Screenshot of the MOFCOM's official website

 
China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on Thursday announced measures aimed at strengthening export controls on certain rare earth-related items and technologies. The move was made to safeguard national security and interests and to uphold international commitments including non-proliferation, according to a statement released on MOFCOM's website on Thursday.

"The two announcements, identified as Announcement No. 61 and No. 62 of 2025, are in accordance with relevant regulation including the Export Control Law and the Regulations on the Export Control of Dual-Use Items, with the approval of the State Council of China," a spokesperson from MOFCOM said in the statement.

Announcement No. 61 specifically targets the export to foreign entities of certain rare-earth items that contain Chinese components, while announcement No. 62 aims to implement export controls on rare earth-related technologies.

The spokesperson emphasized that the decision to impose export controls aligns with international practice as these items possess dual-use attributes, applicable in both civilian and military contexts. 

China has previously enacted similar measures. In April, the Chinese government implemented export controls on rare earth items. Related technologies have been listed in the catalog of technologies prohibited and restricted for export since 2001, according to the statement.

The ministry highlighted concerns regarding foreign organizations and individuals who have been transferring or processing rare earth items originating from China for military or sensitive applications, posing significant risks to China's national security and interests, as well as to international peace and stability. The new export controls measures aim to safeguard national security and fulfill international non-proliferation obligations, according to the statement.

These measures reflect China's commitment to maintaining global peace and regional stability while actively participating in international non-proliferation efforts, according to the statement. China is willing to enhance communication and cooperation through multilateral export control dialogue mechanisms to promote compliant trade and ensure the security and stability of global supply chains.

It is important to note that the scope of the items subject to these controls is limited, and various facilitation measures will be implemented, the MOFCOM said. Exports that meet specific criteria will be granted licenses, and humanitarian aid exports related to emergency medical responses, public health crises, or natural disaster relief will be exempt from licensing requirements. Additionally, a reasonable transition period has been established to accommodate the needs of stakeholders in fulfilling existing commercial contracts and compliance requirements, according to the statement.

The ministry has noted that a special operation to combat the smuggling and illegal export of strategic minerals has yielded positive results this year. However, it has also identified instances of foreign entities illegally acquiring rare earth-related technologies from China, produced rare earth-related items and provided them to users in sensitive fields such as the military or used them for military and other sensitive purposes, causing serious damage or potential threats to China's national security and interests, and having an adverse impact on international peace and stability, said the statement.

To mitigate related risks, the Chinese government, after careful assessment, has decided to implement export controls on rare earth-related technologies. At the same time, it has established 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 non-proliferation, and ensure the security and stability of the global rare earth industry supply chain, said the MOFCOM spokesperson.