The Dutch government has introduced measures to restrict the export of quantum technology. The regulations that took effect on December 1 include regulatory measures on chip manufacturing processes. Reinette Klever, the Dutch Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Assistance, wrote in a letter to the Dutch Parliament on Friday: "The cabinet took this measure mainly out of national security considerations."
The regulation takes effect on December 1 and applies to eight types of products such as quantum computers, quantum measurement equipment and chip manufacturing technology. Clairvaux said a "small number of companies" would be affected. While the measures are officially neutral, the United States has been pushing the Netherlands to restrict exports of chipmaking equipment to China, targeting ASML Holding NV's sales of advanced machinery to the largest Asian country. Last month, the Netherlands issued new export control rules requiring ASML to apply for export licenses for some older machines in The Hague rather than in the United States. Bloomberg previously reported that the Dutch government will restrict ASML’s ability to repair semiconductor equipment in China.