China announces export control measures on certain rare earth-related items

China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and the General Administration of Customs (GAC) announced on Friday to implement export controls on certain medium and heavy rare earth-related items.

In accordance with the country’s Export Control Law and other relevant laws and regulations, the MOFCOM, together with the GAC, published an announcement on Friday regarding the implementation of export control measures on seven categories of medium and heavy rare earth-related items, including samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium, and yttrium.

These measures are effective from the date of the announcement, according to the official announcement.

The Chinese government has implemented these export controls on relevant items in accordance with the law to better safeguard national security and interests and fulfill international obligations related to non-proliferation, the MOFCOM said.

The relevant items have dual-use natures, and implementing export controls on them is a common international practice, the MOFCOM noted.

As a responsible major country, China’s decision to regulate these items reflects its consistent stance on maintaining world peace and regional stability. China is willing to enhance communication and cooperation through bilateral export control dialogue mechanisms, promoting compliant trade, it said.