China’s magnet export status remains in flux, leaving many stakeholders confused and deeply concerned in the wake of new controls introduced earlier this year. On April 4, 2025, China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and General Administration of Customs introduced export restrictions on seven medium and heavy rare earth elements—Samarium (Sm), Gadolinium (Gd), Terbium (Tb), Dysprosium (Dy), Lutetium (Lu), Scandium (Sc), and Yttrium (Y)—covering metals, alloys, products, oxides, mixtures, compounds, and related items. Elements key to permanent magnets, such as Samarium, Terbium, and Dysprosium, are included.

The controls extend to permanent magnet materials like Samarium Cobalt magnets, Terbium-containing Neodymium magnets, and Dysprosium-containing Neodymium magnets, including basic processed forms such as sheets, blocks, rings, or magnetic parts, irrespective of their labeling. Exporters are required to secure licenses from the relevant State Council authority, complying with China’s Export Control Law and Dual-Use Items Export Regulations.

Magnet Export Status for Licensing-Required Cases

Withsome licenses already approved, here’s an overview of the evolving export licensing procedure, anticipated processing times, and additional rules that could influence shipments:

The licensing process has become more defined, yet approval times remain unpredictable. Applications might process in as little as one week under optimal conditions, but we advise budgeting at least 45 days—or potentially more—since external factors, including geopolitical dynamics, can extend timelines beyond direct influence.

The shipping mode must be declared during the application phase, and the full order must adhere to that mode without division. For divided shipments (e.g., combining air and sea transport), distinct licenses are needed from the start for each segment. Any post-submission alterations to the shipping mode trigger a renewal, which could add around 20 days.

To streamline operations, customers can select at order placement:

Immediate application submission with a predefined shipping mode; or
Delaying submission until the mode is finalized, noting that the clock starts only upon filing.

This strategy aims to reduce surprises and enhance adaptability. That said, once selected, the confirmed mode applies to the whole order without splits. For any required divisions, agreement must occur upfront, necessitating separate production orders and corresponding applications. Under existing rules, every order—even duplicates or identical products—demands an individual license.

It’s worth emphasizing that licenses alone don’t assure seamless customs passage. Post-approval, consignments could face inspections, possibly affected by international relations.

Inspections, if triggered, generally span 30 to 45 days for review and analysis.
Efficient processing hinges on precise declarations, correct HS codes, and full adherence to regulations, though delays or holds remain possible. We value your patience in this regard.

Suppliers and buyers are actively exploring heavy rare earth-free (HRE-free) Neodymium magnets as potential alternatives to bypass export controls on Dysprosium and Terbium. HRE-free Neodymium magnets exhibit room-temperature magnetic properties comparable to those containing HREEs. Despite this, they may have somewhat lower high-temperature magnetic properties, potentially weaker resistance to high-temperature demagnetization, and slightly poorer thermal stability. Therefore, reliability testing is essential before implementing substitutions.

Magnet Export Status for Non-Licensing Cases

Neodymium magnets free of restricted elements, when exported under “magnet” classifications and HS codes, may still encounter spot checks. With rising inspection volumes straining Chinese customs resources, backups are common, so extra time should be factored in for clearance via any freight method.

Notes:

This explanation is based on the information currently available to our company. We will continue to update it; please pay attention to the latest version on the magnet export status.

We thank you for your comprehension as we adapt to these developments in the magnet export status. Rest assured, our dedication to top-tier service persists, and we’ll strive to curb any disruptions. Recognizing the inconvenience these holdups pose, the full team at SDM Magnetics is focused on lessening effects on your operations.

We’re maintaining ongoing dialogue with vendors, transport providers, and officials, committing to prompt notifications on updates.