Understanding the requirements as an applicant for Yemen type approval is crucial. This is because meeting these requirements is essential before submitting a certification application.
The requirements as an applicant for Yemen type approval are regulated by two different authorities: the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology (MTIT) in Sana’a and Aden. These two bodies govern all requirements for obtaining certification of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) devices within their respective jurisdictions.
Applicant for Yemen type approval should not be underestimated. They are the entities that will ultimately be responsible for the devices they market. In this context, it is not only the telecommunications devices that must meet the requirements, but also the certification applicants themselves.
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Applicant Status Determines the Certification Process
Type approval certification is the gateway to marketing telecommunications equipment in a country. You need a key to open it.
The applicant is the key to opening this door. Similar to Yemen type approval, the applicant’s status is a critical factor in the certification process.
Therefore, if you wish to become a certification applicant, you must meet the specified criteria. If you do not meet the criteria, you will be unable to proceed with the certification process.
This means you have failed from the very beginning—even before the document evaluation process begins.
It is important to understand that local companies play a crucial role in Yemen. They are the ones who make it possible to open the door to the certification process.
Applicant for Yemen Type Approval
When discussing applicant for Yemen type approval, this cannot be separated from local companies. This is because foreign companies cannot act as certification applicants.
To submit an application, a foreign company must designate a registered company to act as their partner. As long as the company is registered in Yemen, it can be designated and act as the certification applicant.
Then, this company will act as the local representative partner. The local partner can be an importer, distributor, or local brand representative.
What if you don’t have a local partner yet? In this case, the foreign company needs to designate a service provider or certification body to act as the applicant.
Next, the applicant—whether an importer, distributor, local brand representative, or certification service provider—will be responsible for the entire application process. This includes ensuring the completeness and validity of the documents.
1. Importer
An importer is a local representative who acts as the applicant for Yemen type approval and is also responsible for the imported products. Therefore, they handle the entire certification process through to the importation of the products.
This means that customs and tax matters related to the traded products are also their responsibility. Importers acting as certification applicants typically streamline the certification process until the products are imported.
2. Distributor
A distributor is a local representative who acts as the applicant for Yemen type approval and is responsible for distributing the brand owner’s products in Yemen. They may or may not act as an importer.
If the distributor also acts as an importer, they must assume the duties and obligations of an importer.
3. Local brand representative
A local brand representative is typically a subsidiary of a foreign company already registered in Yemen. This company can certainly serve as the applicant, acting as the direct representative of the foreign company.
They typically collaborate with importers or already have established relationships for import-related matters.
4. Service providers or certification bodies
Service providers or certification bodies are another option for those who do not yet have a partner in Yemen—such as an importer, distributor, or brand representative. These entities can act as both the applicant and the certificate holder.
Key considerations regarding this appointment include their level of responsibility and the ease of communication. This is because the service provider will eventually need to issue a power of attorney to the importer or distributor to use the certificate for import purposes.
Important Considerations
Now you know which entities are eligible as an applicant for Yemen type approval. However, there are a few things you need to know about the MTIT certification application process.
1. Understanding the different authorities
In Yemen, the authority responsible for the certification process is the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology (MTIT). However, since 2015, this authority has been split into two: MTIT Sana’a and MTIT Aden.
Each has a different jurisdiction: Sana’a covers the northern region, and Aden covers the southern region. Starting in early 2026, the MTIT Aden authority began issuing its own certificates.
There is no mutual recognition between the two authorities. Therefore, two separate certificates—one from Sana’a and one from Aden—must be obtained to ensure full regulatory compliance. This allows importers to distribute their products throughout Yemen without hindrance.
2. Understanding the certification process
The existence of two distinct entities means that two separate certification processes must be completed. There is currently no information indicating significant differences between the two.
Both certification processes involve a document evaluation that includes the results of Radio Frequency (RF) testing, Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing, and safety testing. Test results must be issued by a laboratory accredited to ISO/IEC 17025, adhering to standards referencing Conformité Européenne (CE).
In this process, the document requirements for Yemen type approval play a crucial role. Regarding these requirements, the two entities have a few minor differences that must be noted.
3. Updates on changes to standards and regulations
Due to sociopolitical circumstances, changes to standards or regulations in Yemen occur frequently. A recent example is the issuance of certificates by MTIT Aden, which has led to a situation where the two entities do not mutually recognize certificates issued by the other authority.
This will certainly change the landscape of RF certification applications. Therefore, applicants need to stay updated on any changes to standards and regulations.
4. Hiring a certification consultant
You can bypass the three points above by hiring a certification consultant, such as Dimulti. With over 17 years of experience, we understand how to navigate the certification process smoothly.
This experience has also enabled us to build an international network that consistently provides updates on regulatory developments. This ensures that the products you submit meet the latest standards and regulations.
Through our international network, we are ready to assist with your Yaman type approval certification process. We are even ready to help you enter another country.
