OMAN
Since March 2008, last amended in August 2020
Pillar Public procurement of ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Other limitations on foreign participation in public procurement
Royal Decree 36/2008 Issuing the Tender Law
مرسوم سلطاني رقم ٣٦ / ٢٠٠٨ بإصدار قانون المناقصات
مرسوم سلطاني رقم ٣٦ / ٢٠٠٨ بإصدار قانون المناقصات
Art. 16 of the Tender Law provides that public tenders in Oman may be conducted as either local or international tenders. However, foreign companies lacking an Omani representative are restricted from participating in local tenders. As per Art. 23, international companies and institutions not yet registered in Oman are eligible to participate in international tenders, on the condition that they complete registration in accordance with the relevant regulations within thirty working days following notification of bid acceptance.
It is reported that many international companies opt to form agency agreements with local companies, allowing the local agent to represent them in the tendering process
It is reported that many international companies opt to form agency agreements with local companies, allowing the local agent to represent them in the tendering process
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240521081320/https://qanoon.om/p/2008/rd2008036/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231211080050/https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/oman-selling-public-sector
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231202205456/https://omanlawblog.curtis.com/2017/10/supply-contract-tenders-in-oman.html
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OMAN
Since March 2008, last amended in August 2020
Pillar Public procurement of ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Other limitations on foreign participation in public procurement
Royal Decree 36/2008 Issuing the Tender Law
مرسوم سلطاني رقم ٣٦ / ٢٠٠٨ بإصدار قانون المناقصات
مرسوم سلطاني رقم ٣٦ / ٢٠٠٨ بإصدار قانون المناقصات
Art. 47 of the Tender Law states that the State can use limited contracts in cases the nature of the contract requires restricting the participation in the tender to specific suppliers, contractors, or consultants within or outside the Sultanate who satisfy the required conditions.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240521081320/https://qanoon.om/p/2008/rd2008036/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231211080050/https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/oman-selling-public-sector
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231202205456/https://omanlawblog.curtis.com/2017/10/supply-contract-tenders-in-oman.html
- https://web.archive.org/web/20221118015659/https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/s418_e.pdf
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OMAN
Since March 2008, last amended in August 2020
Pillar Public procurement of ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Other limitations on foreign participation in public procurement
Royal Decree 36/2008 Issuing the Tender Law
مرسوم سلطاني رقم ٣٦ / ٢٠٠٨ بإصدار قانون المناقصات
مرسوم سلطاني رقم ٣٦ / ٢٠٠٨ بإصدار قانون المناقصات
Art. 36 of the Tender Law provides that local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may benefit from a bidding preference in government tenders within a price margin of up to 10%. It is reported that, for most major tenders, Oman invites bids from international firms or from firms pre-selected by project consultants, but that in recent years the authorities have shown a preference for awarding contracts to local community contractors and Omani SMEs. Some companies also report delays in award decisions, in some cases extending over several years, as well as instances in which tenders are reopened with modified specifications and short deadlines.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240521081320/https://qanoon.om/p/2008/rd2008036/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251125184449/https://ustr.gov/sites/default/files/files/Press/Reports/2025NTE.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231202205456/https://omanlawblog.curtis.com/2017/10/supply-contract-tenders-in-oman.html
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251021010420/https://ustr.gov/sites/default/files/2022%20National%20Trade%20Estimate%20Report%20on%20Foreign%20Trade%20Barriers.pdf
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OMAN
Since December 2023
Pillar Public procurement of ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Other limitations on foreign participation in public procurement
Secretariat General of the Tender Board: Decision 174/2023 Issuing the Regulation Governing Local Content
Oman applies an In-Country Value (ICV) policy in government procurement. It is reported that both Omani and foreign companies are required to allocate at least 10% of the contract value to local procurement of goods and services and to the training of Omani nationals, and that bidders’ ICV commitments are taken into account in tender award decisions. However, the underlying legal instrument establishing this ICV policy has not been found online.
Decision No. 174/2023 issuing the Regulation Governing Local Content further operationalises these requirements. Under Art. 4 of the Decision, the Directorate must set local content obligations for contracts exceeding OMR 3,000,000 (approx. USD 7.8 million) and may review local content requirements prepared by relevant authorities for contracts valued between OMR 500,000 (approx. USD 1.3 million) and OMR 3,000,000 (approx. USD 7.8 million), depending on the nature of the contract. Pursuant to Art. 5, such requirements must, in light of each project’s characteristics, address (i) the development of national human resources and the creation of job opportunities, and (ii) the local sourcing of products, based on value chain and supply chain analysis, in order to support existing local products and develop small and medium-sized enterprises. In all cases, local content requirements must be prepared in accordance with the procedures and controls established by the General Secretariat.
Decision No. 174/2023 issuing the Regulation Governing Local Content further operationalises these requirements. Under Art. 4 of the Decision, the Directorate must set local content obligations for contracts exceeding OMR 3,000,000 (approx. USD 7.8 million) and may review local content requirements prepared by relevant authorities for contracts valued between OMR 500,000 (approx. USD 1.3 million) and OMR 3,000,000 (approx. USD 7.8 million), depending on the nature of the contract. Pursuant to Art. 5, such requirements must, in light of each project’s characteristics, address (i) the development of national human resources and the creation of job opportunities, and (ii) the local sourcing of products, based on value chain and supply chain analysis, in order to support existing local products and develop small and medium-sized enterprises. In all cases, local content requirements must be prepared in accordance with the procedures and controls established by the General Secretariat.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250516140316/https://qanoon.om/p/2023/sgtb20230174/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251202170902/https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-investment-climate-statements/oman
- https://web.archive.org/web/20210117042113/https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/oman-selling-public-sector
- https://web.archive.org/web/20200928150623/https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/oman-selling-public-sector
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OMAN
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)
1.13%
Coverage rate of zero-tariffs on ICT goods (%)
50.78%
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
MOROCCO
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
Morocco has not signed the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts.
Coverage Horizontal
MOROCCO
N/A
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce
Lack of adoption of UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce
Morocco has not adopted national legislation based on or influenced by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Commerce.
Coverage Horizontal
MOROCCO
N/A
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Signatures
Lack of adoption of UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Signatures
Morocco has not adopted national legislation based on or influenced by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Signatures.
Coverage Horizontal
MOROCCO
Since January 2015
Since November 2007
Since December 2020
Since November 2007
Since December 2020
Pillar Technical standards applied to ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Restrictions on encryption standards
Decree No. 2-13-881 of January 20, 2015 amending and supplementing Decree No. 2-08-518 of May 21, 2009 taken for the application of articles 13, 14, 15, 21 and 23 of Law No. 53-05 relating to the electronic exchange of legal data (Décret No. 2-13-881 du 28 rabii I 1436 (20 janvier 2015) modifiant et complétant le décret No. 2-08-518 du 25 joumada I 1430 (21 mai 2009) pris pour l’application des articles 13, 14, 15, 21 et 23 de la loi No. 53-05 relative à l’échange électronique des données juridiques)
Law No. 53-05 on the Electronic Exchange of Legal Data, Promulgated by Decree No. 1-07-129 of 30 November 2007 (Dahir No. 1-07-129 du 19 kaada 1428 (30 novembre 2007) portant promulgation de la loi No. 53-05 relative à l'échange électronique de données juridiques)
Dahir No. 1-20-100 of 16 Joumada I 1442 (31 December 2020) promulgating Law No. 43-20 on trusted services for electronic transactions (Dahir N° 1-20-100 du 16 joumada I 1442 (31 décembre 2020) portant promulgation de la loi N° 43-20 relative aux services de confiance pour les transactions électroniques)
Law No. 53-05 on the Electronic Exchange of Legal Data, Promulgated by Decree No. 1-07-129 of 30 November 2007 (Dahir No. 1-07-129 du 19 kaada 1428 (30 novembre 2007) portant promulgation de la loi No. 53-05 relative à l'échange électronique de données juridiques)
Dahir No. 1-20-100 of 16 Joumada I 1442 (31 December 2020) promulgating Law No. 43-20 on trusted services for electronic transactions (Dahir N° 1-20-100 du 16 joumada I 1442 (31 décembre 2020) portant promulgation de la loi N° 43-20 relative aux services de confiance pour les transactions électroniques)
According to Decree 2-13-881, adopted in 2015, the responsibility for authorising and monitoring “electronic certifications,” including encryption, shifted from the Telecommunications Regulator 'ANRT' to the military’s General Directorate for the Security of Information Systems. It is reported that the civil society advocates found the change of authorities problematic, given the lack of accountability and oversight at military institutions.
Moreover, according to Art. 13 of Law No. 53-05, relating to the electronic exchange of legal data, the import, export, supply, operation, or use of means or cryptographic services is subject to a prior statement and prior approval from the authority.
Moreover, pursuant to Art. 46 of Law No. 43-20 on Trusted Services for Electronic Transactions, in order to safeguard national defence and state security, the import, export and supply of cryptographic means, as well as the provision of cryptographic services, are subject to regulatory control. Specifically: (i) a prior declaration to the national authority is required where the sole purpose of such means or services is to authenticate a transmission or ensure the integrity of electronically transmitted data; and (ii) prior authorisation from the national authority is required where their purpose differs from that set out in point (i) above.
Moreover, according to Art. 13 of Law No. 53-05, relating to the electronic exchange of legal data, the import, export, supply, operation, or use of means or cryptographic services is subject to a prior statement and prior approval from the authority.
Moreover, pursuant to Art. 46 of Law No. 43-20 on Trusted Services for Electronic Transactions, in order to safeguard national defence and state security, the import, export and supply of cryptographic means, as well as the provision of cryptographic services, are subject to regulatory control. Specifically: (i) a prior declaration to the national authority is required where the sole purpose of such means or services is to authenticate a transmission or ensure the integrity of electronically transmitted data; and (ii) prior authorisation from the national authority is required where their purpose differs from that set out in point (i) above.
Coverage Cryptographic services
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20220122110652/https://adala.justice.gov.ma/production/html/Fr/188896.htm
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250722144702/https://freedomhouse.org/country/morocco/freedom-net/2024
- https://web.archive.org/web/20210124185246/https://droitmaroc.wordpress.com/2008/01/29/loi-n%C2%B0-53-05-relative-a-lechange-electronique-de-donnees-juridiques-integrale/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250708073912/https://www.dgssi.gov.ma/en/loi-ndeg43-20-relative-aux-services-de-confiance-pour-les-transactions
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MOROCCO
Since 2019, last amended in January 2022
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Restrictions on online payments
General Instructions on Foreign Exchange Operations of 3 January 2022 (Instruction Générale des Opérations de Change 2022)
Online purchases for individuals in Morocco are capped at 15,000 dirhams (about USD 1,500) per recipient per calendar year, which is in line with Art. 151 of the 2022 General Instruction of Foreign Exchange Operations. The current limit was revised under the 2019 General Instructions from 10,000 dirhams in 2013 and remains the same in 2022.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240104022950/https://www.oc.gov.ma/sites/default/files/reglementation/pdf/2022-01/IGOC%202022.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20210202072745/https://www.oc.gov.ma/fr/reglementations?active=0&page=#document-959
- https://web.archive.org/web/20221130181637/https://www.oc.gov.ma/en/news/general-instruction-foreign-exchange-transactions-2019
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MOROCCO
Since 2019, last amended in January 2022
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Restrictions on online payments
General Instructions on Foreign Exchange Operations of 3 January 2022 (Instruction Générale des Opérations de Change 2022)
Under Art. 151 of the 2022 General Instruction of Foreign Exchange Operations, innovative start-ups are permitted to pay up to MAD 1,000,000 (approx. USD 100,000) annually for the import of services related to their business using international payment cards, an increase from the MAD 500,000 (approx. USD 50,000) limit established in the 2019 General Instruction. Additionally, Art. 151 stipulates that for entities incorporated under Moroccan law, payments for current e-commerce transactions are capped at MAD 200,000 (approx. USD 20,000) per calendar year and per beneficiary. This cap applies to entities that do not hold an account in foreign currency or convertible dirhams and is determined based on the amount of corporate or personal income tax (IS or IR) paid or the minimum contribution for the last fiscal year.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240104022950/https://www.oc.gov.ma/sites/default/files/reglementation/pdf/2022-01/IGOC%202022.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20210202072745/https://www.oc.gov.ma/fr/reglementations?active=0&page=#document-959
- https://web.archive.org/web/20221130181637/https://www.oc.gov.ma/en/news/general-instruction-foreign-exchange-transactions-2019
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MOROCCO
Reported in 2021, last reported in 2024
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Threshold for ‘De Minimis’ rule
Low de minimis threshold
It is reported that the de minimis threshold, that is the minimum value of goods below which customs do not charge duties, is MAD 1,213 (approx. USD 120), below the 200 USD threshold recommended by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241201170710/https://global-express.org/index.php?id=271&act=101&profile_id=-1&countries%5B%5D=-2&search_terms=&question-filter=&qid_34=1&qid_34_optid=1&qid_35=1&qid_36=1...
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241220150035/https://global-express.org/assets/files/GEA%20De%20Minimis%20Country%20information_6%20December%202021.pdf
MOROCCO
Since February 2024
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Restrictions on domain names
ANRT/DG Decision No. 02/2024 of 24 Rejeb 1445 (February 5, 2024) relating to the administrative, technical and commercial management procedures for internet domain names under the management of the ANRT (Décision ANRT/DG/No.02/2024 du 24 rejeb 1445 (05 février 2024) relative aux modalités de gestion administrative, technique et commerciale des noms de domaine internet dont la gestion relève de l’ANRT)
Registration of the ".ma" domain name is unrestricted. However, it is required that an administrative contact who must be a natural person established in Morocco manages the domain name with the registrar and Telecommunications Authority (ANRT). According to Art. 27 of ANRT/DG Decision No. 02/2024 of 24 Rejeb, the holder of a “.ma” domain name, whether domiciled in Morocco or abroad, must be represented by a natural person, designated as the administrative contact and duly mandated for that purpose. Where the holder is a natural person, they may act as their own administrative contact. The administrative contact must be established in Morocco and must provide a valid postal address and email address to the service provider, which are used for official communications between the ANRT and the domain name holder.
Coverage Horizontal
MOROCCO
Since February 2011
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Framework for consumer protection applicable to online commerce
Law No. 31/08 on the protection of consumer, promulgated by the Royal Decree No. 1-11-03 (Dahir No. 1-11-03 du 14 rabii I 1432 (18 février 2011) portant promulgation de la loi No. 31-08 édictant des mesures de protection du consommateur)
Law No. 31/08 on the protection of consumers, promulgated by the Royal Decree No. 1-11-03, provides a comprehensive consumer protection framework that applies to online transactions.
Coverage Horizontal
MOROCCO
Since November 2007
Since December 2020
Since December 2020
Pillar Quantitative trade restrictions for ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Export restrictions on ICT goods or online services
Law No. 53-05 on the Electronic Exchange of Legal Data, Promulgated by Decree No. 1-07-129 of 30 November 2007 (Dahir No. 1-07-129 du 19 kaada 1428 (30 novembre 2007) portant promulgation de la loi No. 53-05 relative à l'échange électronique de données juridiques)
Dahir No. 1-20-100 of 16 Joumada I 1442 (31 December 2020) promulgating Law No. 43-20 on trusted services for electronic transactions (Dahir N° 1-20-100 du 16 joumada I 1442 (31 décembre 2020) portant promulgation de la loi N° 43-20 relative aux services de confiance pour les transactions électroniques)
Dahir No. 1-20-100 of 16 Joumada I 1442 (31 December 2020) promulgating Law No. 43-20 on trusted services for electronic transactions (Dahir N° 1-20-100 du 16 joumada I 1442 (31 décembre 2020) portant promulgation de la loi N° 43-20 relative aux services de confiance pour les transactions électroniques)
According to Art. 13 of Law No. 53-05, relating to the electronic exchange of legal data, the import, export, supply, operation, or use of means or cryptographic services is subject to a prior statement and prior approval from the authority.
Moreover, pursuant to Art. 46 of Law No. 43-20 on Trusted Services for Electronic Transactions, in order to safeguard national defence and state security, the import, export and supply of cryptographic means, as well as the provision of cryptographic services, are subject to regulatory control. Specifically: (i) a prior declaration to the national authority is required where the sole purpose of such means or services is to authenticate a transmission or ensure the integrity of electronically transmitted data; and (ii) prior authorisation from the national authority is required where their purpose differs from that set out in point (i) above.
Moreover, pursuant to Art. 46 of Law No. 43-20 on Trusted Services for Electronic Transactions, in order to safeguard national defence and state security, the import, export and supply of cryptographic means, as well as the provision of cryptographic services, are subject to regulatory control. Specifically: (i) a prior declaration to the national authority is required where the sole purpose of such means or services is to authenticate a transmission or ensure the integrity of electronically transmitted data; and (ii) prior authorisation from the national authority is required where their purpose differs from that set out in point (i) above.
Coverage Cryptographic services
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20210124185246/https://droitmaroc.wordpress.com/2008/01/29/loi-n%C2%B0-53-05-relative-a-lechange-electronique-de-donnees-juridiques-integrale/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20220122110652/https://adala.justice.gov.ma/production/html/Fr/188896.html
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250708073912/https://www.dgssi.gov.ma/en/loi-ndeg43-20-relative-aux-services-de-confiance-pour-les-transactions
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250722144702/https://freedomhouse.org/country/morocco/freedom-net/2024
- Show more...
