Government Makes Computer Chip Exports Even More Bureaucratic Nightmare
Published Date: 1/16/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting January 16, 2025, companies making or handling advanced computing chips need to follow new steps to double-check their supply chains and keep U.S. security strong. Foundries and chip testers get clearer rules and a little extra time until January 31, 2025, to get everything right. Plus, the government extended the deadline to share feedback until March 14, 2025, so everyone has a chance to weigh in.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 5 costs, 2 mixed.
New Broad License Requirement for Foundries/OSATs
If you are a front-end fabricator (foundry) or an OSAT company, the rule imposes a broader license requirement for ICs classified under ECCN 3A090.a for exports, reexports, or transfers worldwide unless one of three specific ways to overcome the license requirement is met. The rule references Note 1 to 3A090 and Sec. 742.6(a)(6)(iii)(A) as the locations of this requirement.
Creation of 'Approved' IC Designer and OSAT Lists
The rule creates supplement no. 6 (approved IC designers) and supplement no. 7 (approved OSAT companies) to part 740 and lists specific initial companies by name. Attestations from companies on these lists can be used to overcome the presumption that an item meets ECCN 3A090.a.
Quarterly Reporting Requirement for Front-End Fabricators
Front-end fabricators producing ICs under ECCN 3A090.a for authorized IC designers must submit quarterly reports to BIS. The first report is due May 31, 2025 and must cover exports, reexports, and transfers (in-country) from January 31 through April 30, 2025; subsequent quarterly deadlines are May 31, August 31, November 30, and February 28 for the preceding quarters.
Limitations on License Exceptions AIA and ACM
License Exceptions AIA (Sec. 740.27) and ACM (Sec. 740.28) are revised so that three specified ECCNs (including 3A090.a) are eligible for those exceptions only if the items are designed by an approved or authorized IC designer as defined in supplement no. 6 to part 740 and Note 1 to ECCN 3A090.a.
Transitional Rules for 'Authorized' IC Designers
Prior to April 13, 2026, authorized IC designers include those headquartered in Taiwan or destinations in Country Group A:1 or A:5 (excluding entities headquartered in Macau or Country Group D:5) that agree to submit information in Sec. 743.9(b). After April 13, 2026, authorized IC designers must also submit an application to become approved IC designers, and any company deemed an authorized IC designer after that date will cease to be authorized 180 days after submitting its application to become approved.
New KYC Vetting Form and Red Flag Rules
The rule adds a Know-Your-Customer (KYC) vetting form (supplement no. 2 to part 743) that front-end fabricators must use; any unresolved 'Yes' answers on the form are treated as Red Flags and require additional due diligence before proceeding. The form covers legitimacy, screening against the Consolidated Screening List, and other transaction red flags.
Effective and Compliance Dates for New Requirements
The IFR is effective January 16, 2025, but exporters, reexporters, and transferors are not required to comply with the new requirements added by this rule until January 31, 2025. The compliance date applies only to EAR text revised by this rule.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20522, Safety Zone; Luminsea Miami Shootout and Races, Miami Marine Stadium Harbor, Miami FL
From October 22 to 25, 2026, the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone in Miami Marine Stadium Harbor for the Luminsea Miami Shootout powerboat races. This means no boats or people can enter the area unless they get special permission, keeping everyone safe from race-related dangers. If you’re boating nearby, plan ahead to avoid delays—no extra fees, just smooth sailing with a heads-up!
2026-20517, Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Commercial Warm Air Furnaces
The Department of Energy is dropping a complicated test for commercial warm air furnaces because it’s too tricky and doesn’t add enough value. Instead, these furnaces will keep using the simpler, existing test method. This change affects manufacturers and takes effect on December 7, 2026, making testing easier without extra costs.
2026-20520, Security Zone; U.S. Coast Guard Base, Los Angeles Harbor Main Channel, Los Angeles, CA
Starting October 6, 2026, the Coast Guard is setting up a permanent security zone around their base in Los Angeles Harbor’s main channel. This means boats and people can’t enter or anchor near the base without special permission, keeping military members and property safe. If you use this waterway, plan ahead to avoid fines or delays!
2026-20512, Purchaser Credit on Timber Sale Contracts
The Forest Service is cleaning up old rules about timber sale credits that ended back in 1999. This update removes outdated regulations that no longer apply, so the rules are clearer and simpler. If you’re involved in timber sales on National Forest lands, nothing changes for you now, but the new rule kicks in on November 5, 2026.
2026-20447, Transparency in Coverage
Starting soon, health plans and insurers must share clearer, easier-to-understand price info for medical services and drugs. This helps you see what in-network and out-of-network costs really look like, with more details and better updates. These changes affect most group and individual health plans and kick in with new reporting rules to make healthcare pricing more transparent and fair.
2026-20461, Adoption of Updated EDGAR Filer Manual
Starting October 6, 2026, the SEC is rolling out an updated EDGAR Filer Manual to help companies file their paperwork electronically with fewer headaches. This update affects anyone who submits financial documents through EDGAR, with new rules kicking in after September 14, 2026. No extra fees, just smoother, clearer filing instructions to keep everything running on time!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-00707, Establishment of Class E Airspace; Victoria, TX
Starting April 17, 2025, new Class E airspace will be set up around Citizens Medical Center in Victoria, TX to help pilots fly safely using instruments. This change mainly affects pilots and air traffic controllers by creating clearer, safer skies without any extra costs. It’s all about making flying smoother and safer for everyone in the area!
Next: 2025-00723, Controls on Certain Laboratory Equipment and Related Technology To Address Dual Use Concerns About Biotechnology
Starting January 16, 2025, new rules will control certain biotech lab equipment and tech to keep them from being misused and protect U.S. security. Companies and researchers working with advanced biotech gear will need to follow these updated export rules. The government also wants your feedback by March 17, 2025, so get ready to share your thoughts!