Public Designations Unit

The Secretary of State has the power under a range of legal authorities to publicly and officially identify terrorists and terrorist organizations. These identifications and notifications, termed "designations," impose obligations on U.S. citizens and business organizations worldwide, and on anyone residing or doing business within the United States.

The Public Designations Unit prepares designations for the Secretary's consideration and works to ensure their effective implementation. The specific legal consequences that flow from a designation depend upon the legal authority under which the designation is made--individuals and organizations may be designated under multiple authorities (see below). Such legal consequences may include some or all of the following:

  • Make it a crime to knowingly provide material support to a designated organization.
  • Make it a crime to knowingly or intentionally have transactions or dealings with a designated individual or organization.
  • Deny admission to, or deport from, the United States members, representatives and providers of material support to designated organizations.
  • Cause the blocking of financial assets and/or other property of designated individuals and organizations under U.S. jurisdiction.

The Public Designations Unit and the Counterterrorism Finance Unit work closely together in the Office of the Coordinator for Counterterrorism.

The Designations Unit also reviews certain designations prepared by the Treasury Department under its authorities.

Terrorist Designations Lists:

  • Foreign Terrorist Organizations List (FTOs)
    Impacts travel related to terrorist organizations, makes it a crime to provide material support to terrorist organizations, and freezes the financial accounts of terrorist organizations in US financial institutions.
  • Terrorist Exclusion List (TEL)
    Impacts and restricts travel associated with terrorist organizations.
  • Executive Order 13224
    Designates both individuals as well as organizations, and contains provisions to block/freeze tangible property.

To receive email updates of additions or changes to the designations lists, please click here and select DOSDESIGNATIONS.

See also State Sponsors of Terrorism.

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