RESTRICTED  WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  WT/ACC/YEM/13/Rev.3/Add.1
31 March 2010 
 
 (10-1764) 
Working Party on the 
Accession of Yemen Original:   English 
 
 
 
ACCESSION OF YEMEN 
Action Plan on the Implementation of the WTO Agreement on the Application  
of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures  
 
Update on the Status of the Activities Scheduled to be Concluded by 2010 in the Action Plan  
 
Addendum  
  
 The following submission, dated 28 March 2010, is being circulated at the request of the 
Delegation of the Republic of Yemen.  
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  WT/ACC/YEM/13/Rev.3/Add.1 
Page 2 Activity Current Situation Upcoming Steps Requirements 
I.  Plant Protection  
Review, update and issue the Plant 
Quarantine Law No. 32/1999 and its executive Regulations 
No. 54/2001 for consistency with 
the SPS and the new revised text for IPPC A draft law has been prepared with the assistance of a 
legal consultant from the FAO. Send the amended Law to the House of Representative.  
Build and equip new plant 
quarantine stations at entry points Plant quarantine stations and offices have been 
established and installations are in place in each of the 
ports and entries of Hodeida, Aden, Al-Tiwal, Shahin, Sana'a airport, Aden airport, Mokalla airport. 
 
New plant quarantine stations have been  created in each of the entries of Buqa', Alib and Wadee'a. Furnish and install plant quar antine stations in each of 
entries of Buqa' Alib and Wadee'a. 
 (Entries of Buqa' and Alib have been formerly supplied 
with some testing equipments such as microscopes, 
binocular, amplifying lenses, hand lenses and boxes of testing tools). Technical 
assistance. 
Development of plant health and animal health laboratories Laboratories have been developed through dividing them 
into labs for bacterial and fungal diseases, labs for virus 
diseases, labs for nematode diseases, labs for insects and spiders, labs for weeds, and chambers for disinfection 
and isolation. 
 
Some labs have also been supplied with modern lab 
equipment and tools and also the provision of solutions and necessary environment to operate those labs. The provision of a PCR to enable speedy test of plant , 
virus and bacterial diseases. 
 Such labs also need to be supplied with the most 
specialized cadre so that it can apply international 
protocols to diagnose plant pests. Technical 
assistance. 
Development of human capacity in the areas of plant health and animal 
health 14 plant protection specialists have been trained, to 
implement International Standards on Phytosanitary 
Measures and Pest Risk Analysis – 2006.  
15 plant protection specialists have been trained on 
contemporary phytosanitary procedures (including procedures for sampling and inspection of consignments 
– 2007). 
 13 plant protection specialists have been trained on 
implementation of International Standards on 
Phytosanitary Measures - 2008.  
One plant protection specialist has been trained to 
analyze risks of weeds - 2009. Implementation of the training on diagnosing of plant 
pests. 
 Also detection of pesticide residue in agricultural 
products. Technical 
assistance.  
   WT/ACC/YEM/13/Rev.3/Add.1
 Page 3Activity Current Situation Upcoming Steps Requirements 
Updating information on import 
requirements for plants, plant 
products, animal and animal products and other related articles We have begun doing so through exchange of 
information with some count ries and through supplying 
us with plant health information for plant and plant products that are imported from them with a view to 
conduct pest risk analysis in the light of which such 
requirements will be updated. It is possible that a plant pest survey will be conducted 
on the most important 20 crops in Yemen. 
 Updating special phytosanitary requirements related to: 
 
- date palm; - potato seeds for planting; 
- vegetable seeds for planting; 
- some fruits and vegetables for consumption. Technical 
assistance. 
Participation in SPS major meetings 
and other related sanitary and 
phytosanitary agreements meetings 
and their subsidiary organizations Taking part in annual meetings of International 
Convention Plant Protection (IPPC) (meetings of the 
subsidiary bodies of the Convention, the International 
Standards Committee on Phytosanitary Measures) SC during the period 2004-2009. 
 
Participation in the International Standards Committee on Phytosanitary Measures SC of the IPPC convention 
through the membership of the Director General of the 
Plant Protection in that SC as a representative of the 
Near East Region during 2005-2009 and is still a 
member of the SC 2012.  
Nominate the Director General of Plant Protection in 
Yemen as a member for the working group of the International Standards committee on Phytosanitary 
Measures (SC-7) as a representative of the Near East 
region during 2009. Participation in the annual meeting of the IPPC (the 
Fifth Session of the Commission on Phytosanitary 
Measures) which will be held in Rome - Italy during 
22-26 March 2010.  
Participation in the International Standards Committee 
on Phytosanitary Measures ,which will be held in Rome - Italy during 26-30 April 2010. 
 
Participation in the working group of International 
Standards Committee on Phytosanitary Measures (SC-7) 
that will take place in Ro me during 3-6 May 2010. 
 
Participation in the meeting of the International 
Standards Committee on Phytosanitary Measures in Rome during 1-5 November 2010. 
 
Participation in the working group of International Standards Committee on Phytosanitary Measures (SC-7) 
that will be held in Rome from 8-12 November 2010.  
Implement the international 
standards for sanitary and phytosanitary measures International Standards on Phytosanitary Measures are 
being implemented according to available resources, principally standards 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 20, 
23, 24 and 25. Application of other standards, especially what relates to 
surveillance and pest free areas from the fruit flies and preserving them. 
 
Finding areas of low prevalence of fruit flies etc. Technical 
assistance. 
Update pests' lists according to risk analysis and assessment A project document has been prepared for survey and 
surveillance of plant pests during 2009 and was 
presented to some donors, and it might be funded during 
2010. It is possible to finan ce the implementation of 
surveillance and survey of plant pests,which represents 
the most important step to update the list of plant pests 
in the light of risk analysis. Technical 
assistance.  
  WT/ACC/YEM/13/Rev.3/Add.1 
Page 4 Activity Current Situation Upcoming Steps Requirements 
Implement specific technical 
training program in particular: 
 - Pest Risk Analysis 14 plant protection specialists have been trained on 
adoption of international standards for phytosanitary 
measures and pest risk analysis- 2006.  
One plant protection specialist has been trained on pest 
risk analysis of harmful weeds, Libya -2009. It is possible to implement other courses in the area of 
pest risk analysis if survey and surveillance project is 
funded, which includes conducting courses in this field. Technical 
assistance. 
Initiation to find pest or disease free 
areas and areas of low pest or 
disease prevalence A project document has been prepared for the plant 
survey and surveillance of plant pests during 2009, and 
was presented to some donors and might be funded 
during the year 2010. The project for the implemen tation of the survey and 
surveillance project of plant pest maybe financed, which 
represents the most important step towards such areas. Technical 
assistance. 
Development of the subsidiary enquiry points in line Ministries and 
authorities (Ministry of Health, 
Yemen Authority for Specifications and Metrology Organization) The sub point in the General Directorate of Plant 
Protection has been established. Activation and development of sub-point. Technical 
assistance. 
Development of the pesticides 
residue analysis laboratory During 2009, the laboratory was provided with GC-MS 
and highly purified gases and the necessary UPS for 
operation.  
During the year, the lab was provided with a GC and it is 
now in the process of being installed and operated. 
 
Three mobile (field) sets for detecting residues of pesticides in agricultural products in the fields, central 
markets of vegetables, fruits during 2009.  18 field visits 
were executed to such places  within the governorate of 
Sana'a, Sana'a city.  A similar programme is being 
executed in Hodeida Governorate. 
 A quantity of solutions and re agents necessary  to operate 
the lab sets mentioned above, have been provided. 
 A request for technical assistance has been made to the 
FAO, namely, the provision of an international expert on 
areas of adopting the Maximum Residues Levels (MRLs) of pesticide permitted in agricultural products 
MRLs in accordance with Codex standards. Provision of standard material necessary for conducting 
various tests. 
 Operating the lab efficiently.   
   WT/ACC/YEM/13/Rev.3/Add.1
 Page 5Activity Current Situation Upcoming Steps Requirements 
 Five specialists working in laboratories have been 
trained, on new technologies to detect pesticide residues 
in agricultural products, Egypt, 2008.  
During February 2010, two specialists were trained in 
laboratories on how to operate the GC set.  Technical 
assistance 
II.  Livestock  
Review and update Livestock 
Protection and Organization Law 
No. 17/2004 and its executive regulations for harmonization with 
respective international standards of 
OIE and SPS Agreement Steps are underway to update the law with the assistance 
of an international consultant from the World Bank. Issuance of updated Law during 2010.  
Build veterinary quarantine stations 
at entry points The process of the rehabilitation of veterinary quarantine 
facilities is on-going in order to comply with 
international standards. Commencement of construction works.  
Development of phytosanitary and 
animal health laboratories New building for central veterinary laboratory has been 
constructed in Sana'a city in accordance with international standards.  Benching and equipping are 
ongoing and funded by the World Bank. 
 
Four labs in the provinces of high animal density and in 
close proximity to quarantine entries were constructed and now the process of benching is ongoing and funded 
by USDA. 
 Equipping of three labs (Taiz, Alhodiedah and Abs in 
Hajja ) are ongoing and funded by the World Bank. Follow-up the process to finish the planned activities. Technical 
assistance. 
Development of human capacity in the areas of phytosanitary and animal health Some training has been conducted in the area of 
laboratory diagnosis and epidemics and gathering and analysis of samples through local and foreign funding 
such as FAO. 
 A training programme has been prepared in 
epidemiology.  Lab training and Quarantine. Implementation of the prepared training programme. Technical 
assistance. 
Updating information on import requirements for plants, plant products, animal and animal 
products and other related articles Modernization is continuous in accordance with 
development at regional and international levels such as Avian influenza.    
  WT/ACC/YEM/13/Rev.3/Add.1 
Page 6 Activity Current Situation Upcoming Steps Requirements 
Participation in SPS major meetings 
and other related sanitary and 
phytosanitary agreements meetings and their subsidiary organizations Participation in the annual and regional OIE 
conferences. Participation in the regional and international meetings, 
and conferences related to animal health and quarantine. Technical 
assistance. 
Implement the international standards for sanitary and 
phytosanitary measures International standards are implemented based on 
applied legislations and issued recommendations by 
concerned international organizations. Training of local cadre on the implementation of 
international criterion. Technical 
assistance. 
Implement specific technical 
training programme in particular: 
 
- Animal disease risk analysis A training programme has been prepared. Implementation of the programme. Technical 
assistance. 
Development of the subsidiary enquiry points in line Ministries and 
authorities (Ministry of Health, 
Yemen Authority for Specifications and Metrology Organization) A sub-point has been created in the General Directorate 
of animal health and veterinary quarantine. Activation and development of the sub-unit. Technical 
assistance. 
III.  Standardization and Metrology 
Health survey on food safety Did not materialize due to lack  of necessary resources. To begi n the health survey. Technical 
assistance. 
Periodical evaluation of food 
control system On-going. Training of the technical  cadre to include all concerned 
authorities. Technical 
assistance. 
Establishment of Codex 
Alimentarius Establishment on-going. Complete provision of necessary requirements for the 
committee (site, furniture, personal and information 
technology). Technical 
assistance. 
Participation in meetings of SPS Participation in meetings is confined to annual Codex 
meeting due to limited financial resources allocated for 
participation in technical committees. Participation in annual meetings and non-annual 
meetings (periodical). Technical 
assistance. 
Application of HACCP procedures Theoretical training has been completed. Provision of training programmes, applications and 
experiences. Technical 
assistance. 
- Development of the pest 
residue laboratory 
- Development of analysis of 
additives and content Partial training has been completed. The provision of an expert to train personal and 
technicians of the risk management department. Technical 
assistance.  
   WT/ACC/YEM/13/Rev.3/Add.1
 Page 7Activity Current Situation Upcoming Steps Requirements 
 The lab has been established and major equipment has 
been provided. 
 Participation in some training  courses (internal/external). 
 
Additional 19 tester on pesticides and 5 tests for additives and ingredients. Completion of provision of assisting equipment. 
 
Provision of chemical material.  
Provision of standard solutions. 
 Provision of laboratory glass containers. 
 
Training of personnel. Technical 
assistance. 
Enquiry sub point A sub-point has been established. Awareness raising on agreements. 
 
Operation of the point, preparation of notifications and 
response to enquiries. Technical 
assistance. 
 
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