The US adds 13 firms to entity list, 11 based in China

The US Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has made amendments to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), notably by adding 13 new entities to the Entity List. These additions encompass companies based in Burma, China, and Pakistan, with the majority—11 entities—located in China. The decision to list these entities stems from their activities, which the US government has assessed as being contrary to national security and foreign policy interests.

The Entity List under the EAR is fundamentally a tool to identify organizations that might represent potential threats due to their involvement or risk of involvement in activities against US interests. The inclusion of these entities means additional license requirements, significantly restricting their access to US exports, reexports, and technology transfers. Under these regulations, transactions involving these entities require stringent scrutiny, with a presumption towards denying such licenses.

Within the latest additions, Telecom International Myanmar Company Limited, based in Burma, has been highlighted. The company has been implicated in providing surveillance services and financial support to Burma's military regime. This support, according to the US, aids in human rights abuses by assisting in the tracking and identification of targets, which aligns with actions undermining US foreign policy objectives.

In addition to these listings, the BIS has also made editorial corrections to the EAR to ensure clarity and prevent any misinterpretation that could hinder international commerce. This step is crucial for maintaining transparency and efficiency in global trade practices while safeguarding national security interests.

Source: BIS, January 2025