The United States has implemented two new regulations aimed at tightening export controls on advanced computing semiconductors and restricting additional entities from China and Singapore. The Bureau of Industry and Security said the measures build on previous actions and limit China’s access to crucial high-end chips for military applications.
The updates include broader licensing requirements for foundries and packaging companies exporting advanced chips unless certain conditions are met. BIS also introduced measures to facilitate the addition of new companies to the list of approved integrated circuit designers and semiconductor assembly services, and enhanced reporting requirements for transactions involving potentially high-risk customers.
The Export Administration Regulations were also updated to ensure that license exceptions apply only to transactions with approved designers. Technical corrections were made to clarify the definition of “advanced-node integrated circuit” for dynamic random-access memory chips.
Additionally, 16 new organizations, including artificial intelligence firm Sophgo Technologies, were added to the Entity List for supporting Beijing’s efforts to enhance local advanced chip production.
According to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, restricting access to the country’s most advanced semiconductor technology and strictly enforcing the bureau’s regulations highlight the U.S. government’s commitment to safeguarding national security.
“These rules will further target and strengthen our controls to help ensure that the PRC and others who seek to circumvent our laws and undermine U.S. national security fail in their efforts,” she said, referring to China’s official name, the People’s Republic of China.
Last December, the bureau introduced new rules to limit China’s access to U.S.-made semiconductor manufacturing equipment and software. This rule package included controls on high-bandwidth memory, compliance guidance, and additions and modifications to the Entity List involving Chinese manufacturers and investment companies.