News item | 15-01-2025 | 09:00
The Netherlands will adjust the national export control measure for advanced semiconductor production equipment as of April 1, 2025. From that date onwards, more types of technology will be subject to a national licensing requirement.
For example, this concerns specific measuring and inspection equipment that can be used in the production of advanced semiconductors. Minister Reinette Klever (Foreign Trade and Development Aid) announced this on Wednesday in the Government Gazette. The extension of the measure is aimed at a very limited number of technologies and goods.
Minister Klever: “We think it is important that we maintain control over who gets hold of which technology. As a government, we keep a close eye on the technology for semiconductor production. Technological developments may also require adjusting the rules. We see more safety risks with uncontrolled export of this specific equipment. That is why an export license is now required.”
The new permit requirement is the second adjustment to the national export control measure that has been in effect since September 1, 2023.
Safety risks
To date, the national measure has covered a number of very specific technologies in the semiconductor production cycle, such as so-called lithographic equipment. A limited set of technologies for other steps in the production process will now also require a permit. The security risks of uncontrolled export of this technology have increased. It can be combined with technologies from other countries to create advanced semiconductors. Such advanced semiconductors can in turn play an important role in advanced military applications.
Permits
The national licensing requirement means that from now on an export license must also be applied for when exporting these technologies. The cabinet determines for each application whether the permit will be granted. The national measure applies to exports from the Netherlands to all destinations outside the EU. There is no export ban.
The semiconductor industry is international. The Netherlands plays a unique role in this. It is important that we do not unnecessarily disrupt the chip industry. We have therefore been as precise as possible when expanding the export control measure.” said Klever.
In the ministerial regulation In addition, legal-technical and textual adjustments have been made, including to clarify the existing measure for implementing authorities and the industry.