What is the BIS 50% rule?

Asked by: scraper  |  Last update: August 23, 2026
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The BIS 50% Rule (officially the Affiliates Rule) is a U.S. export control regulation managed by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). It automatically extends strict trade and export license restrictions to any subsidiary or affiliate that is 50% or more owned—directly or indirectly—by a company on the BIS Entity List.

What is the 50 percent BIS rule?

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) 50% Rule (or "Affiliates Rule") automatically extends U.S. export restrictions to any entity that is 50% or more owned—directly, indirectly, or in the aggregate—by parties on the BIS Entity List or Military End-User List, even if the entity itself is not explicitly named.

What does OFAC's 50% rule mean?

The OFAC 50 Percent Rule dictates that any entity owned ≥50% directly or indirectly—whether individually or in aggregate—by one or more sanctioned persons (such as those on the OFAC SDN List) is automatically subject to the same sanctions, even if the entity itself is not explicitly listed.

What is the proposed BIS 50 rule?

The proposed BIS 50% Rule brings a structural overhaul of export compliance. If finalized, it will require companies to rethink how they identify restricted entities, shifting from name-based screening to ownership-based enforcement.

Is the BIS 50% rule delayed?

Key Takeaways: The new BIS Affiliates Rule prohibiting dealings with companies that have 50%+ ownership ties to blocked parties on pause through November 2026 due to the U.S.-China Deal.

The New BIS 50% Rule: What Exporters and Compliance Teams Need to Know [Webinar]

24 related questions found

Is customs delayed because of the shutdown?

Travel. Air travel should generally not be affected, but you may experience some longer times at TSA, or delays/cancellations due to staffing issues. TSA, Air Traffic Controllers, and Customs and Border Protection agents will continue their operations.

Why are stocks delayed 15 minutes?

As mentioned, delayed stock quotes are lagging because they require resources to gather and report. The information is out there, and is collected by firms that supply quotes and pricing information to other companies.

Which banks are part of BIS?

Membership and shareholding structure

  • Bank of Algeria**
  • Central Bank of Argentina*
  • Reserve Bank of Australia*
  • Oesterreichische Nationalbank (Austria)**
  • National Bank of Belgium*
  • Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
  • Central Bank of Brazil*
  • Bulgarian National Bank.

What are the 4 types of sanctions?

There are different types of sanctions, such as economic sanctions, international sanctions, embargo, and diplomatic sanctions. Sanctions put pressure on countries that endanger the peace, implement harmful policies, or violate international law. Sanctions can also be imposed on specific individuals or organizations.

How is the BIS penalty calculated?

As of January 15, 2025, the maximum administrative monetary penalty is $374,474per violation or twice the value of the transaction, whichever is greater. This amount is adjusted annually for inflation.

What is the difference between OFAC and BIS?

OFAC focuses on blocking assets and restricting financial dealings with individuals, foreign countries and entities that pose threats to U.S. foreign policy or national security. BIS, on the other hand, is concerned with preventing sensitive technology, software, and goods from reaching parties that could misuse them.

What is the 50 percent rule?

The "50 Percent Rule" most commonly refers to the OFAC 50% Rule, which states that any entity owned 50% or more, directly or indirectly, by one or more blocked (sanctioned) persons is considered blocked, even if not listed on the SDN list. It is a strict-liability regulation used by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to enforce sanctions.

What is the 50 rule for sanctions?

The BIS 50% Rule, defined by the US Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), stipulates that any entity 50% or more owned - individually or collectively - by sanctioned individuals or entities becomes subject to export restrictions under US sanctions.

What is OFAC's 50 percent rule?

The OFAC 50 Percent Rule states that any entity owned 50% or more, directly or indirectly, by one or more blocked persons (such as those on the Specially Designated Nationals List) is automatically considered blocked, even if the entity's name does not explicitly appear on the sanctions list.

Who are the top 3 exporters?

Who are the top 3 world exporters in 2025?

  • China (Total Exports: US$1.91 Trillion) ...
  • South Africa (Total Exports: US$1.91 Trillion) ...
  • United States (Total Exports: US$1.61 Trillion) ...
  • Germany (Total Exports: US$1.31 Trillion) ...
  • Netherlands (Total Exports: US$639 Billion) ...
  • South Korea (Total Exports: US$571 Billion)

Which products require BIS certification?

The BIS certification mainly covers numerous products including construction materials, chemicals, household appliances and medical devices. The BIS-CRS registration mainly covers products in the IT, electronics and lighting categories. Indian BIS will regularly update these 2 lists.

What is the new BIS 50 rule?

What is the BIS 50% Rule? It's a new BIS requirement that extends export controls to any entity 50%+ owned by parties on the Entity List, MEU List, or specified SDNs—even if not explicitly named.

How is the BIS score calculated?

It is a weighted sum of several electroencephalographic subparameters, including a time domain, frequency domain, and high order spectral subparameters. The BIS monitor provides a single dimensionless number, which ranges from 0 (equivalent to EEG silence) to 100.

What is the penalty for violating BIS regulations?

2 lakh for the first offense. A fine of up to Rs. 5 lakh or imprisonment up to two years for repeated violations. Cancellation of business license or product seizure by authorities.

What are 5 categories of sanctions?

Sanctions are coercive penalties or restrictive measures imposed by governments or international bodies (like the UN) to influence behavior, deter malicious activity, or punish violations of international norms. The five primary categories of sanctions are:

How long do sanctions typically last?

Sanctions are administered on a case-by-case basis and can last as long as the imposing party deems prudent. Sanctions are typically only lifted if the targeted party is willing to meet the requirements and agree to the terms and conditions of the sanctioning party (or parties).

Which is the best example of a sanction?

The best example of a sanction is Country A enacts trade restrictions against Country B.

What is the $3000 Bank rule?

The "$3000 bank rule" refers to federal anti-money laundering (AML) and record-keeping regulations under the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA). Under this rule, financial institutions must record and verify specific customer information for any cash purchase of monetary instruments (like money orders, cashier's checks, or traveler's checks) between $3,000 and $10,000.

Who owns the BIS?

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) is owned by 63 member central banks from around the world, representing countries that account for approximately 95% of world GDP. Founded in 1930, it acts as a bank for central banks and a hub for international monetary policy, with its headquarters in Basel, Switzerland.

What is the safest country to put your money in?

Swiss banks are world-renowned as being among the most professional and discreet in the world. There are only secrets here. You can keep your money here safely, and the Swiss economy is safe enough to keep your own economy secure.