8 outlets to be fined for not offering e-payment services

Muscat: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion issued decision No (386/2022) on providing electronic payment services for consumers.

Article (1) stipulates that establishments and commercial companies operating in the activities of selling foodstuff, gold and silver, restaurants and cafes, selling vegetables and fruits, electronics, building materials and tobacco products, as well as all activities in industrial zones, complexes, malls and gift markets are mandated to provide the electronic payment service for all consumers.

The move seeks to achieve comprehensive digital transformation through cooperation and integration between the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, the Central Bank of Oman (CBO), Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), the Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology.

The ministry affirmed that consumers can choose between paying electronically or by cash. It also urges all establishments and companies to provide the electronic payment service in all stores and outlets and to reconcile their situation before the implementation of the decision.

The ministerial decision No (386/2022) on providing the electronic payment service comes according to the Commercial Law promulgated by Royal Decree No (55/90) and the Commercial Companies Law promulgated by Royal Decree No (18/2019).