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📋 Korean Law Insight | International Trade

By Attorney NOH UJIN | HANBYOL LAW LLC, Seoul

Korea's Semiconductor and Strategic Technology Export Controls: Legal Guide for Foreign Companies

South Korea sits at the epicenter of the global semiconductor industry. Home to Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix — together commanding over 70% of the world's DRAM market — Korea's technology ecosystem is of strategic significance to governments, multinational corporations, and investors worldwide. As the global competition for semiconductor supremacy intensifies and allied nations coordinate export restrictions, Korea has substantially tightened its export control regime governing semiconductors and other strategic technologies.

For foreign companies operating in Korea — whether as suppliers, licensees, joint venture partners, or technology acquirers — understanding Korea's export control framework is no longer optional; it is a legal and commercial imperative. Violations can result in criminal sanctions, export license revocations, and reputational damage that can end business relationships in one of the world's most innovative markets.

This guide, prepared by HANBYOL LAW LLC, provides a comprehensive overview of Korea's semiconductor and strategic technology export control regime, the key statutes, prohibited activities, compliance obligations, and the practical steps foreign companies must take to operate lawfully.

1. The Legal Framework: Korea's Export Control Statutes

Korea's export control system is built on three principal legal instruments:

1.1 Foreign Trade Act (대외무역법)

The Foreign Trade Act (FTA) is the foundational statute governing Korea's international trade. Under the FTA, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) has authority to designate certain goods, technologies, and services as "strategic items" subject to export licensing requirements. The FTA's implementing regulations include the Export Trade Management Regulations (수출입공고) and the Strategic Items List.

1.2 Act on Prevention of Divulgence and Protection of Industrial Technology (산업기술보호법, ITPA)

The Industrial Technology Protection Act (ITPA) is of particular importance for semiconductor companies. Enacted in 2006 and significantly amended in 2023 and 2024, the ITPA:

Designates certain technologies as "National Core Technologies" (국가핵심기술), the unauthorized export of which is a criminal offense.
Requires prior government approval for the export of National Core Technologies, including through M&A transactions where a foreign acquirer would gain access to such technology.
As of 2024, the semiconductor sector has the largest number of designated National Core Technologies (over 15 categories), including DRAM, NAND flash, advanced logic chips, and EUV lithography processes.

1.3 Defense Acquisition Program Act (방위사업법) and Dual-Use Item Controls

Dual-use goods and technologies — those with both civilian and military applications — are subject to additional controls under Korea's defense acquisition laws. Korea participates in all four major multilateral export control regimes:

Wassenaar Arrangement (conventional arms and dual-use)
Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)
Australia Group (chemical and biological)
Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)

Korea's commitments under these regimes are incorporated into domestic law through the strategic items list and related regulations.

2. What Constitutes "Export" Under Korean Law

One of the most significant — and frequently misunderstood — aspects of Korea's export control regime is its broad definition of "export." Under the FTA and ITPA, "export" includes:

Physical shipment of controlled goods abroad
Technology transfer to a foreign national, whether inside or outside Korea (deemed export)
Cross-border licensing of controlled intellectual property or know-how
Foreign corporate M&A where a foreign acquirer gains access to National Core Technology through the transaction
Joint R&D arrangements that involve sharing controlled technical data with foreign parties
Cloud or digital transfers of controlled technical files to servers or personnel outside Korea

Foreign companies that seconded personnel to Korean semiconductor firms, or that licensed Korean technology for use outside Korea, may unknowingly be participating in a deemed export that requires government approval.

3. National Core Technologies in the Semiconductor Sector

The ITPA's National Core Technology designation covers a wide range of semiconductor-related technologies. As of 2025, designated categories include:

Category	Examples
DRAM	Advanced DRAM cell fabrication processes below 10nm node
NAND Flash	High-layer-count 3D NAND processes (200+ layers)
Logic/Foundry	Sub-3nm GAA (Gate-All-Around) transistor fabrication
Packaging	Advanced 2.5D/3D chip packaging (HBM stacking)
Equipment	EUV and next-gen lithography process technology
Materials	Ultra-pure semiconductor-grade chemical processes

This list is subject to periodic review and expansion by the MOTIE in consultation with the National Industrial Technology Security Committee.

4. Export Licensing: The Approval Process

For goods and technologies on the Strategic Items List, an export license must be obtained from MOTIE before the export proceeds. The licensing process involves:

Item classification: Determine whether the product or technology is listed on Korea's Strategic Items List (HS code cross-reference with the control list).
End-user screening: Verify the foreign recipient against Korea's denied party lists and applicable multilateral sanctions.
License application: Submit to MOTIE through the Korea Export Control System (YESTRADE). Typical processing time: 15–30 business days.
Conditions and monitoring: Licenses may be issued with conditions, including end-use certificates, on-site verification rights, and re-export restrictions.
Record-keeping: Exporters must maintain export control records for at least 5 years.

For National Core Technologies specifically, the approval process for export (or M&A transactions) is conducted through the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's Industrial Technology Protection Division, and may require a review by the National Industrial Technology Security Committee — a process that can take 90 days or more for complex transactions.

5. M&A Transactions and Foreign Acquisition Review

Korea's ITPA contains particularly stringent provisions governing foreign acquisitions of Korean companies holding National Core Technologies. Under Articles 11 and 11-2:

Any Korean company (or research institution) possessing National Core Technology must obtain government approval before completing a merger, acquisition, joint venture, or technology licensing agreement that would give a foreign entity access to such technology.
If the Korean company fails to seek approval, the government may order the transaction to be rescinded.
Transactions in which the government has a stake (through investment funds, research grants, or other support) require mandatory prior consultation with MOTIE.
Attempted circumvention through offshore holding structures or indirect acquisitions is specifically addressed by the law and carries heightened scrutiny.

For foreign private equity or strategic acquirers evaluating Korean semiconductor targets, this review regime is a material deal risk that must be factored into transaction timelines and structuring from the outset of deal planning.

6. Criminal Penalties and Civil Sanctions

The consequences of non-compliance are severe:

Violation	Maximum Penalty
Unauthorized export of National Core Technology	Criminal: imprisonment up to 15 years + KRW 1.5 billion fine; Civil: disgorgement of gains
Export without license (Strategic Items)	Imprisonment up to 5 years + KRW 500 million fine
False license application	Imprisonment up to 3 years + KRW 30 million fine
Failure to maintain records	Administrative fine up to KRW 30 million
Unauthorized M&A (National Core Tech)	Government may order transaction rescission; criminal referral possible

In 2023–2024, Korean prosecutors successfully obtained convictions in several high-profile cases involving the attempted export of semiconductor manufacturing process data to Chinese entities, with sentences of 3 to 7 years imposed. These cases signal the Korean government's commitment to vigorous enforcement.

7. Compliance Program Best Practices for Foreign Companies

Foreign companies operating in the Korean semiconductor ecosystem should implement a robust export control compliance program that includes:

Technology classification audit: Conduct a systematic review of all technologies involved in Korean operations to identify National Core Technologies and controlled items.
Export control officer designation: Appoint a dedicated export control officer familiar with both Korean ITPA requirements and relevant extraterritorial regimes (U.S. EAR, EU Dual-Use Regulation).
Deemed export controls: Implement screening procedures for all foreign national employees and visiting researchers with access to controlled Korean technologies.
License management system: Maintain a centralized database of all export licenses, conditions, expiry dates, and associated shipments or technology transfers.
M&A due diligence protocol: Include export control review as a standard component of pre-acquisition due diligence for any Korean technology company target.
Training program: Provide regular training to relevant employees in Korean, English, and other relevant languages on export control obligations.
Internal audit and self-disclosure: Conduct periodic internal audits and, where violations are discovered, consider voluntary self-disclosure to MOTIE, which may mitigate penalties.

8. U.S.–Korea Export Control Alignment (BIS and ITPA Intersection)

Foreign companies — particularly U.S.-headquartered multinationals — must be alert to the intersection between Korea's ITPA and the U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security's (BIS) Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Key interaction points include:

U.S. equipment or technology incorporated into Korean semiconductor processes may be subject to U.S. re-export controls when transferred abroad from Korea, independent of Korea's own ITPA regime.
Korea's 2023 Foreign Investment Promotion Act amendments and the U.S. CHIPS Act created parallel incentive regimes that impose technology guardrails — companies accepting subsidies must comply with both countries' restrictions on technology sharing with specified third countries.
The U.S.–Korea Semiconductor Alliance (announced 2023) includes information-sharing provisions on export enforcement that make cross-border investigations increasingly coordinated.

9. Recent Regulatory Developments (2024–2026)

2024 ITPA Amendment: Expanded the National Core Technology list to include advanced packaging (HBM) technologies and imposed mandatory export control compliance programs for companies receiving government semiconductor subsidies.
2024 Foreign Trade Act Amendment: Introduced a "catch-all" provision empowering MOTIE to require an export license for any technology not on the control list if there are reasonable grounds to believe it will be used for WMD or military applications.
2025 Semiconductor Cluster Act: Designated specific industrial zones (Yongin, Pyeongtaek) as Semiconductor Industrial Complexes, with enhanced security measures and stricter access controls for foreign personnel.
2026 National Security Risk Assessment: Introduced pre-deal national security screening for foreign investments above certain thresholds in semiconductor companies, analogous to the U.S. CFIUS review process.

📌 Official References

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does the Korean ITPA apply to foreign subsidiaries of Korean semiconductor companies operating abroad?

The ITPA's direct jurisdiction is over Korean entities and persons in Korea. However, a Korean parent company sharing National Core Technology with its own overseas subsidiary must still obtain export approval under the ITPA. This creates a compliance challenge for multinational Korean semiconductor firms, and similarly, foreign subsidiaries that receive controlled Korean technology may find that the parent's ITPA obligations affect what can lawfully be transferred to the overseas entity.

Q2: We are a foreign equipment supplier to Korean semiconductor fabs. Are we subject to Korean export controls?

Generally, the Korean ITPA targets Korean-origin technology. If you are supplying equipment to Korea (import into Korea), you are not the exporter under Korean law. However, if your equipment incorporates Korean-developed process technology under a licensing agreement, and you wish to re-export the integrated system to a third country, Korean export controls on the embedded Korean technology component may apply. Additionally, your home country's export controls (e.g., U.S. EAR, EU Dual-Use Regulation) will likely apply to your own equipment independently.

Q3: What is a "deemed export" under Korean law, and how does it apply to foreign employees?

A deemed export occurs when controlled technology is transferred to a foreign national inside Korea — for example, a Chinese or Russian national engineer working at a Korean semiconductor facility. Under the ITPA, sharing National Core Technology with a foreign national requires the same export approval as physically shipping the technology abroad. Companies must screen all foreign national employees with access to controlled processes and implement need-to-know access controls.

Q4: How long does the ITPA M&A approval process take for a foreign acquisition of a Korean semiconductor company?

The formal review period is 90 days, but in practice, complex transactions — particularly those involving National Core Technologies or government-funded research — often take 6 to 12 months when accounting for pre-filing consultations, supplemental information requests, and committee review. Foreign acquirers should build this timeline into deal planning and may wish to engage Korean legal counsel to manage the process proactively.

Q5: Can a foreign company self-disclose an inadvertent export control violation and avoid criminal prosecution?

Yes. Korea's export control regime encourages voluntary self-disclosure. Companies that discover and report violations proactively to MOTIE may receive significantly reduced administrative penalties and are less likely to face criminal referral. However, self-disclosure is not a guaranteed shield — the government retains discretion on criminal prosecution, particularly for serious or repeated violations. Legal counsel should be involved before any self-disclosure to structure the disclosure appropriately.

Q6: How do U.S. CHIPS Act "guardrail" provisions interact with Korean semiconductor export controls?

The U.S. CHIPS Act includes provisions restricting recipients of U.S. semiconductor subsidies from making certain investments in China and other "countries of concern" for 10 years after receiving funds. Korean semiconductor companies (Samsung, SK Hynix) that accept U.S. CHIPS Act subsidies are bound by these guardrails, which in practice limit their ability to expand or upgrade Chinese fabrication facilities. Foreign companies partnering with Korean semiconductor firms should be alert to these restrictions when structuring joint venture or technology-sharing arrangements involving Chinese operations.

Q7: What are the export control implications of joint R&D agreements between Korean and foreign semiconductor companies?

Joint R&D agreements that involve sharing controlled Korean semiconductor technology with foreign partners require careful structuring under the ITPA. Specifically: (1) any background technology contributed by the Korean party that constitutes National Core Technology requires MOTIE approval before sharing; (2) foreground technology (jointly developed results) may also fall within the ITPA's scope if it constitutes or is based on National Core Technology; (3) the joint R&D agreement should include export control representations, warranties, and indemnities. HANBYOL LAW LLC recommends involving export control counsel at the term sheet stage of any significant Korea-foreign joint R&D arrangement.

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韩国半导体与战略技术出口管制：外资企业法律指南

韩国是全球半导体产业的核心。三星电子和SK海力士合计占据全球DRAM市场超过70%的份额。随着全球半导体竞争加剧，韩国大幅强化了针对半导体及其他战略技术的出口管制体系。对于在韩经营的外资企业——无论是供应商、被许可方、合资伙伴还是技术受让方——了解韩国出口管制框架已成为法律和商业层面的必要义务。

1. 法律框架

《对外贸易法》：授权产业通商资源部（MOTIE）对战略物项的出口进行许可管理。
《产业技术保护法》（ITPA）：规定"国家核心技术"的认定与出口审批制度，半导体领域国家核心技术类别最多（超过15类）。
双用途物项管制：韩国参与瓦森纳协定等四大多边出口管制机制，相关义务已纳入国内法。

2. "出口"的宽泛定义

韩国法律对"出口"的定义极为宽泛，包括：实物货物出境、向在韩外国人转让技术（视同出口）、跨境知识产权许可、外资并购（导致外国方获取国家核心技术）、联合研发中的技术数据共享，以及将受控技术文件传输至境外服务器等。

3. 半导体领域国家核心技术

ITPA指定的半导体国家核心技术涵盖先进DRAM（10nm以下）、高层数3D NAND（200层以上）、亚3nm逻辑制程、先进封装（HBM堆叠）、EUV光刻工艺及超纯半导体级化学品工艺等。

4. 出口许可流程

物项分类：确认产品/技术是否在战略物项清单上
最终用户审查：核查外国接收方是否在拒绝方名单上
通过YESTRADE平台向MOTIE提交许可申请（处理周期15-30个工作日）
遵守许可附加条件（最终用途证书、核查权利、再出口限制等）
保存出口管制记录至少5年

5. 外资并购审查

持有国家核心技术的韩国企业在完成可能使外国实体获取该技术的并购、合资或许可协议前，必须获得政府批准。否则，政府可命令撤销交易。通过境外控股架构进行的间接收购同样受到法律约束。

6. 违规处罚

未经授权出口国家核心技术：最高15年有期徒刑+15亿韩元罚款；无许可出口战略物项：最高5年有期徒刑+5亿韩元罚款；虚假申请许可：最高3年有期徒刑+3000万韩元罚款。

7. 合规最佳实践

建议外资企业：开展技术分类审计、指定专职出口管制负责人、实施视同出口管控（外籍员工准入管理）、建立许可证集中管理系统、将出口管制纳入并购尽职调查标准、定期培训员工，并考虑主动自愿披露以减轻潜在处罚。

常见问题解答（FAQ）

Q1：ITPA是否适用于韩国半导体企业的境外子公司？

ITPA的直接管辖范围为在韩韩国实体。但韩国母公司向境外子公司转让国家核心技术，仍需依法获得出口批准。

Q2：我们是韩国半导体工厂的外国设备供应商，是否受韩国出口管制约束？

向韩国出口设备（进口入韩）通常不受韩国ITPA约束。但若您希望将含有韩国许可技术的集成系统再出口至第三国，韩国对所嵌入技术的出口管制规定可能适用。

Q3：何为"视同出口"？如何适用于外籍员工？

视同出口是指在韩国境内向外国公民转让受控技术，例如中国或俄罗斯籍工程师在韩半导体工厂工作。与向外国公民共享国家核心技术须经出口批准，与实际出境同等处理。

Q4：外资收购韩国半导体企业的ITPA审批需要多长时间？

正式审查期为90天，但复杂交易（尤其涉及国家核心技术或政府资助研究）实际上通常需要6至12个月。建议从交易规划之初就将此时间轴纳入考量。

Q5：外资企业是否可以通过主动自愿披露来避免刑事追诉？

是的，韩国出口管制体系鼓励自愿披露。主动向MOTIE报告违规行为的企业可获得大幅减轻的行政处罚，并降低刑事追诉的可能性。但政府仍保留对严重或重复违规行为的刑事追诉裁量权。

Q6：美国《芯片法案》"护栏"条款与韩国半导体出口管制如何交互？

接受美国《芯片法案》补贴的韩国半导体企业（如三星、SK海力士）须在10年内遵守有关在中国等"关注国"投资的限制。外资合作伙伴在构建涉及中国业务的合资或技术共享安排时，应注意这些限制。

Q7：韩韩外联合研发协议的出口管制影响是什么？

涉及向外国合作伙伴共享受控韩国半导体技术的联合研发协议需在ITPA框架下进行谨慎设计，建议在协议条款草拟阶段即引入出口管制法律顾问。

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韓国の半導体・戦略技術輸出規制：外資系企業のための法律ガイド

韓国は世界の半導体産業の中心地です。サムスン電子とSKハイニックスが世界のDRAM市場の70%以上を占める韓国では、半導体および戦略技術の輸出規制が大幅に強化されています。本ガイドでは、韓国の輸出管理体制の概要、主要法令、禁止行為、コンプライアンス義務、そして外資系企業が講じるべき実務的措置を詳しく解説します。

1. 法的枠組み

大外貿易法：産業通商資源部（MOTIE）が戦略物品の輸出許可を管理。
産業技術保護法（ITPA）：「国家核心技術」を指定し、無許可輸出は刑事犯罪。半導体分野の指定カテゴリーが最多（15以上）。
デュアルユース品規制：ワッセナー取極など四大多国間輸出管理体制へのコミットメントが国内法に組み込まれている。

2. 「輸出」の広義の定義

韓国法上の「輸出」には、管理対象物品の物理的出荷だけでなく、国内での外国人への技術移転（みなし輸出）、知的財産のクロスボーダーライセンス、外資M&Aを通じた国家核心技術へのアクセス、共同研究開発における技術データ共有、および管理対象技術ファイルの海外サーバーへの送信なども含まれます。

3. 半導体分野の国家核心技術

指定された半導体関連技術には、10nm以下の先端DRAM、200層以上の3D NAND、3nm以下のGAAロジック製造、HBMスタッキングなどの先進パッケージング、EUVリソグラフィー工程技術等が含まれます。

4. 輸出許可プロセス

品目分類（戦略品目リストへの該当確認）
エンドユーザー審査（拒否者リストとの照合）
YESTRADEシステムを通じてMOTIEへ申請（処理期間：15〜30営業日）
許可条件の遵守（最終用途証明書、現地確認権、再輸出制限等）
輸出管理記録を最低5年間保管

5. 外資M&A審査

国家核心技術を保有する韓国企業は、外国エンティティが当該技術にアクセスすることになる合併・買収・合弁・技術ライセンス契約を完了する前に政府承認が必要です。未申請の場合、政府は取引の取り消しを命じることができます。

6. 違反に対する制裁

国家核心技術の無許可輸出：最大15年の懲役＋15億ウォンの罰金。無許可での戦略物品輸出：最大5年の懲役＋5億ウォンの罰金。虚偽の許可申請：最大3年の懲役＋3,000万ウォンの罰金。

よくある質問（FAQ）

Q1：ITPAは韓国半導体企業の海外子会社にも適用されますか？

ITPAの直接的な管轄は韓国内の韓国法人に及びます。ただし、韓国の親会社が海外子会社に国家核心技術を提供する場合、ITPAに基づく輸出承認が必要です。

Q2：当社は韓国半導体工場への外国製装置サプライヤーです。韓国の輸出規制の対象になりますか？

通常、韓国への装置輸出（韓国への輸入）はITPA上の「輸出者」には該当しません。ただし、韓国ライセンス技術を組み込んだ統合システムを第三国へ再輸出する場合は、韓国の輸出管理規制が適用される可能性があります。

Q3：「みなし輸出」とは何ですか？外国人従業員への適用は？

みなし輸出は、管理対象技術を韓国国内で外国人に移転すること（例：韓国の半導体施設で働く外国人エンジニアへの技術共有）をいいます。ITパAの下では、外国人への国家核心技術の共有に対して、技術の物理的輸出と同等の輸出承認が必要です。

Q4：外資による韓国半導体企業の買収に関するITPAの承認プロセスにはどのくらい時間がかかりますか？

正式な審査期間は90日ですが、複雑な案件（特に国家核心技術や政府助成研究を含むもの）では、実際には6〜12ヶ月かかることが多いです。

Q5：外資系企業は自主的な開示によって刑事訴追を回避できますか？

はい。韓国の輸出管理体制は自主的な開示を奨励しています。MOTIEに積極的に違反を報告した企業は、行政罰を大幅に軽減され、刑事訴追の可能性も低くなります。ただし、政府は依然として起訴の裁量権を持っています。

Q6：米国のCHIPS法の「ガードレール」条項は韓国の輸出規制とどのように交差しますか？

米国のCHIPS法補助金を受け取った韓国の半導体企業（サムスン、SKハイニックス）は、10年間、特定の「懸念国」での投資に関する制限に縛られます。中国事業を含む合弁・技術共有の構築にあたっては、これらの制限に注意が必要です。

Q7：韓国・外国半導体企業間の共同研究開発契約の輸出規制上の影響は？

外国パートナーと管理対象の韓国半導体技術を共有する共同R&D契約は、ITPA上の注意深い設計が必要です。条件交渉の段階から輸出管理の専門家を関与させることを推奨します。

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📋 Perspectiva Legal Coreana | Comercio Internacional

Por el Abogado NOH UJIN | HANBYOL LAW LLC, Seúl

Controles de Exportación de Semiconductores y Tecnología Estratégica en Corea: Guía Legal para Empresas Extranjeras

Corea del Sur es el epicentro de la industria mundial de semiconductores. Con Samsung Electronics y SK Hynix acaparando más del 70% del mercado mundial de DRAM, el ecosistema tecnológico de Corea tiene una importancia estratégica para gobiernos, multinacionales e inversores de todo el mundo. A medida que se intensifica la competencia global por el dominio de los semiconductores, Corea ha reforzado sustancialmente su régimen de control de exportaciones. Para las empresas extranjeras que operan en Corea, comprender este marco legal es una obligación legal y comercial ineludible.

1. Marco Legal

Ley de Comercio Exterior: Faculta al MOTIE para gestionar las licencias de exportación de bienes estratégicos.
Ley de Protección de Tecnología Industrial (ITPA): Designa "Tecnologías Centrales Nacionales" cuya exportación no autorizada constituye delito penal. El sector de semiconductores tiene el mayor número de categorías designadas (+15).
Controles de doble uso: Los compromisos con los cuatro grandes regímenes multilaterales (Wassenaar, NSG, Grupo de Australia, MTCR) están integrados en la legislación interna coreana.

2. Definición Amplia de "Exportación"

La definición coreana de "exportación" incluye: envío físico de bienes controlados, transferencia tecnológica a nacionales extranjeros dentro de Corea (exportación implícita), licencias transfronterizas de propiedad intelectual, operaciones de M&A extranjeras que dan acceso a Tecnología Central Nacional, joint ventures de I+D con intercambio de datos técnicos controlados, y transferencias digitales a servidores o personal fuera de Corea.

3. Tecnologías Centrales Nacionales en el Sector de Semiconductores

Las categorías designadas incluyen: procesos DRAM avanzados (por debajo de 10nm), NAND 3D de alta capa (200+ capas), lógica sub-3nm GAA, empaquetado avanzado 2.5D/3D (apilamiento HBM), tecnología de proceso EUV y procesos de materiales de grado semiconductor ultrapuro.

4. Proceso de Licencia de Exportación

Clasificación del artículo (verificación en la Lista de Artículos Estratégicos)
Revisión del usuario final (contra las listas de partes denegadas)
Solicitud a través de YESTRADE al MOTIE (plazo: 15–30 días hábiles)
Cumplimiento de condiciones de la licencia (certificados de uso final, derechos de verificación, restricciones de reexportación)
Mantenimiento de registros de control de exportación durante al menos 5 años

5. Revisión de M&A por Adquisición Extranjera

Cualquier empresa coreana con Tecnología Central Nacional debe obtener aprobación gubernamental ANTES de completar una fusión, adquisición, joint venture o licencia tecnológica que dé acceso a una entidad extranjera a dicha tecnología. El incumplimiento puede llevar a la rescisión forzosa de la operación.

6. Sanciones Penales y Civiles

Exportación no autorizada de Tecnología Central Nacional: hasta 15 años de prisión + multa de 1.500 millones KRW. Exportación sin licencia de artículos estratégicos: hasta 5 años + 500 millones KRW. Solicitud de licencia falsa: hasta 3 años + 30 millones KRW.

Preguntas Frecuentes (FAQ)

P1: ¿Se aplica la ITPA a las filiales extranjeras de empresas coreanas de semiconductores en el exterior?

La jurisdicción directa de la ITPA alcanza a las entidades coreanas en Corea. Sin embargo, una empresa coreana matriz que comparte Tecnología Central Nacional con su filial en el exterior sigue necesitando aprobación de exportación según la ITPA.

P2: Somos un proveedor extranjero de equipos para fábricas de semiconductores en Corea. ¿Estamos sujetos a los controles de exportación coreanos?

Generalmente, el suministro de equipos a Corea (importación a Corea) no nos convierte en "exportadores" bajo la ley coreana. Sin embargo, si desea reexportar a un tercer país un sistema integrado que incorpore tecnología coreana con licencia, pueden aplicarse los controles de exportación coreanos sobre el componente tecnológico coreano incorporado.

P3: ¿Qué es una "exportación implícita" y cómo se aplica a los empleados extranjeros?

Una exportación implícita se produce cuando se transfiere tecnología controlada a un nacional extranjero dentro de Corea (ej.: un ingeniero chino trabajando en una instalación semiconductora coreana). La ITPA exige la misma aprobación de exportación que para el envío físico de la tecnología al exterior.

P4: ¿Cuánto tiempo lleva el proceso de aprobación de la ITPA para una adquisición extranjera de una empresa coreana de semiconductores?

El período de revisión formal es de 90 días, pero las operaciones complejas suelen requerir de 6 a 12 meses. Los adquirentes extranjeros deben integrar este plazo en la planificación de la operación desde el principio.

P5: ¿Puede una empresa extranjera evitar el enjuiciamiento penal mediante la autodivulgación voluntaria de una infracción?

Sí. El régimen coreano de control de exportaciones fomenta la autodivulgación voluntaria. Las empresas que notifican proactivamente las infracciones al MOTIE pueden recibir sanciones administrativas significativamente reducidas y tienen menos probabilidades de ser derivadas a la fiscalía.

P6: ¿Cómo interactúan las disposiciones "guardrail" de la Ley CHIPS de EE.UU. con los controles de exportación de semiconductores de Corea?

Las empresas coreanas de semiconductores que aceptan subsidios de la Ley CHIPS de EE.UU. están sujetas durante 10 años a restricciones de inversión en China y otros "países de interés". Los socios extranjeros deben tener en cuenta estas restricciones al estructurar acuerdos de joint venture o intercambio tecnológico con operaciones en China.

P7: ¿Cuáles son las implicaciones de control de exportación de los acuerdos conjuntos de I+D entre empresas de semiconductores coreanas y extranjeras?

Los acuerdos de I+D conjunto que impliquen compartir tecnología coreana controlada de semiconductores con socios extranjeros requieren una estructuración cuidadosa bajo la ITPA. Se recomienda involucrar a asesores de control de exportaciones desde la fase de negociación del term sheet.

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