Oman bans import of asbestos products

Energy Sunday 02/July/2017 14:14 PM
By: Times News Service
Oman bans import of asbestos products

Muscat: A ban on the import of goods and products which contain asbestos has been announced by Ministerial Decision.

The Minister of Trade and Industries has announced a ban on any import of products that contain asbestos, through Ministerial Decision 139/2017.

Asbestos is a heat-resistant silicate mineral that can be woven into fabrics, and is used in fire-resistant and insulating materials such as brake linings, as well as in construction materials.

The use of asbestos in construction projects has been banned for health and safety reasons in many developed countries or regions, including the European Union, Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, and New Zealand.

Individuals found in violation of this law will be subject to an administrative fine of 500 Omani rials, which would be doubled in cases of repeat offenders.