China’s 2025 Rare Earth Export Controls: A Comprehensive Guide for Importing Sintered NdFeB Magnets

🔍 What Are China's New Rare Earth Export Restrictions?

In April 2025, China implemented stringent export controls on seven rare earth elements, including dysprosium (Dy) and terbium (Tb), critical components in high-performance sintered neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets¹.

These magnets are essential in various industries, such as electric vehicles, wind turbines, and defense applications.

Under the new regulations, exporting sintered NdFeB magnets containing Dy or Tb requires obtaining a special export license from China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM)². This move aims to regulate the supply of critical minerals and assert control over strategic resources.

❓ Is This a Total Export Ban?

No, the restrictions do not constitute a total ban. Exports are still permissible but are subject to a licensing process.

Key Points:

• License Requirement³: Exporters must apply for a license for each shipment containing restricted rare earth elements.
• End-Use Verification: Detailed documentation about the product's composition, end-use, and end-user is mandatory.
• Exemptions: Certain applications, especially those involving low concentrations of Dy and Tb for consumer electronics, may qualify for exemptions.

📋 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Comply with China’s Dual-Use Export Rules

✅ 1. Provide an End-Use Statement

Purpose: Ensure the magnets will not be used in sensitive fields such as military, nuclear, or aerospace applications

You must submit:

• A signed End-Use Certificate that includes:
  • Specific application (e.g., EV drive motors, medical equipment)
  • A declaration that the product will not be used in restricted sectors
  • Contact details and a legal liability statement
• The document must be authenticated by the Chinese embassy or a local notary public (required for specific countries)location

✅ 2. Share Technical Documentation

Purpose: Verify whether your magnet falls under high-performance dual-use controls.

You must submit:

• Photos of the magnet's actual assembly environment and product application, to prove its legitimacy for trade
• Chemical composition report issued by a customs-recognized testing agency, detailing rare earth elements such as Dy% and Tb% (in coordination with MainRich)
• ISO-certified third-party magnetic property test report (e.g., BHmax, Hcj) (in coordination with MainRich)
• Product datasheet with HS Code⁴ and a description of the magnet's manufacturing process⁵ (provided by MainRich)

✅ 3. Address Import Country Compliance

Some regions like the EU or USA require additional environmental or strategic material approvals.

You must submit:

• Government-issued import license or compliance statement
• If none is required, provide a signed declaration on your letterhead

✅ 4. Allow Time for Approval

License reviews by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce typically take 20–30 working days.

Our tip:

- Build in a **45-day buffer** when planning production and shipping
- Consider breaking large shipments into **smaller batches** to simplify approval

🔧 MainRich's Export Support Services (So You Don’t Have to Handle It Alone)

🔍 Pre-Screening Consultation

• We evaluate your magnet specs to check if they meet the dual-use control threshold
• We review your End-Use Statement to ensure it matches government formatting

📝 Full License Application Service

• We fill out and file the official export license application for you
• We liaise directly with the Ministry of Commerce and Customs
• We assist with notarized translation (English, Japanese, etc.)

🔄 Alternative Solutions If Needed

• If your magnets contain too much Dy/Tb, our technical team will suggest a Low Heavy Rare Earth Formulated Magnets solution that can satisfy your usage scenarios;
• We also offer pre-approved standard magnet grades to ensure stable delivery

📊 Real-Time Status Tracking

• Login to our client portal to monitor license status anytime
• Receive email alerts at major milestones (submission, revision needed, approval)

🎯 Real Example: European EV Client Gets License in Just 23 Days

Client: Leading EV motor manufacturer in Europe
Problem: No experience with China's dual-use approval
Solution:

1. **Day 1:** We sent file templates and testing lab recommendations  
2. **Day 5:** Flagged and fixed an unclear end-use clause  
3. **Day 12:** Submitted documents to MOFCOM  
4. **Day 23:** License approved, goods shipped on schedule  

Result: Future orders now follow our workflow—efficiency improved by 40%.

📘 Request Our "Sintered NdFeB Export License Application Handbook (includes templates and checklist)"

For a comprehensive understanding of the export process, required documentation, and best practices, request our detailed handbook(includes templates and checklist).
This resource is designed to help you navigate the complexities of importing sintered NdFeB magnets under the new regulations.

📞 Need Help? Contact Us Today

Stay ahead in your industry by ensuring compliance with China's new export regulations.
book a 1-on-1 session with MainRich to streamline your export today.

📌 FAQ: Common Questions About NdFeB Export Licenses

Q1: Is This a Total Export Ban?
No, the restrictions do not constitute a total ban. Exports are still permissible but are subject to a licensing process.

Q2: Can the process be expedited?
No, the Ministry doesn’t offer rush services. Plan ahead with a 45-day buffer.

Q3: Can you help prepare the application documents?
Yes—we handle everything from formatting to translation and submission.

Q4: Which Industries Will Feel the Pain First?
Automotive and robotics face immediate shortages. EVs need 1-2kg of HREE-doped magnets each, while industrial robots use 300-500g per servo motor. With low license approvals, shortages will hit within 90 days.

Q5: How Can MainRich Assist You?
As a seasoned magnet manufacturer in China, MainRich offer comprehensive support to ensure a smooth import process:

• Expert Guidance navigating the export license application process
• Documentation Support to ensure paperwork is complete and accurate
• Regulatory Updates to keep you informed of policy changes
• Customized Solutions tailored to meet regulatory requirements and your business needs

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