The Commerce Department has approved dozens of Chinese companies to handle Nvidia’s H200 chips. Some of these firms have ties to companies under sanctions over national security concerns. Records show several approved buyers list empty offices as their registered addresses.
The approvals allow these Chinese firms to purchase and distribute the advanced semiconductors. Nvidia’s H200 chips are among the most powerful processors used in artificial intelligence work. U.S. export rules restrict such technology to prevent military applications.
Some approved companies share addresses with sanctioned entities or appear inactive. Corporate filings list shell locations and minimal staff for several of the buyers. The review process did not flag these connections during approval.
The Commerce Department reviews export license applications for national security risks. Approvals typically require checks on the end users and their business operations. Oversight gaps have raised questions about how thoroughly these checks are performed.
Nvidia has said it follows all export regulations and vets its customers carefully. The company relies on government approvals to determine which firms can receive its products. Chipmakers have pushed for clearer guidance on compliance requirements.
Lawmakers have called for tighter scrutiny of the approval process. Bipartisan groups have asked the department to explain how firms with empty offices passed review. The concerns center on whether restricted technology could reach unauthorized users.
The department has not commented on specific approvals or the firms involved. Officials say each application is assessed on its own merits using available intelligence. The review system continues to process license requests for chip exports.
