Yemen’s telecommunications landscape is currently governed by two separate regulatory regimes, each functioning within its own zone of political control. The internationally recognized government oversees areas under its jurisdiction through a newly established authority within its Ministry of Telecommunications, while the Sana’a administration governs other parts of the country with its own version of the Ministry of Telecommunications.
These two authorities operate independently and do not acknowledge each other’s certificates. This has created a situation where a certificate issued by one side is not valid in areas controlled by the other. As a result, goods moving between Sana’a-controlled and Aden-controlled regions may face significant delays or be denied entry altogether if they lack the appropriate certification.
Certificate Validity Tied to Final Destination
Importers must ensure that any telecommunications equipment entering Yemen carries the correct certificate based on the destination area. Whether a shipment is arriving by air, land, or sea, failure to present a valid certificate from the appropriate authority will result in refusal of entry. This separation also applies to shipments moving internally within Yemen. A product certified under the Sana’a regime may not be allowed in Aden-controlled areas, and vice versa.
Each regulatory body has its own certificate issuance process. In the Sana’a-controlled areas, the Ministry of Telecommunications provides an electronic certificate that serves as a preliminary document for shipping. This electronic version may include minor non-critical errors such as address formatting, but key details like the certificate number and product model must be accurate. The final paper certificate, which serves as the official reference, is required for complete validation and must reflect the information submitted in the system.
In contrast, the Aden-side authority, launched officially earlier this year, mandates its own certification for all goods entering areas under its control. One new requirement from this authority is that all applications must now include a schematic diagram of the product being certified.
Certification Strategy to Prevent Delays
Given the dual nature of the certification framework, companies are advised to align their compliance strategy with the intended destination of the goods. If there is any uncertainty about whether a shipment might pass through or be distributed in both jurisdictions, it is strongly recommended to obtain certificates from both authorities to prevent customs issues or market entry delays.
However, if a shipment is confirmed to remain entirely within either Sana’a- or Aden-controlled areas, only the relevant certificate is necessary. The decision on which certifications to pursue should be based on the client’s distribution strategy and expected market coverage.
For this article’s source information and any product certification guidance, please contact Global Validity.
Quick Country Facts
Yemen
Certification Body:
- Ministry of Telecommunications – Sana’a Government (Sana’a-controlled areas)
- Ministry of Telecommunications – Internationally recognized transitional/legitimate government (Aden-controlled areas)
Certification Type: Mandatory
License Validity: 24 Months
Application Language: English
Legal License Holder: Local Representative
In-Country Testing Requirement: Testing Not Required
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