China tightens rare earth export controls, expands licensing

China announced on Thursday that it will tighten export controls on a broad set of rare earth elements and related technologies, a move that could complicate global supply chains for defense, clean energy and advanced computing industries. The Ministry of Commerce said the measures expand licensing and approval requirements for exports of certain rare earth metals, specialist refining equipment and technologies tied to mining, smelting, separation, magnet manufacture and recycling, with most restrictions scheduled to take effect on December 1.

The announcement adds five lanthanide elements to a list China first tightened earlier this year, bringing the total number of controlled rare earths to 12 of the 17 commonly recognized elements. The ministry also said foreign companies will need special approval to export rare earth magnets and some semiconductor materials that contain at least 0.1 percent heavy rare earths and that license applicants must explain the intended end use of products made with Chinese rare earths. The ministry framed the changes as safeguards for national security, saying, "Implementing export controls on them is an international practice."