A Comparison of the Laser Equipment Subsidies of 2022 vs.

The article compares and contrasts the 2023 and 2022 laser subsidy policies, covering changes in the scope of subsidies, the application conditions, and the adjustment of subsidy amounts, to help businesses quickly grasp the differences between the two.With keywords such as “ 2023 laser subsidy policy, ” “ 2022 laser equipment subsidy, ” and “ policy comparison analysis, ” the report offers a deep dive into the impact of policy adjustments on corporate procurement and technological upgrades, providing a practical reference.

What are the key points of policy adjustment? What will be different in 2023?

In a nutshell, the changes in the laser equipment subsidy policy over the past two years are that "the standards have been raised, but the focus has been sharpened.In 2023, the policy clearly tightened the scope of subsidies for some industries. For example, the amount of subsidies for general-purpose laser equipment in traditional manufacturing was reduced, but support for high-precision laser equipment in emerging fields such as new energy and semiconductors was increased.For example, in 2022 a standard laser cutting machine might receive a 10 % subsidy, but this year the subsidy for the same equipment has dropped to 6 %, while the subsidy for ultraviolet laser equipment used in chip manufacturing has risen from 12 % to 15 %.

The scope of the subsidies has been narrowed, but their accuracy is improved.

The 2022 program was more like a “ shotgun approach, ” with most laser equipment that met national standards being eligible for subsidies. But the 2023 program will emphasize “ specialized, refined, characteristic, and innovative ” products.For example, laser welding equipment for the new energy vehicle industry and femtosecond laser equipment for the medical field were included on the list of priority subsidies. Traditional processing equipment, however, had to meet higher energy efficiency or intelligence standards.

What conditions must be met?

Last year many companies complained of the complexity of the application process, but this year the government has simplified the paperwork requirements. However, the review process has been made stricter.For 2022, the main requirements were tax receipts and equipment purchase contracts, but two new requirements were added in 2023. One is that the equipment must be connected to an industrial internet platform and data must be monitored, and the other is that enterprises applying for subsidies must provide a plan to reduce energy consumption and emissions for at least six months.

Data networking is an essential requirement.

For example, last year a metal processing plant purchased three laser cutting machines. Because the equipment was not installed with a data collection module, the application was rejected this year.Now the government policy places more emphasis on transparent management of equipment use. We suggest that everyone buy equipment with Internet of Things functionality when they purchase, rather than save money and bury landmines.

Subsidy Changes: When Is the Best Time to Buy?

Looking at the numbers alone, the average rate of basic subsidies will drop 2-3 percent by 2023. But if you add in the local government subsidies, in some areas it will actually be more worthwhile to invest.For example, in the Yangtze River Delta, if a company buys a laser processing machine for photovoltaic panels, it can receive an 8 % subsidy from the national government and a 5 % subsidy for technological upgrades from the local government.

The difference in regional subsidies is growing.

The most important thing to note is that the subsidies for traditional laser equipment in old industrial areas like the northeast and northwest are continuing to 2023. In fact, they are being increased by 1-2 % from last year.But the developed coastal regions have already turned to support of high-end equipment.I suggest that people check the latest details with the local department of industry and commerce, and not just follow last year's experience.

Corporate response strategy: How to take advantage of the policy dividend?

For small and medium enterprises planning to purchase general-purpose equipment, it is recommended that they complete their purchases before the end of the year — many countries have clearly stated that they will completely eliminate such subsidies by 2024.For key industries, it may be best to wait until the third or fourth quarter to invest. Many provinces are now developing special subsidy schemes for quantum communication lasers, laser radar for automobiles, and other cutting-edge fields.

It's better to get your affairs in order than to panic.

Recently, for example, a precision optics company applied to the Ministry of Economic Affairs in the first month of the year to upgrade its equipment. Then, in July, the government suddenly announced a new list of subsidies, which included the picosecond laser equipment the company had bought.This shows that it is sometimes more important to communicate with the relevant department at the proper time than it is to study the relevant policies.