GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026

BIS Entity List

When a freight forwarder books a shipment of controlled electronics, screening against the BIS Entity List is non-negotiable.

Quick Answer

Last updated: 26 June 2026Published: 27 January 2026

Source: https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/policy-guidance/lists-of-parties-of-concern/entity-list

Category

Incoterms 2020 Simulator: Who bears costs & risk?

Reading time

1 min

Words

129

Mentioned in

–

Definition & Explanation

When a freight forwarder books a shipment of controlled electronics, screening against the BIS Entity List is non-negotiable. Maintained by the U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security, this register identifies foreign persons, companies, and organizations subject to enhanced licensing requirements for the export, reexport, or transfer of goods and technology controlled under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Entries are added when the Bureau identifies specific concerns related to national security, foreign policy, or nonproliferation. Crucially, the Entity List differs from the Denied Persons List: designation does not constitute an outright export ban, but any transaction typically requires a license—one that is frequently denied in practice. The list is publicly available and updated on a rolling basis, making regular pre-shipment screening an operational necessity for exporters and logistics providers alike.

Next steps

Tools that match this term

Compare IncotermsClarify duties, cost and riskOpen Find HS codeDetermine the tariff number for customsOpen Calculate customs valueWork out import duties and customs valueOpen Calculate transit timeEstimate duration per transport modeOpen

Related Terms

You might also be interested in these terms

Negative List of Service Chapters

The negative list approach in the services chapter of a trade agreement works by listing only what is excluded from liberalization…

Learn more

Positive List of Services Chapter

A positive list in trade law (particularly in service agreements or tariff agreements) explicitly enumerates the services and acti…

Learn more

Unverified List

When screening shipments involving U.S.-origin goods or U.S. supply chains, exporters and freight forwarders may encounter the Unv…

Learn more

Military End User List

The Military End User List (MEU List) becomes relevant the moment an export transaction involves a recipient tied to a military or…

Learn more

Import List

Unlike a packing list or general cargo inventory, an import list is a customs-specific document covering only goods destined for i…

Learn more

Loading List

To ensure that shippers, drivers, and consignees share the same information base during loading and unloading, the loading list co…

Learn more

⚖️ ICC Incoterms 2020

Incoterms 2020 Simulator: Who bears costs & risk?

Analyze all 11 Incoterms 2020: cost matrix, risk timeline, insurance gap detector and customs responsibility – free, no login required.

Incoterms Simulator →

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

Weekly: Top news, industry facts and insights from the world of logistics – free.

BIS Entity List

Next steps

Related Terms

Negative List of Service Chapters

Positive List of Services Chapter

Unverified List

Military End User List

Import List

Loading List

Incoterms 2020 Simulator: Who bears costs & risk?

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

Community Questions & Answers