The Korea Semiconductor Industry Association (KSIA) on Tuesday welcomed regulatory improvements related to extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography equipment used in semiconductor manufacturing, saying the streamlining of repetitive administrative procedures will allow the industry to respond more quickly to changes in the global chip market.
"We sincerely welcome the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's establishment of an institutional framework to manage EUV equipment for semiconductor manufacturing as specified high-pressure gas equipment," the association said.
Until now, the industry has had to repeatedly undergo manufacturing facility permits and inspection procedures each time EUV equipment was newly installed or modified. The association projected that the reclassification as specified equipment would mark a positive turning point for the industry by streamlining these administrative procedures while maintaining safety.
The KSIA highly valued the establishment of an institutional foundation that applies a global standards-based management system in Korea, the same as that used for equipment supplied overseas.
"This regulatory improvement is a measure that rationalizes inspection procedures that have been continuously raised as an issue at semiconductor industry sites," the association said. "It is expected to greatly contribute to the timely investment in advanced semiconductor production facilities and to strengthening global competitiveness."
The association added, "We will continue to work closely with the government to establish a reasonable safety management system and to build a foundation for the sustainable growth of the semiconductor industry."
