AMSTERDAM (Reuters)

Russian firms reportedly acquired spare parts for ASML’s outdated chipmaking machines in 2022-2023 via secondary markets despite EU sanctions, according to Dutch newspaper Trouw.

ASML, the largest technology company in Europe, holds a dominant position in the advanced lithography systems market, crucial for chip circuit creation.

Although its 1990s tools are not classified as “dual use” equipment with military potential, they still benefit Russian manufacturers working on analogue chips for Ukraine’s war efforts, including drones.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, European sanctions halted the sale of electronic equipment to Russia. However, ASML maintains it complies with these sanctions and had minimal sales in Russia prior to their implementation.

According to an emailed statement from ASML to Reuters, “ASML doesn’t sell products or services to Russia and doesn’t engage with Russian distributors. Nothing has been sent by ASML to Russia in recent years, and sanctions limit the sale of PAS and Twinscan systems, as well as spare parts, to Russia.”

The Trouw report highlighted ASML’s PAS-5500 tools from the 1990s and 2000s when ASML was emerging as a competitor to Nikon and Canon. Reportedly, Russian trading firms procured these spare parts via Chinese intermediaries.

Reuters could not independently verify Trouw’s findings.

The PAS-5500 is outdated; however, many units remain operational. Used machines may be sold or refurbished, and ASML manufactures spare parts for accredited owners.

Trouw reportedly examined documents showing 170 instances of these spare parts being imported by Russian firms. According to the report, involved firms declined to comment, while the Chinese suppliers remained untraceable.