and-telecoms-equipment-into-saudi-arabia/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241119193847/https://www.cst.gov.sa/en/RulesandSystems/RegulatoryDocuments/EquipmentApproval/Documents/TA117E.PDF?TSPD_101_R0=088678e514ab20002b9cf7270f17527007f7f3877a8c...
SAUDI ARABIA
Since July 2019, entry into force in December 2019
Since May 2019, last amended in June 2020
Since May 2019, last amended in June 2020
Pillar Public procurement of ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Other limitations on foreign participation in public procurement
Royal Decree No. M/128 dated 13/11/1440 AH on Government Tenders and Procurement Law
Ministerial Decision No. 3479/1441 Implementing Regulations of the Government Tenders and Procurement Law (Executive Regulations)
Ministerial Decision No. 3479/1441 Implementing Regulations of the Government Tenders and Procurement Law (Executive Regulations)
Art. 35 of the Government Tenders and Procurement Law provides that government contracts may include knowledge transfer obligations, encompassing both practical and theoretical skills. Art. 58 of Ministerial Decision No. 3479/1441 (Implementing Regulations) further allows the competent authority to conclude contracts aimed at industry localisation and knowledge transfer, provided this does not result in monopolisation and takes account of technological and industrial developments. The authority must, in coordination with the Center of Spending Efficiency (CSE) and relevant bodies, prepare a feasibility study, obtain ministerial approval, and then develop the tender documents and contract forms. The resulting agreement must also specify, in coordination with the beneficiaries, the quantities or proportions of localised products or knowledge that government entities commit to purchase.
Coverage Horizontal
SAUDI ARABIA
ITA signatory?
I
II
Pillar Tariffs and trade defence measures applied on ICT goods |
Indicator Effective tariff rate on ICT goods (applied weighted average)
Effective tariff rate to ICT goods (applied weighted average)
3.01%
Coverage rate of zero-tariffs on ICT goods (%)
33.76%
Coverage: ICT goods
Sources
- http://wits.worldbank.org/WITS/
- https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/brief_ita_e.htm#:~:text=ITA%20participants%3A%20Australia%3B%20Bahrain%3B,%3B%20Jordan%3B%20Korea%2C%20Rep.
- https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/booksp_e/ita20years_2017_full_e.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20220120054410/https://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2016/april/tradoc_154430.pdf
- https://www.kommerskollegium.se/globalassets/publikationer/rapporter/2024/advancing-the-green-transition.pdf
SAUDI ARABIA
N/A
Pillar Tariffs and trade defence measures applied on ICT goods |
Indicator Participation in the WTO Information Technology Agreement (ITA) and 2015 expansion (ITA II)
Lack of participation in the Information Technology Agreement Expansion Agreement (ITA II)
Saudi Arabia is a signatory of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Information Technology Agreement (ITA) of 1996 but is not a signatory of its 2015 expansion (ITA II).
Coverage ICT goods
Sources
- https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/brief_ita_e.htm#:~:text=ITA%20participants%3A%20Australia%3B%20Bahrain%3B,%3B%20Jordan%3B%20Korea%2C%20Rep.
- https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/booksp_e/ita20years_2017_full_e.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20220120054410/https://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2016/april/tradoc_154430.pdf
- https://www.kommerskollegium.se/globalassets/publikationer/rapporter/2024/advancing-the-green-transition.pdf
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OMAN
N/A
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Ratification of the UN Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts
Lack of signature of the UN Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts
Oman has not signed the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts.
Coverage Horizontal
OMAN
Since 2008
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce
UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce
Oman has adopted national legislation based on or influenced by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Commerce.
Coverage Horizontal
OMAN
Since 2008
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Signatures
UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Signatures
Oman has adopted national legislation based on or influenced by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Signatures.
Coverage Horizontal
OMAN
Since November 2007
Since 2000
Since 2000
Pillar Technical standards applied to ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Self-certification for product safety
Gulf Technical Regulation for Low Voltage Electrical Equipment and Appliances – BD-142004-01
(اللائحة الفنية الخليجية للأجهزة والمعدات الكهربائية منخفضة الجهد (-142004-01BD))
Omani Quality Mark and Certificate of Conformity Regulations
(قرار وزاري رقم ١٩٠ / ٢٠٢١ بإصدار اللائحة الفنية لنظام المطابقة)
(اللائحة الفنية الخليجية للأجهزة والمعدات الكهربائية منخفضة الجهد (-142004-01BD))
Omani Quality Mark and Certificate of Conformity Regulations
(قرار وزاري رقم ١٩٠ / ٢٠٢١ بإصدار اللائحة الفنية لنظام المطابقة)
According to the GSO Technical Regulation for Low Voltage Electrical Equipment and Appliances – BD-142004-01, which includes an amendment and an update of the first edition, number (BD07070503) was implemented in 2007. Electrical appliances designed to be used in a certain rated voltage range must be sold bearing the G mark after being certified by the GCC Notified Body.
Products that fall under List 1 under the Regulation are low-risk; thus, a self-declaration form prepared by the manufacturer can be made by affixing the “G” before placing the product on the market. Products that fall under List 2 are higher-risk electrical products, which will undergo mandatory Type testing and review of the product's Technical File to verify conformity before authorisation is granted to affix the “G” mark before placing the product onto the market.
However, for List 2 products, manufacturers must choose a single Notified Body (NB) entity to examine the technical design of a product and verify that the technical design of the product meets the requirements of the applicable Gulf Technical Regulations and for the issuance of an evaluation report with a Gulf Type Examination certificate and shall be issued a certificate from the NB.
Moreover, according to Art. 1 of the Omani Quality Mark and Certificate of Conformity Regulations, a non-Omani Supplier's Declaration of Conformity, as long as it abides by the provisions of the regulation are accepted.
Products that fall under List 1 under the Regulation are low-risk; thus, a self-declaration form prepared by the manufacturer can be made by affixing the “G” before placing the product on the market. Products that fall under List 2 are higher-risk electrical products, which will undergo mandatory Type testing and review of the product's Technical File to verify conformity before authorisation is granted to affix the “G” mark before placing the product onto the market.
However, for List 2 products, manufacturers must choose a single Notified Body (NB) entity to examine the technical design of a product and verify that the technical design of the product meets the requirements of the applicable Gulf Technical Regulations and for the issuance of an evaluation report with a Gulf Type Examination certificate and shall be issued a certificate from the NB.
Moreover, according to Art. 1 of the Omani Quality Mark and Certificate of Conformity Regulations, a non-Omani Supplier's Declaration of Conformity, as long as it abides by the provisions of the regulation are accepted.
Coverage Electrical goods
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230922092719/https://www.gso.org.sa/en/conformity/gcc-conformity-assessment-scheme/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241111151555/http://www.ktc.re.kr/download/KTC_G_Mark_Manufacturer_Guidance_v3.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240927185116/https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/acc_e/omn_e/WTACCOMN25A1_LEG_7.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241208022053/https://ib-lenhardt.com/type-approval/oman
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OMAN
Since March 2002, last amended in 2015
Pillar Technical standards applied to ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Restrictions on encryption standards
Royal Decree No. (30/2002) Telecommunications Regulatory Act
مرسوم سلطاني رقم ٣٠ / ٢٠٠٢ بإصدار قانون تنظيم الاتصالات
مرسوم سلطاني رقم ٣٠ / ٢٠٠٢ بإصدار قانون تنظيم الاتصالات
The country’s Telecommunications Regulatory Act (Art. 48) requires a license from the Minister in order to utilise encryption in telecommunications or between computer networks. The license determines who may operate, the conditions of operating, fees imposed for the issue of the license, and control of the encryption key.
Coverage Telecommunications sector
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20220901035115/https://tra.gov.om/pdf/telecom-act-2015-english.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241111152135/https://www.gp-digital.org/world-map-of-encryption/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230110164013/https://www.dataguidance.com/sites/default/files/royal-decree-no-302002-telecommunications-royal-decree-no-302002-telecommunications.pdf
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OMAN
Since March 2002, last amended in 2015
Since March 2008
Since March 2008
Pillar Technical standards applied to ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Restrictions on encryption standards
Telecommunications Regulatory Act (Royal Decree 30/2002)
(مرسوم سلطاني رقم ٣٠ / ٢٠٠٢ بإصدار قانون تنظيم الاتصالات)
Decision No. 37/2008 - Rules for importing, exporting, re-exporting and usage of Encryption Systems and Equipment
هيئة تنظيم الاتصالات: قرار رقم ٣٧ / ٢٠٠٨ ضوابط استيراد وتصدير وإعادة تصدير واستخدام أنظمة وأجهزة التشفير
(مرسوم سلطاني رقم ٣٠ / ٢٠٠٢ بإصدار قانون تنظيم الاتصالات)
Decision No. 37/2008 - Rules for importing, exporting, re-exporting and usage of Encryption Systems and Equipment
هيئة تنظيم الاتصالات: قرار رقم ٣٧ / ٢٠٠٨ ضوابط استيراد وتصدير وإعادة تصدير واستخدام أنظمة وأجهزة التشفير
Pursuant to the Telecommunications Regulatory Act, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority issued Decision No. 37/2008. In accordance with Arts. 4 and 5, dealing in encryption systems or equipment should only be permitted after obtaining the Authority’s approval. The following are required to obtain the Authority’s approval to deal with encryption systems or equipment:
- Registration with the Authority to deal in encryption systems or equipment;
- Submission of a statement showing the type and specifications of all encryption systems or equipment intended to deal in;
- A sample of the encryption system or equipment intended to be dealt with whenever requested by the Authority. Where samples are submitted, the Authority may retain them in whole or in part if the work interest so requires;
- Information as requested by the Authority regarding the dealing user;
In addition, the Authority may scrutinise and inspect the encryption systems or equipment before licensing their usage, and it may, whenever necessary, retain a sample and obtain the key (Art. 9).
- Registration with the Authority to deal in encryption systems or equipment;
- Submission of a statement showing the type and specifications of all encryption systems or equipment intended to deal in;
- A sample of the encryption system or equipment intended to be dealt with whenever requested by the Authority. Where samples are submitted, the Authority may retain them in whole or in part if the work interest so requires;
- Information as requested by the Authority regarding the dealing user;
In addition, the Authority may scrutinise and inspect the encryption systems or equipment before licensing their usage, and it may, whenever necessary, retain a sample and obtain the key (Art. 9).
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20220901035115/https://tra.gov.om/pdf/telecom-act-2015-english.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20220119211327/https://tra.gov.om/pdf/telecom-act-2015-english.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230110164013/https://www.dataguidance.com/sites/default/files/royal-decree-no-302002-telecommunications-royal-decree-no-302002-telecommunications.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230924061140/https://qanoon.om/p/2002/rd2002030/
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OMAN
Since September 2023
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Licensing scheme for e-commerce providers
Ministerial Decision No. 2023/499 on the Issuance of the Electronic Commerce Regulations
قرار وزاري رقم ٢٠٢٣/٤٩٩ بإصدار اللائحة التنظيمية للتجارة الإلكترونية
قرار وزاري رقم ٢٠٢٣/٤٩٩ بإصدار اللائحة التنظيمية للتجارة الإلكترونية
According to Art. 2 of Ministerial Decision No. 499/2023 issuing the Electronic Commerce Regulations, e-commerce activities may only be carried out upon obtaining a licence from the Department of Commercial Affairs and E-Commerce at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion. Under Arts. 3 and 8 of the Decision, commercial companies engaging in e-commerce must be registered in the Omani commercial register and have their place of business for conducting e-commerce at the address specified in that register.
Art. 1(4) defines “e-commerce” as any economic activity conducted between the licensee and the consumer through electronic means or an electronic store, for the sale, display, marketing or promotion of goods or services, or for the exchange of data relating thereto. The Regulations are reported to cover businesses selling products or services via websites, social media platforms and online marketplaces.
Art. 1(4) defines “e-commerce” as any economic activity conducted between the licensee and the consumer through electronic means or an electronic store, for the sale, display, marketing or promotion of goods or services, or for the exchange of data relating thereto. The Regulations are reported to cover businesses selling products or services via websites, social media platforms and online marketplaces.
Coverage E-commerce sector
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250806024806/https://qanoon.om/p/2023/mociip20230499/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250614052701/https://www.lexismiddleeast.com/law/Oman/MinisterialDecision_499_2023
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251219210948/https://hobrista.com/blog/7-steps-start-online-business-in-oman/
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OMAN
Since September 2023
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Restrictions on online payments
Ministerial Decision No. 2023/499 on the Issuance of the Electronic Commerce Regulations
قرار وزاري رقم ٢٠٢٣/٤٩٩ بإصدار اللائحة التنظيمية للتجارة الإلكترونية
قرار وزاري رقم ٢٠٢٣/٤٩٩ بإصدار اللائحة التنظيمية للتجارة الإلكترونية
According to Art. 10 of the Ministerial Decision No. 2023/499 on the Issuance of the Electronic Commerce Regulations, an e-commerce licensee must be affiliated with a bank or payment service provider licensed in the Sultanate of Oman in order to provide the necessary payment tools for consumers to make payments.
Coverage E-commerce sector
OMAN
N/A
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Threshold for ‘De Minimis’ rule
Lack of de minimis threshold
Oman does not implement any de minimis threshold, which is the minimum value of goods below which customs do not charge duties.
Coverage Horizontal
OMAN
N/A
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Restrictions on domain names
Restriction on Domain Names
It is reported that in order to register a ".om", ".com.om" or ".co.om" domain, the domain owner must have a local administrative contact in Oman.
Coverage Horizontal
