Ministry of Science and ICT Simplifies Semiconductor Equipment Component Conformity Assessment Procedures

Resolution by the Active Administration Committee
5G Specialized Network and Other Excellent Cases of Active Administration

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Jo] The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 27th that it held the 5th Proactive Administration Committee meeting and resolved measures to simplify the customs clearance procedures for semiconductor production equipment components to stabilize semiconductor supply and demand.

At this Proactive Administration Committee meeting, three agenda items were discussed: ▲ support measures for rapid maintenance of semiconductor production equipment ▲ selection of outstanding proactive public officials ▲ selection of outstanding proactive administration cases for the second quarter of 2021.

First, it was decided to simplify the exemption confirmation procedure for conformity assessment of components, which semiconductor production equipment including Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography equipment must undergo during import customs clearance. Currently, under Article 58 of the Radio Waves Act, conformity assessment of components is mandatory during import customs clearance.

Originally, this was to be promoted through amendments to the regulations (Notification on Conformity Assessment of Broadcasting and Communication Equipment, etc.) in the second half of the year, but through this proactive administration, rapid maintenance of core semiconductor process equipment will be immediately possible, which is expected to contribute to stabilizing the domestic semiconductor supply and demand.

On this day, the Proactive Administration Committee selected nine outstanding proactive public officials from the Ministry of Science and ICT and also selected ten outstanding proactive administration cases for the second quarter. There were a total of 10 cases: 2 grand prizes, 3 excellence awards, and 5 encouragement awards.

The grand prize cases were 'Opening a new chapter in communication services with 5G specialized networks,' which opened 5G frequencies to non-telecommunication companies, and 'Innovation in R&D topic discovery and support methods for solving scientific challenges,' which formed public consensus on scientific challenges.

The excellence cases included ▲ establishment and implementation of quantum technology R&D investment strategies ▲ laying the foundation for revitalizing the space industry through achievements in the space sector at the Korea-US summit, including additional participation in the Artemis agreement ▲ preparation of talent development measures based on public-private cooperation to resolve the software workforce shortage in the industry.

Yong Hong-taek, the 1st Vice Minister and chairman of the Proactive Administration Committee, said, “To overcome the current difficult situation and inject vitality into our economy, the proactive administrative attitude of public officials is more necessary than ever,” adding, “The Ministry of Science and ICT encourages proactive administration throughout all tasks, spreading a proactive administrative organizational culture through activities such as presentations of outstanding proactive administration cases to all employees, awarding ministerial commendations, and providing exceptional incentives to boost employee morale.”