Yemen Monitor / Tokyo / Exclusive:
The Japanese government has announced that it has blacklisted Yemeni entities over their links to the Houthi missile program.
Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry said it had amended the list of “foreign users” subject to special export restrictions. The broader amendments, connected to supplementary export controls, will take effect on October 9.
The decision comes as part of Tokyo’s policy to tighten controls on dual-use exports and prevent their transfer to military programs, in line with the approaches of the US and the EU on preventing weapons proliferation.
According to official documents reviewed by Yemen Monitor, the latest amendment confirmed the addition of:
- Alswari Trading & Import Co.
- Al-Swari Group for Rubber Manufacturing
- Hashem Brothers for International Trading, first listed in 2022 with the code (M), indicating links to missile programs or components that could be used in their development and production.
The ministry stated: “This listing means that any commercial transaction or transfer of technology with these entities requires prior approval from the Japanese government.” It added that this serves as a clear message to international companies and institutions to exercise caution when considering any business activity connected to them.
The ministry further explained that the decision followed a periodic review conducted by Japanese authorities of risks related to international trade, which included a period for public comments from companies and stakeholders before being officially announced under Japan’s Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (FEFTA).
This step underscores Japan’s increasing concern over threats arising from the use of imported materials to bolster military capabilities—particularly in missile and conventional weapons development. It also affirms Tokyo’s commitment to pursuing a strict export-control policy, not only as an economic measure but as part of its broader responsibility to safeguard regional and international security.
