What Is an Entity List?

The BIS Entity List explained - the export-control layer next to OFAC.

Overview

The Entity List is a Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) export-control list restricting exports, re-exports, and transfers of items subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to listed entities.

Entity List vs OFAC

OFAC sanctions block transactions with designated parties; the Entity List restricts exports to listed entities (often for national-security or proliferation reasons). They are separate lists with different obligations - a company can be on one, both, or neither.

The screening shape

Screening an entity against both the OFAC SDN list and the BIS Entity List covers the export-control surface. The BIS list page has the details.