US toughens export rules by blacklisting Chinese and Russian firms
Military End User list comprises 103 companies that pose an ‘unacceptable risk’ of diverting goods to the Chinese, Russian or Venezuelan military.
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) in the US Department of Commerce announced on 21 December that it has added a new Military End User (MEU) list to the Export Administration Regulations.
A total of 58 Chinese and 45 Russian companies, such as Chinese aviation conglomerate AVIC and its subsidiaries as well as Russian defence giant Rostec, were deemed to represent an unacceptable risk of use in or diversion to military recipients in China, Russia, or Venezuela.
Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said: ‘The Department recognizes the importance of leveraging its partnerships with US and global companies to combat efforts by China and Russia to divert US technology for their destabilising military programmes, including by highlighting red flag indicators such as those related to Communist Chinese military companies identified by the Department of Defense.’
The MEU List informs US exporters and re-exporters that a licence will be required to export, re-export, or transfer (in-country) designated items to listed entities.
While the initial MEU list includes 103 companies, additional parties may be added or deleted according to a determination made by the End-User Review Committee. This is an interagency body comprising the Departments of Commerce, Defense, Energy, State and (where appropriate) the Treasury.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Why small guns have been critical to layered CUAS architectures]()
Why small guns have been critical to layered CUAS architectures
Multiple countries have been deploying small arms as the last line of drone defence due to their multiple operational and tactical advantages.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: ST Engineering hints at export success for AME assault rifle family]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: ST Engineering hints at export success for AME assault rifle family
The Singapore-based technology company unveiled its new rifle family at this week’s airshow. Chen Chuanren spoke with the ST Engineering’s head of small arms to find out more about how the weapons have been refined.
-
![High tension in the High North – a wake-up call for NATO’s future Arctic defence efforts?]()
High tension in the High North – a wake-up call for NATO’s future Arctic defence efforts?
Any potential ‘Arctic Sentry’ mission would be months in the planning, but with tensions high in the region given the US’s push for Greenland, NATO countries will need to continue to emphasise their commitment to the region, analysts have said.
-
![Venezuela prepares personnel and equipment for a potential second US attack]()
Venezuela prepares personnel and equipment for a potential second US attack
Defence Minister Gen Vladimir Padrino López has declared that the Venezuelan armed forces “will continue to employ all its available capabilities for military defence”.
-
![As the new year starts, the UK defence spending delay continues]()
As the new year starts, the UK defence spending delay continues
The UK’s defence spending commitments remain uncertain as the government’s Defence Investment Plan, which had been due by the end of 2025, is yet to be published.
