Government directives not to deal with the "Anti-Terrorism" apparatus.. What measures did "Shalal" try to impose on importers?

The Gulf of Aden Ports Corporation revealed, on Monday, directives from the Ministry of Transport not to deal with the notice issued by the Anti-Terrorism Agency regarding the prior authorization of goods and shipments arriving at Yemeni ports, warning of the consequences of this, which may include stopping navigational activities.

The Counter-Terrorism Service of the Presidency of the Republic, headed by Major General Shalal Shaye, tried to impose illegal measures on traders importing to Yemeni ports, including financial fees on containers and the so-called ( ACD ) certificate, and paying fees of $100-150 on each container with a capacity of 20-40 feet.

This step came days after the Yemeni Ministry of Transport announced the readiness of ports in the liberated governorates to receive importers and shipping lines, with its readiness to provide all facilities and secure the transport of goods to all governorates of the country, including those under the control of the Houthi militias.

Both Yemeni Transport Minister Abdul Salam Hamid and Counter-Terrorism Chief Major General Shalal Shaye belong to the Southern Transitional Council.

illegal fees

In a notice dated January 28, the Counter-Terrorism Service said, “To enhance the safety and security of Yemeni seaports, the Counter-Terrorism Service in Yemen has implemented a new policy requiring a cargo declaration for all containerized cargo destined for Yemeni ports.”

He added: "A prior declaration of goods must be obtained for all containers heading to Yemeni ports," stressing that "all importers, exporters, shipping lines, port authorities, shipping companies and logistics companies are informed that the prior declaration of goods system will be officially launched on February 1, 2025."

He stressed that "a prior declaration of goods must be obtained for all containers heading to Yemeni ports," stressing that "all importers, exporters, shipping lines, port authorities, shipping companies and logistics companies are informed that the prior declaration of goods system will be officially launched on February 1, 2025."

The Counter-Terrorism Service requires exporters to obtain a prior declaration of goods from its approved platform in Yemen, acdyemen.com, when loading all containers bound for Yemen.

The notice also requires suppliers to obtain a pre-declaration certificate for the goods from the port of loading by the shipper, exporter or freight forwarder, and the pre-declaration number for the goods must be written on the bill of lading.

The security apparatus expected all participants to adhere to the new regulations for the ACD certificate, which includes the bill of lading and the commercial invoice, explaining that the fees for obtaining the ACD certificate include $100 for a single 20-foot container, and $150 for a 40-foot container.

The Anti-Terrorism Service also warned that "penalties will be imposed on those who do not comply with these procedures, which include delaying customs clearance of violating goods at ports of arrival, confiscating them, or returning them to their origin."

Aden ports decline

The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Gulf of Aden Ports Corporation, Mohammed Amzarba, issued a circular in which he stressed the need to obtain an ACD reference number and full compliance and cooperation from all stakeholders, indicating access to the website of the Anti-Terrorism Agency to obtain more information.

However, Amzarba backed down and issued a new circular today, Monday, entitled: “In response to the notice issued by the Counter-Terrorism Service regarding the prior declaration of goods and shipments arriving at the port of Aden.”

The circular, which was reviewed by "Yemeni Youth Net", stated that "directives from the Ministry of Transport issued on February 2, 2025, reference number W/31/217/2025, stipulated not to adopt what was stated in the notice issued by the Counter-Terrorism Agency regarding the implementation of pre-authorization procedures for goods and shipments arriving at the ports of the Republic of Yemen ( ACD ), especially since the Counter-Terrorism Agency is not the competent authority."

He added, "All shipping agents, importers and exporters should not deal with the platform referred to in the notice issued by the Counter-Terrorism Service, and should not respond to it as it is a violation of work procedures within the framework of the Port of Aden."

Waterfall imposes taxes on containers in Aden port #From_the_end #Yemen_Youth pic.twitter.com/ZB9zAHLOuL

— Yemen Youth TV Channel (@TVyemenshabab) February 3, 2025

The Gulf of Aden Ports Corporation confirmed that "the parties that do not comply with what is stated in this publication of ours must bear all punitive consequences from the port of Aden, which may include stopping navigational activities in the port of Aden."

It called on "all shipping companies and importers not to rely on or pay attention to any publications or directives regarding work organization procedures within the framework of the port of Aden except through the relevant and competent authority, which is the Gulf of Aden Ports Corporation."

On January 22, Minister of Transport Dr. Abdul Salam Hamid announced, "The readiness and preparedness of the ports of Aden and Hadhramaut to receive all shipping lines and import companies and provide all facilities and secure commercial and relief supply chains to all areas under the control of the Houthi militias with ease."