China rare earth ban?

Rare earth export just got harder. If you rely on SmCo or NdFeB magnets, delays are coming—and your production schedule could take a hit.

China now requires export licenses for magnets containing rare earths like samarium, terbium, and dysprosium, making shipments slower and more complex.

China rare earth ban

[ China rare earth ban announcement

](http://www.reuters.com/world/china-hits-back-us-tariffs-with-rare-earth-export-controls-2025-04-04/ " China rare earth ban announcement [/caption]")

This is more than just a policy update. It’s a major change for our industry. From paperwork to customs clearance, every step now takes longer. Let’s break down why this is happening and what you can do.

Why did China ban mineral exports?

Global tensions are rising, and supply chains are under pressure. China’s new export policy is part of a much bigger strategy.

China did not fully ban mineral exports, but imposed strict controls on rare earth materials to protect strategic resources and tighten national security.

What’s really behind the new export control?

On April 4, 2025, China’s Ministry of Commerce and General Administration of Customs issued Announcement No. 18. This new regulation added several rare earth materials to a controlled export list:

  • 1C902.a: Samarium metal and samarium-containing alloys
  • 1C904.a: Terbium metal and terbium-containing alloys
  • 1C905.a: Dysprosium metal and dysprosium-containing alloys

This directly affects magnetic materials like:

  • SmCo (samarium cobalt) magnets
  • Sintered NdFeB (neodymium iron boron) magnets that include Dy and Tb

As an exporter, we now have to apply for an export license for each shipment. The process requires:

  • A signed and stamped End-User and End-Use Certificate
  • Up to 45 working days (around 60 calendar days) for license approval
  • Precise match of the declared quantity and price between order and license

This means planning has to happen earlier. Production takes 40 days, and licensing takes another 20. So even if goods are ready, we still wait for documents before shipping.

Here’s a simple timeline:

Krok Time Required
Production ~40 days
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