YEMEN
Reported in 2020, last reported in 2025
Pillar Technical standards applied to ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Self-certification for product safety
Reported exclusion of SDoCs and requirement for foreign test reports
It is reported that the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology (MoTIT) requires foreign test reports, including electromagnetic compatibility results such as CE reports, as part of its mandatory type-approval process for products entering the Yemeni market and complying with local telecommunications and safety requirements. Approval is based on the review of these foreign test reports, and Yemen is understood to accept documentation demonstrating compliance with the EU Radio Equipment Directive, together with CE declarations of conformity, as sufficient evidence. Although a declaration of conformity must be submitted, in-country testing is reportedly not required. The categories of devices subject to MoTIT type approval include mobile and cellular devices, mobile wireless communication equipment, radio-frequency devices, Internet of Things products, wireless-enabled consumer electronics, GPS units, wearable technologies and short-range devices. However, the specific legislative instrument containing these requirements has not been identified.
Coverage Electronic products
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251112204741/https://dataxinternational.com/type-approval/yemen/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251112204855/https://www.nanotechsol.com/yemen-mtit-type-approval
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251112204822/https://www.appluslaboratories.com/global/en/what-we-do/service-sheet/other-middle-east-central-asia-and-african-countries-radio-type-approval
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251112204924/https://5mglobal.com/type-approval-yemen/
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YEMEN
N/A
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Threshold for ‘De Minimis’ rule
Lack of de minimis threshold
Yemen does not implement any de minimis threshold, which is the minimum value of goods below which customs do not charge duties.
Coverage Horizontal
YEMEN
N/A
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Restrictions on domain names
Local presence requirement for domain name registration
Yemen does not have a specific law regulating domain name registration. In practice, domain name administration is handled by TeleYemen, a state-owned company supervised by the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology (MoTIT), which manages the “.ye” country-code top-level domain (ccTLD). It is reported that registration of a “.ye” domain requires a local presence in the country, which may be arranged through authorised local representatives or specialised registration services for applicants based abroad.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250801234652/https://www.iana.org/domains/root/db/ye.html
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251111110310/https://web-solutions.eu/how-to-register-domains-yemen.htm
- https://fuguesolutions.com/domains/tld/com-ye-domain-names/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250715011108/https://europeid.com/domains/middle-east/yemen/register-ye/
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YEMEN
Since September 2008
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Framework for consumer protection applicable to online commerce
Law No. 46 of 2008 on Consumer Protection
قانون رقم ( 46 ) لسنة 2008م بشأن حماية المستهلك
قانون رقم ( 46 ) لسنة 2008م بشأن حماية المستهلك
Law No. 46 of 2008 on Consumer Protection provides a comprehensive framework for consumer protection that also applies to online transactions. According to Art. 4 of the Law, its provisions apply to all transactions and contracts related to goods and services offered through both traditional and modern means of trade, including electronic commerce that involves the processing and transfer of electronic data and information via computers, email, telegram, fax, photocopying, the Internet, or any other newly developed means recognised internationally or locally.
Coverage Horizontal
YEMEN
N/A
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Ratification of the UN Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts
Lack of signature of the UN Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts
Yemen has not signed the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts.
Coverage Horizontal
YEMEN
N/A
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce
Lack of adoption of UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce
Yemen has not adopted national legislation based on or influenced by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Commerce.
Coverage Horizontal
YEMEN
Since April 1991, last amended in October 1996
Pillar Quantitative trade restrictions for ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Other import restrictions, including non-transparent/discriminatory import procedures
Telecommunications Law No. 38/1991 Pertaining to Wired and Wireless Telecommunications
القرار الجمهوري بالقانون رقم (38) لسنة 1991م بشأن القانون الأساسي للاتصالات السلكية واللاسلكية
القرار الجمهوري بالقانون رقم (38) لسنة 1991م بشأن القانون الأساسي للاتصالات السلكية واللاسلكية
According to Art. 3 of the Telecommunications Law No. 38 of 1991, the Ministry of Communications is mandated to license and authorise any natural or legal person to import materials and equipment used in communications networks.
Coverage Telecom equipment
YEMEN
Since March 1995, last amended in April 2008
Pillar Quantitative trade restrictions for ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Local content requirements (LCRs) on ICT goods for the commercial market
Presidential Decree by Law No. (5) of 1995 regarding Labor Law
قرار جمهوري بالقانون رقم (5) لسنة 1995م بشأن قانون العمل
قرار جمهوري بالقانون رقم (5) لسنة 1995م بشأن قانون العمل
According to Art. 21 of the Labour Law, the number of non-Yemeni workers hired by any employer may not exceed 10% of the total number of Yemeni employees. The Minister has the power to adjust this percentage, either upward or downward, as deemed necessary and in accordance with policies approved by the Council of Ministers.
Coverage Horizontal
YEMEN
Since April 1991, last amended in October 1996
Pillar Quantitative trade restrictions for ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Export restrictions on ICT goods or online services
Telecommunications Law No. 38/1991 Pertaining to Wired and Wireless Telecommunications
القرار الجمهوري بالقانون رقم (38) لسنة 1991م بشأن القانون الأساسي للاتصالات السلكية واللاسلكية
القرار الجمهوري بالقانون رقم (38) لسنة 1991م بشأن القانون الأساسي للاتصالات السلكية واللاسلكية
Pursuant to Art. 3 of the Telecommunications Law No. 38 of 1991, the Ministry of Communications is responsible for licensing and authorising any natural or legal person to export materials and equipment used in communications networks.
Coverage Telecom equipment
YEMEN
Since July 2017
Pillar Quantitative trade restrictions for ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Export restrictions on ICT goods or online services
Foreign Trade Law No. 16 of 2007
قانون رقم (16) لسنة 2007م بشأن التجارة الخارجية
قانون رقم (16) لسنة 2007م بشأن التجارة الخارجية
According to Art. 19 of the Foreign Trade Law, individuals or entities engaged in export activities must hold a valid commercial registration under the export category and possess a valid membership card from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It is reported that the high costs and lengthy procedures associated with registration and export licensing impose a considerable bureaucratic burden on export-oriented businesses, particularly on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Coverage Horizontal
YEMEN
N/A
Pillar Intermediary liability |
Indicator Safe harbour for intermediaries for copyright infringement
Lack of intermediary liability framework in place for copyright infringements
A basic legal framework on intermediary liability for copyright infringement is absent in Yemen's law and jurisprudence.
Coverage Internet intermediaries
YEMEN
N/A
Pillar Intermediary liability |
Indicator Safe harbour for intermediaries for any activity other than copyright infringement
Lack of intermediary liability framework in place beyond copyright infringement
A basic legal framework on intermediary liability beyond copyright infringement is absent in Yemen's law and jurisprudence.
Coverage Internet intermediaries
YEMEN
Reported in 2021, last reported in 2024
Pillar Intermediary liability |
Indicator User identity requirement
Identity requirement for SIM cards
It is reported that mobile network operators are required to collect and store a user's personal information and proof of identity for SIM registration. The relevant legislation could not be found.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://www.comparitech.com/blog/vpn-privacy/sim-card-registration-laws/#Type_of_ID_required_by_country
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250830154747/https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/connectivity-for-good/mobile-for-development/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Digital-Identity-Access-to-Mobile-Services-...
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251111102912/https://gigago.com/yemen-sim-card/?srsltid=AfmBOoqM_e_VjsGL-E-mo5zCiTqQc-PN6f2xp6oDLUGnS5ylHAv-83CR&utm_source
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YEMEN
Reported in 2017, last reported in 2024
Pillar Content access |
Indicator Blocking or filtering of commercial web content
Blocking or filtering of commercial web content
It is reported that access to certain news websites, VoIP services, VPNs, and social media platforms in Yemen has been restricted since 2014. Several domestic and international news outlets, including Al-Masdar Online, Khabar Agency, Mareb Press, Al-Wahdawi Net, Al-Eshteraky.Net, Al-Arabiya, Al-Jazeera, and Al-Arabi Al-Jadid, have reportedly been blocked and remain inaccessible to users in parts of the country. Moreover, Yemen has experienced recurring restrictions on social media, VPNs, and VoIP services. For instance, since 2017, WhatsApp has been intermittently blocked. Similarly, in 2022 and 2023, the state-owned telecommunications company YemenNet reportedly blocked several communication platforms, including Zoom, Google Meet, Imo, Google Duo, and Signal, thereby limiting access to online communication services.
Coverage Media outlets, social media, VPNs, and VoiP services
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250806172903/https://www.article19.org/resources/yemen-human-rights-groups-condemn-internet-blocking-and-censorship/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250925192031/https://smex.org/internet-shutdown-in-yemen-recurring-disruptions-threaten-civilian-safety-human-rights-and-press-freedom/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251111103036/https://south24.net/news/newse.php?nid=3012&utm_source
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251111103202/https://indeksonline.net/en/grupi-rebel-houthi-ndalon-aplikacionin-whatsapp-ne-jemen/
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YEMEN
Reported in 2025
Pillar Content access |
Indicator Presence of Internet shutdowns
Presence of Internet shutdowns
The indicator "7.2.4 - Government Internet shut down in practice" of the V-Dem Dataset, which measures whether the government has the technical capacity to actively make internet service cease, thus interrupting domestic access to the internet or whether the government has decided to do so, has a score of 2 in Yemen for the year 2024. This corresponds to "The government shut down domestic access to the Internet several times this year".
Coverage Horizontal
