US updates entry list, adding 26 entities including 9 from Pakistan

WASHINGTON: The US on Monday updated its ‘Entity List’ by adding 26 entities for actions contrary to American national security interests and foreign policy under the destinations, including nine from Pakistan.

These additions, put forward by the US Department of Commerce, are related to alleged violations of export controls, involvement in weapons programmes of concern, and evasion of US sanctions and export controls on Russia and Iran.

“Nine of the entities under the destination of Pakistan were added for acting as front companies and procurement agents for the Advanced Engineering Research Organization, a Pakistan-based company added to the Entity List in 2014. The remaining 7 Pakistani entities were added for contributions to Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme,” according to a statement issued by the Commerce department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS).

Three entities under the destination of the UAE and one under the destination of Egypt were added for acquiring and attempting to acquire US-origin parts to evade US sanctions and export controls imposed following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the BIS statement said adding that six entities under the destination of the PRC were added for acquiring US-origin items in support of the PRC’s military modernisation, dilatory and evasive conduct during end-use checks, and procurement of US-origin items for Iran’s weapons of mass destruction and UAV programmes.

“When, as here, we identify parties that have transhipped US items to support WMD and UAV programmes in countries like Pakistan and Iran, or to enable Russia’s war efforts, we take action,” said Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew Axelrod, “today’s listings also make clear that when foreign parties engage in dilatory or evasive conduct with respect to our end-use checks, they will face consequences.”

Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration Thea Rozman Kendler also commented, “Programmes such as Iran’s WMD programme and Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme pose significant threats to the national security of the United States and will not be aided by US technologies.”

It’s pertinent to mention that the US Department of State imposed sanctions on suppliers to Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme back in September as well. The department took action against five entities and one individual that had been involved in the proliferation of ballistic missiles and controlled missile equipment and technology.