P2-152 Developing Effective Consumer Protection Measures for Trade in Seafood: A Study of the Situation in Oman

Monday, July 27, 2015
Exhibit Hall (Oregon Convention Center)
Moza Al-Busaidi
David J Jukes
Introduction: Trade in seafood brings positive benefits but presents challenges. Food protection measures recommended by international organizations are frequently embraced by major importing countries but they also impose additional safety requirements which lead to rejections as exporters fail to meet the standards.  Adopting the highest standards for a national seafood control system can be an excessive burden so frequently countries adopt a dual system with separate controls for the international markets and those for the majority of the products for the more local markets.  With regional liberalization also occurring, deciding on appropriate protection measures is complex.  

Purpose: The study examines the safety and quality issues facing the seafood industry in the Sultanate of Oman, a member of the regional Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), as it builds its export markets.  We aim to identify the marketing channels and the structural barriers and provide recommendations for enhancing consumer protection in the country and its international markets.

Methods: Data and information were collected from literature reviews, reports and related studies. A semi-structure questionnaire was used to collect data from different officials in the Omani seafood control system. 

Results:  The study shows that in Oman seafood is often exposed to a lengthy distribution chain and, given its perishability, its quality and safety declines. Controls in Oman are shared across various government agencies with attempts made to increase export approved premises and improve those serving the domestic market. Along with other GCC countries, there should be moves to a fully risk-based control system.

Significance: The issues faced by Oman are typical of those faced by many developing countries attempting to build an export trade.  The results can be used by many similar countries seeking to compete successfully in the global market whilst enhancing their domestic food protection.