The HOCC has imposed prohibition on U.S. crude oil.

Sana'a – The Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC) issued a decision today concerning the prohibition of the export of U.S. crude oil (HS Code 2709.00).

The Executive Director of the (HOCC) stated: "The American enemy continues to launch airstrikes across various Yemeni Governorates, targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, resulting in hundreds of martyrs and wounded, including women and children. Furthermore, on April 17, 2025, the American enemy targeted the Ras Issa oil port in Al-Hudaydah Governorate, striking civilian facilities, workers, and employees, in a horrific crime considered one of the most heinous massacres committed against humanity, in an attempt to besiege the Yemeni people, impoverish them, and destroy their economic capabilities". Consequently, the Republic of Yemen has the legitimate right to respond to the crimes, massacres, and war crimes committed by the American enemy against the Yemeni people, their infrastructure, and their national resources.

Therefore, a decision has been made to prohibit the export, re-export, transfer, loading, purchase, or sale of U.S. crude oil (HS Code 2709.00) from U.S. ports, whether directly or indirectly. This prohibition includes ship-to-ship (STS) transfers, whether in whole or in part, including through third parties  

The decision was issued pursuant to Law No. (5) of the year 1445 AH regarding the designation of states, entities and persons hostile to the Republic of Yemen, and the Sanctions Regulation on Perpetrators of Aggression against Yemen or any Arab or Islamic State (SR-PAYAIS).

The decision also provides for the possibility of granting exceptions or licenses for humanitarian purposes, or to states and companies that oppose the policies and decisions of the U.S. administration, through the submission of application via the email address Licensing@hocc.gov.ye

This decision shall enter into force on 17 May 2025 at 00:01 Sana'a local time, corresponding to 16 May 2025 at 21:01 (UTC).

Consequences of the Sanctions:

As a result of today’s action, and after a period of (15) days from the date of issuance of the prohibition decision, any violation of the prohibition decision shall lead to the imposition of sanctions in accordance with the Sanctions Regulation (SR-PAYAIS). Companies found to be in violation of the prohibition decision will be listed on the sanctions list (PAYAIS), and appropriate sanctions will be imposed pursuant to the Sanctions Regulation (SR-PAYAIS). The fleets of such companies will be prohibited from transiting the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean, and will be subject to targeting wherever reachable by the Yemeni Armed Forces.

Furthermore, upon the listing of violating companies on the sanctions list and in accordance with the Sanctions Regulation (SR-PAYAIS), all States, entities, and persons are prohibited from engaging in any dealings whatsoever with the listed companies. The use of agents, intermediary companies, shell companies, or third parties to carry out prohibited transactions on behalf of the listed companies is also prohibited. Participation in any transactions with the listed companies carries a significant risk of exposure to sanctions.

Sanctions on companies violating the prohibition decision may also be extended to entities in which such companies have a stake, as well as to senior executives or beneficial owners of the listed companies, the spouses and first-degree relatives of the listed natural persons, entities where listed natural persons hold senior management positions, and entities controlled or established and managed by the listed natural persons, in addition to those engaging in dealings with them. For further information regarding sanctions applicable to parties dealing with entities listed on the sanctions lists, please refer to the (SR-PAYAIS)

It should also be noted that the power and integrity of the sanctions imposed by the (HOCC) derive not only from its ability to designate entities, persons, and add them to the sanctions list, but also from its readiness to delist them in accordance with relevant regulations. The ultimate goal of the sanctions is not punishment in itself, but to bring about positive behavioral change. For more information on delisting from the sanctions lists, please refer to the (SR-PAYAIS).

It is to be understood that the measures undertaken today through the imposition of sanctions are within the legitimate right of the Republic of Yemen to respond to the war crimes committed by the American enemy against the Yemeni people, their infrastructure, and their national resources.