Oman has ports on both the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea and a land border with the UAE. For roasteries, importers and distributors in Oman and neighbouring markets, that makes it a practical base for bringing in green coffee from producing countries such as Brazil, Colombia and Ethiopia. This guide explains how the import route works today, what Oman’s own trade data shows, and which costs and documents buyers should plan for before they confirm an order.
Which ports handle green coffee into Oman
Sohar is an option to discuss for container shipments serving northern Oman and Muscat. Do not rule out Port Sultan Qaboos using an old statement about the 2014 transfer of cargo: the current Asyad Ports page describes cargo-handling services there. This does not establish a scheduled green-coffee service. Ask the carrier to confirm the actual port, cargo acceptance and inland delivery before booking.
The buyer’s destination, shipping service and storage needs should determine the route. Ask for the port, Incoterm, estimated transit time and responsibility for inland delivery in the written quotation. An estimate is not a guaranteed arrival date; assess alternatives using the same delivery scope.
What Oman’s import data shows
Oman’s National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) data, reported in August 2026, shows that the value of Oman’s coffee imports rose from RO 8.6 million in 2021 to RO 21 million in 2025, an increase of 144.1%. Volume grew much more slowly, by 23.9%, from 6.2 million to 7.7 million kilograms.
By value, the UAE was Oman’s largest coffee supplier in 2025 at RO 8.5 million. It was followed by Vietnam (RO 2.6 million), Saudi Arabia (RO 1.6 million) and Brazil (RO 1.5 million).
Atlas analysis: These are figures for coffee overall, not a separate green-coffee series. Using the rounded totals gives about RO 1.39/kg in 2021 and RO 2.73/kg in 2025. This is an average import unit value, not a like-for-like price index: product mix can also change it. Trading-partner totals alone do not establish growing origin, invoicing location or direct shipment. Request lot-level origin documents rather than inferring origin from the seller’s address.
Customs duty and the October 2026 VAT change
According to PwC’s Worldwide Tax Summaries (last reviewed July 2026), most goods imported into Oman from outside the GCC pay customs duty at the standard rate of 5% of the CIF value (cost, insurance and freight). Some goods carry other rates, and goods that receive preferential treatment under a free trade agreement can be treated differently.
VAT has changed recently. Oman’s Tax Authority issued decisions that expand the list of goods taxed at 0% VAT, effective 1 October 2026. The basic food list includes coffee, alongside tea and spices. The decisions link the zero rate to specific customs tariff codes, so buyers should check that the HS code declared for their coffee appears in the decision’s annex before relying on the 0% rate.
Atlas analysis: Recheck pre-October estimates that assumed 5% VAT on coffee. Ask for the actual HS code, applicable duty and VAT treatment, and which costs the quoted Incoterm includes. Confirm classification and treatment with a licensed customs broker before relying on the estimate.
Documents to plan for
Oman Customs uses Bayan for import, export and transit declarations. Its service page lists commercial invoices, the manufacturer’s country-of-origin certificate and the export-country declaration, with permits where required. Ask the broker to confirm the shipment-specific document list, including packing and transport documents and any plant-health or coffee-origin certification required for the product and origin.
Atlas analysis: Before dispatch, compare names, lot identifiers, weights and quantities across the invoice, packing list and transport documents. Resolve discrepancies with the supplier and broker early. This is a practical check, not evidence that mismatches are the most common cause of delay or that clearance is guaranteed.
Onward supply to the UAE and the wider Gulf
Atlas analysis: For onward supply, compare the transport route and the destination’s own customs and tax requirements. Do not assume that clearance in Oman completes the requirements for another Gulf market. Ask the broker to identify the applicable transit or re-export procedure and the documents needed at destination.
Atlas analysis: Customs warehousing can suspend duty under the applicable customs procedure. It is not an automatic benefit of using an ordinary warehouse. Confirm facility authorisation, guarantees, storage conditions and the treatment on release or re-export with Oman Customs or a licensed broker before choosing this option.
How Atlas works with buyers
Atlas analysis: Start an enquiry with the origin, grade, processing method, cup profile, quantity and delivery window you need. Ask Atlas to discuss available sourcing options, whether a sample can be arranged, and the quotation and delivery scope. Availability, minimum quantities, sample costs and terms require confirmation for the individual request; this guide is not a stock or delivery offer.
Questions and answers
Can green coffee be shipped through Port Sultan Qaboos?
The current operator describes cargo-handling services, so a blanket “no commercial cargo” statement is not reliable. This does not confirm a particular coffee shipment or liner service. Verify acceptance and routing with the carrier and compare alternatives such as Sohar.
Is green coffee subject to VAT in Oman?
From 1 October 2026, coffee is on Oman’s list of basic foods taxed at 0% VAT. The zero rate is linked to specific tariff codes, so confirm that your coffee’s HS code is listed before you price on that basis.
Why is so much of Oman’s coffee imported from the UAE?
The reported figures name the UAE as the largest trading partner by value in 2025. They do not identify growing origin or explain each shipment’s route. Ask for origin documents and lot traceability whether buying through a regional trader or directly from an exporter.
Sources
- Oman Observer, reporting NCSI data via Oman News Agency — Tea, coffee imports to Oman exceed RO 49 million · Published:
- Oman Observer — Oman expands zero-rated VAT goods from October · Published:
- PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — Oman: Corporate – Other taxes · Last reviewed:
- Asyad Ports — Sultan Qaboos Port · Accessed:
- Oman Customs — Customs declaration service · Accessed:
- Oman Customs — Common Customs Law — customs warehouses · Accessed:
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