MOFCOM & GACC Announcement No.18 of 2025 imposes export licensing controls on specified medium/heavy rare earth-related items

China’s MOFCOM and GACC issued Announcement No.18 of 2025 establishing export controls (export licensing requirements) for specified medium/heavy rare earth-related items, including certain forms of samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium, and yttrium (e.g., metals, alloys, targets, oxides, and compounds/mixtures, including certain permanent magnet material-related categories). The measure requires exporters to apply for export licenses and to correctly identify controlled items in customs declarations (including the applicable dual-use item control number), with customs empowered to hold shipments if declarations are questioned. The announcement states it takes effect on the date of issuance.