diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index f7a8192..ff15b17 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -123,6 +123,11 @@ Optional inputs:
 
 By default, only commenters with an `author_association` of `OWNER`, `MEMBER`, or `COLLABORATOR` can trigger Claude. This prevents arbitrary GitHub users from consuming your Claude quota.
 
+MCP server opt-in is not enabled by default. Before adding MCP servers to these
+actions, use the [MCP allowlist security checklist](docs/mcp-allowlist-security.md)
+to document publisher trust, package pinning, token scope, `allowedTools`
+impact, structured JSON construction, and failure behavior.
+
 | Scenario | Configuration |
 |---|---|
 | Default — org members and collaborators only | _(no extra config needed)_ |
diff --git a/docs/mcp-allowlist-security.md b/docs/mcp-allowlist-security.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d3f8f86
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/mcp-allowlist-security.md
@@ -0,0 +1,82 @@
+# MCP allowlist security checklist
+
+This document defines the minimum review gate for adding MCP servers to the
+Claude-powered reusable actions.
+
+It supports the design in
+[`#53`](https://github.com/glitchwerks/github-actions/issues/53). It does not
+enable MCP servers by itself.
+
+## Scope
+
+The checklist applies before adding any MCP server to `pr-review` or
+`tag-claude`.
+
+Consumers must select servers by allowlisted name only. Consumers must not
+provide package sources, command arguments, registry URLs, or token wiring.
+
+## Required review record
+
+Every allowlist entry should document:
+
+- Consumer-facing server name.
+- Official MCP Registry name, when available.
+- Publisher prefix and why it is trusted enough for this action.
+- Exact package name and pinned version.
+- Package integrity hash or equivalent lockfile proof.
+- Install command and proof that install scripts are disabled.
+- Token source and minimum required permissions.
+- Whether the server expands the current `allowedTools` blast radius.
+- Failure behavior when install, startup, or server execution fails.
+- Reviewer who approved the entry.
+
+## Blocking checklist
+
+Before merge, every new allowlist entry must satisfy:
+
+- [ ] Registry entry checked against the approved publisher-prefix list.
+- [ ] Exact version is pinned.
+- [ ] Integrity hash or lockfile entry is recorded.
+- [ ] Install path disables package lifecycle scripts.
+- [ ] Token permissions are documented and minimized.
+- [ ] `allowedTools` impact is documented for `pr-review`.
+- [ ] Unknown requested server names fail loudly.
+- [ ] MCP configuration is built with structured JSON, not shell string
+      interpolation.
+- [ ] The allowlist lookup is exact-match only.
+- [ ] Crash/install failure behavior is specified.
+
+## Structured JSON rule
+
+Build `mcp_config` with `jq` or another structured JSON builder. Do not build
+JSON by concatenating shell strings.
+
+The `mcps` input should be parsed into exact names, trimmed, de-duplicated, and
+looked up in a fixed allowlist. Pattern matching is not sufficient for this
+boundary.
+
+## Token-scope rule
+
+An MCP server must not receive the full caller-granted token by default.
+
+If the server cannot operate with a narrower token, the action should document
+that limitation and print a warning before enabling the server. The warning
+should state that enabling the server expands the action's blast radius beyond
+the current shell command allowlist.
+
+## Failure behavior
+
+Choose and document one behavior for each allowlisted server:
+
+- **Fail closed:** stop the action when the server cannot be installed or
+  started.
+- **Warn and continue without MCP:** continue current behavior without the
+  server.
+
+Silent degradation is not allowed.
+
+## CODEOWNERS expectation
+
+Allowlist files and this checklist are security-sensitive. They should be owned
+by the same reviewers who approve token, package-source, and `allowedTools`
+changes.