Decision to implement export control on relevant rare earth materials overseas! Ministry of Commerce's latest response

The Ministry of Commerce issued two announcements on the morning of October 9 regarding strengthening export controls on rare earth related items. In response to this, the Ministry of Commerce spokesperson stated that rare earth related items have dual military and civilian applications, and implementing export controls on them is an international practice. Since the beginning of this year, the National Export Control Coordination Office has organized special operations to combat the smuggling of strategic minerals, which has achieved positive results. At the same time, relevant departments have also discovered that some foreign organizations and individuals have illegally obtained rare earth technology from China, produced rare earth related items, and provided them to users in sensitive military fields or for military purposes, causing significant harm or potential threats to China's national security and interests, and posing a disadvantageous impact on international peace and stability. To prevent related risks, the Chinese government, after careful evaluation, has decided to implement export controls on rare earth related technologies, while also making clear regulations for Chinese organizations and individuals engaged in related activities, in order to better safeguard national security and interests, fulfill international obligations such as preventing proliferation, and also to ensure the security and stability of the global rare earth industry supply chain. Original text: Ministry of Commerce spokesperson answers reporters' questions on strengthening export controls on rare earth related items A reporter asked: We noticed that the Ministry of Commerce issued two announcements on the morning of October 9 regarding strengthening export controls on rare earth related items. Could the spokesperson introduce the relevant situation? Regarding Announcement No. 61 of 2025, in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations such as the Export Control Law of the People's Republic of China and the Regulations on the Export Control of Dual-use Items of the People's Republic of China, on October 9, with the approval of the State Council of China, the Ministry of Commerce issued Announcement No. 61 of 2025, imposing export controls on certain foreign rare earth related items containing Chinese components. Rare earth related items have dual military and civilian applications, and implementing export controls on them is an international practice. In April of this year, the Chinese government implemented export controls on rare earth items exported by Chinese organizations and individuals. The relevant rare earth technology was also listed in the Catalog of Technologies Prohibited or Restricted from Export in China as early as 2001. For some time, some foreign organizations and individuals have transferred or provided directly or after processing rare earth controlled items originating from China to relevant organizations and individuals, for direct or indirect use in sensitive military fields, causing significant harm or potential threats to China's national security and interests, creating a negative impact on international peace and stability, and undermining international efforts against proliferation. Therefore, the Chinese government legally imposed controls on certain foreign rare earth related items containing Chinese components, with the aim of better safeguarding national security and interests, and fulfilling international obligations in preventing proliferation. As a responsible major country, China's imposition of controls on relevant items reflects its consistent position of firmly maintaining world peace and regional stability, and actively participating in international efforts to prevent proliferation. China is willing to strengthen communication and cooperation with all parties through bilateral export control dialogues, promote compliance with trade regulations, and ensure the security and stability of the global industry supply chain. It is worth mentioning that the scope of the items included in this control this time is limited, while various licensing facilitation measures will be taken. For those that meet the relevant requirements, the Chinese government will grant permits; for exports intended for emergency medical, response to public health emergencies, disaster relief, and other humanitarian assistance purposes, applications for permits will be exempted. In addition, considering the practical needs of various stakeholders to fulfill existing commercial contracts and meet compliance requirements, this policy sets a reasonable transition period. Regarding Announcement No. 62 of 2025, in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations such as the Export Control Law of the People's Republic of China and the Regulations on the Export Control of Dual-use Items of the People's Republic of China, on October 9, with the approval of the State Council of China, the Ministry of Commerce issued Announcement No. 62 of 2025, imposing export controls on rare earth related technologies. Rare earth related items have dual military and civilian applications, and implementing export controls on them is an international practice. In April of this year, the Chinese government implemented export controls on some rare earth items. The relevant rare earth technology was already listed in the Catalog of Technologies Prohibited or Restricted from Export in China as early as 2001. Exporters need to comply with legal procedural requirements. Since the beginning of this year, the National Export Control Coordination Office has organized special operations to combat the smuggling of strategic minerals, which has achieved positive results. At the same time, relevant departments have also discovered that some foreign organizations and individuals have illegally obtained rare earth technology from China, produced rare earth related items, and provided them to users in sensitive military fields or for military purposes, causing significant harm or potential threats to China's national security and interests, and posing a disadvantageous impact on international peace and stability. To prevent related risks, the Chinese government, after careful evaluation, has decided to implement export controls on rare earth related technologies, while also making clear regulations for Chinese organizations and individuals engaged in related activities, in order to better safeguard national security and interests, fulfill international obligations such as preventing proliferation, and also to ensure the security and stability of the global rare earth industry supply chain. Source: Ministry of Commerce official website; Compiled by GMTEight; Editor: Chen Xiaoyi.