You can be fined for using Oman's national symbols illegally

Muscat: Businesses that illegally use Oman's national emblems on their products could be fined up to OMR3,000 according to a warning issued by the Ministry of Trade and Commerce on Monday.

In a statement online, the ministry warned "all commercial establishments and companies against the illegal use of the royal emblem (crown, Khanjar, and two swords) and the national emblem of Oman (Khanjar and two swords) as well as the use of the Omani Khanjar and the Sultanate's map on various commercial products."

The ministry stated that unauthorised use of these symbols as a trademark, in commercial advertisements or on locally made or imported jewelry, products or other goods is a violation of "the provision of Article 12 on the Law of National Flag, Emblem, and Anthem."

The ministry also requested that establishments don't make any "amendments that offend the Omani identity, according to the Ministerial Decree No. 270/2015."

According to Article 4 of the Ministerial Decree No. 270/2015, the fine for violating the provision are:
- An administrative fine not exceeding OMR 500.
- An administrative fine not exceeding OMR 1,000 in the event of a recurrence of the violation for the second time with the suspension of the violated activity and the closure of the shop for three months.
- An administrative fine not exceeding OMR 3,000 in the event of a recurrence of the violation for the third time with the cancellation of the violated activity from the Commercial Registry.

The ministry has asked the public to be vigilant of such activity and to report it through the ministry's website or social media channels.