Press Release: BIS adds Six Companies to Entity List for Sending Improvised Explosive Device Components to Iraq and Iran

Bureau of Industry and Security
July 20, 2011

Weapon Program: 

  • Military

Related Country: 

  • Iraq

WASHINGTON -The U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) today announced that it will add two companies in Hong Kong and four companies in Lebanon to the BIS Entity List. The six companies are being added based on evidence that they purchased electronic components from foreign subsidiaries of U.S. firms and then resold the components to persons in Iran and Iraq. The same components were later found in Iraq in unexploded improvised explosive devices and related materials.

"Today's action addresses the egregious conduct by foreign companies that endangered the lives of U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq," said Under Secretary of Commerce Eric L. Hirschhorn.

"I am committed to using all possible means to shut down networks that supply IED components," he said.

The companies added to the Entity List are Biznest Ltd., and Yeraz Ltd. in Hong Kong and Micro Power Engineering Group, Narinco Micro Sarl, Serop Elmayan and Sons Lebanon and Serpico Offshore Sarl in Lebanon. These six companies are being added based on evidence that they have engaged in actions that are contrary to the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States.

BIS controls exports and reexports of dual-use commodities, technology, and software for reasons of national security, missile technology, nuclear non-proliferation, chemical and biological weapons non-proliferation, crime control, regional stability, foreign policy and anti-terrorism. Criminal penalties and administrative sanctions can be imposed for violations of the Export Administration Regulations.