Netherlands to Expand Export Controls on Semiconductor Equipment

The Dutch government has announced an expansion of its export controls on advanced semiconductor equipment, effective from April 1. The new measures, which build on restrictions first introduced in 2023 under U.S. pressure, will require companies to seek export licenses for a narrow set of technologies. These include equipment used for measuring and inspecting semiconductor wafers, which play a critical role in the chipmaking process.

Despite the expansion of export controls, Dutch chip equipment company ASML has stated that the new regulations are not expected to affect its business. ASML maintained that the updated rules, which were outlined in the Netherlands’ state legal newspaper, align with previous guidance it issued in December. This guidance followed new restrictions announced by the U.S. government targeting semiconductor exports to China.

The Dutch trade ministry highlighted that such rule adjustments may occur periodically due to ongoing technical developments in the semiconductor industry.