TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The economics ministry added 279 entities to its export control list on Tuesday, tightening rules to protect national security.

The International Trade Administration explained that the entities were added following a review based on international sanctions and security assessments, per CNA. Entities from Pakistan, Iran, and China were added.

Taiwanese businesses seeking to export strategic high-tech goods to the controlled entities must first apply for approval from the bureau. Customs will assist in enforcement to ensure that unauthorized shipments are blocked.

The bureau explained that the controlled list is updated through interagency reviews and is based on sanction lists from the UN Security Council and allied nations. The measures are taken under Article 13 of the Foreign Trade Act.

So far, more than 18,000 foreign entities and individuals have been placed under Taiwan’s strategic high-tech export controls.