On November 25, 2024, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced new export controls for Pakistan to address concerns regarding the diversion of certain items to unapproved end-uses or end-users, particularly those on the Entity List. The final rule imposes new licensing requirements for certain items destined for Pakistan. The new controls apply to six categories of goods, some of which were previously controlled for non-proliferation reasons.
Items subject to licensing include particle accelerators, certain stainless steel or alloy pipes and valves, certain pumps and welding equipment, oscilloscopes, chromatographs and spectrometers, and magnetometers.
Exporters must now apply for a license from BIS to export, re-export or transfer (within the country) goods covered under these ECCNs to or within Pakistan. Exemptions from the licensing requirement are limited and are generally not granted if an Entity List party is involved in the transaction.
License applications are reviewed under BIS on a case-by-case basis to assess the risk of use for or diversion to a questionable end use or end user. Applications that pose an unacceptable risk are rejected.
According to the BIS press release, the aim of the controls is to strengthen national security by making it “more difficult for entities of concern in Pakistan” to obtain goods from the USA.
The new regulations come into force 30 days after their publication in the Federal Register.
Link:
Commerce Strengthens Restrictions on Exports to Pakistan to Address Diversion Concerns
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