The U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has released an interim final rule (IFR) establishing new export controls on critical and emerging technologies, including quantum computing and advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment. These controls were agreed upon by international partners to address growing national security concerns. The rule aligns the U.S. with other nations in controlling the distribution of advanced technologies that may be used for military purposes if obtained by adversarial nations.

The new controls cover specific types of technologies, such as quantum computing equipment, advanced semiconductor manufacturing tools, and technologies for developing high-performance computing chips. BIS has introduced a new License Exception Implemented Export Controls (IEC), enabling certain nations with equivalent national controls to export these technologies without additional licenses. This exception aims to encourage collaboration among trusted countries while maintaining strict export oversight.

Countries that have already implemented similar controls are expected to align further with the U.S., creating a unified international effort to secure emerging technologies. The IFR includes specific provisions to avoid disruptions in ongoing research, and certain destinations have a 60-day compliance delay for quantum-related exports. BIS has also introduced annual reporting requirements for some deemed export transactions.

Key Points:

• Quantum Computing Items: quantum computers, related equipment, components, materials, software, and technology that can be used in the development and maintenance of quantum computers.
• Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment: tools and machines that are essential for the production of advanced semiconductor devices.
• Gate All-Around Field-Effect Transistor (GAAFET) Technology: technology that produces or develops high-performance computing chips that can be used in supercomputers.
• Additive Manufacturing Items: Equipment, components and related technology and software designed to produce metal or metal alloy components.

“Aligning our controls on quantum and other advanced technologies makes it significantly more difficult for our adversaries to develop and deploy these technologies in ways that threaten our collective security,” said Alan Estevez, Under Secretary for the Bureau of Industry and Security.