Micro Center is now reportedly requiring customers to sign a declaration form that they will not export newly purchased high-end graphics cards, such as the RTX 5090, out of the United States. This measure appears to be a response to both increased demand for these components and U.S. government restrictions aimed at curbing the export of powerful GPUs, which are critical for AI development.
A Reddit user, Krothic, shared their experience of purchasing a prebuilt Powerspec Ai90 PC containing an RTX 5090 from a Micro Center in Tustin, California. According to the store manager, this anti-export declaration policy was recently implemented. To further verify purchasers, the store reportedly takes a copy of the customer's driver's license, linking the purchase to their identity.
High-end GPUs have become subject to export bans to China as part of U.S. efforts to maintain a technological edge in artificial intelligence. This policy aims to ensure that these powerful components remain within the country for domestic use. The difficulty in acquiring an RTX 5090 as a standalone component has also led some consumers to purchase entire prebuilt PCs as a means to obtain the sought-after graphics card, potentially for export.
The declaration form requires buyers to state that they are purchasing the product for their own legitimate personal or business use within the United States or have accurately identified the actual end user. Should a GPU purchased under this policy be discovered being shipped elsewhere, Micro Center could theoretically trace it back to the original buyer via its serial number. However, the policy does not directly address scenarios where a prebuilt PC might be resold or transferred to another party after the initial purchase.
The ID check is likely a more significant deterrent than the signed paper itself. Individuals intending to export GPUs in large quantities would presumably be hesitant to provide their legal identification, which could link them directly to such transactions. The added administrative step of completing these forms, combined with the ID verification, represents a significant hurdle for consumers looking to purchase new high-end PCs.
This situation highlights a growing trend where acquiring the latest PC hardware involves more than just financial considerations. Consumers are increasingly facing requirements to prove brand loyalty or adhere to usage declarations, potentially raising the barriers to entry for enthusiasts and builders alike.