China adds a registration step for exporting AI chip designs

Companies in China must now register transfers of certain AI technologies abroad, under a temporary rule issued by the commerce and science ministries on 16 October. The listed technologies include AI chip designs, such as those used for automated driving. Registration applies to selling or licensing a listed technology abroad, or transferring its ownership or control to an entity abroad, including deals already under way. Products made with a listed technology are not covered, the ministries say. In Paris on 13 October, XPeng said it is opening its Turing AI chip and other technology to partners worldwide. In XPulse’s reading, exports of XPeng cars or finished chips fall outside this rule, while licensing the Turing chip’s design to a partner abroad would require registration. The ministries also propose requiring a licence to export AI chip designs, with public comments open until 15 November. Under the proposal, technology exports for overseas chip manufacturing and joint research using resources abroad would qualify for automatic licensing or other simplified procedures.