Export Restrictions for Quantum Computers
Since the beginning of the year, a growing number of countries have enacted explicit export controls for quantum computers and associated technology in the context of the dual-use issue. The presence of identical wording suggests secret preliminary negotiations. In Germany, according to an official document from July 2024, this mainly affects the export of CMOS circuits for cryogenic applications (<4.5 K) and quantum computers with low gate errors including more than 34 qubits.
There are no valid official justifications for the specific restrictions chosen, which are also aimed at systems that are too low-performance for practical applications. There is probably a fear that the availability of current quantum hardware could enable future developments that could make currently used cryptographic methods insecure.
Countries with export restrictions in this context:
- Canada official document from May 2024, article from HKTDC Research (2024-07-04)
- Germany: official document from July 2024, article from BLOMSTEIN (2024-07-18)
- France: official document from February 2024, article from The Quantum Insider (2024-02-26)
- UK: official document from April 2024, article from fudzilla (2024-06-07)
- also: Spain, Netherlands
Despite an overrepresentation of European countries in this list, the restrictions exist in the context of the international Wassenaar Agreement, which regulates the export control of dual-use goods.
It is expected that these restrictions will negatively influence the international research, development and commercialization of quantum computers. While currently no export controls for Quantum Key Distribution are active, it is to be expected that this may change soon.
In the US there are also a number of export restrictions in the quantum technology environment, which, however, are not yet connected to the Wassenaar Agreement. Based on the prevailing political situation, attempts have been made for several years to stop the flow of technology to China and Russia, which affects not only classic semiconductor products but also quantum technologies.