The U.S. government has approved an annual licence allowing Samsung Electronics to import chip manufacturing equipment into its facilities in China for 2026, a person familiar with the matter said on Tuesday.

The move provides temporary relief for the South Korean company following Washington’s decision earlier this year to revoke licence waivers previously granted to certain technology firms.

The source added that the U.S. has introduced an annual approval system for exports of chipmaking tools to China. Previously, Samsung, SK Hynix, and TSMC benefited from exemptions under Washington’s broad restrictions on chip-related exports. However, this privilege, known as validated end-user status, will expire on December 31, meaning that any shipments of American chipmaking equipment to their Chinese factories after that date will require U.S. export licences.