Export Compliance Guide: Rare Earth Control on NdFeB Magnets

Exporting NdFeB magnets from China requires strict compliance with rare earth control regulations. Many suppliers and buyers are unaware that magnets containing heavy rare earth elements (Dysprosium and Terbium) are classified as dual-use items and require an export license—a process that can take 20–30 working days and delay shipments significantly.

At Fullzen Technology, we help our clients navigate these regulations every day. This guide breaks down exactly which grades are regulated, which are safe for direct shipment, and the step-by-step procedures for both scenarios. Whether you're sourcing N52 magnets or high-temperature UHT grades, understanding these rules upfront saves you from customs detention, penalties, and costly delays. Read on to ensure your next shipment clears smoothly—or contact our compliance team for grade-specific assistance.

Core Takeaways

Grade Classification: Grades containing Dy/Tb (UHT, EH, AH, SH above certain levels) require a dual-use export license; N, M, and standard H series can be shipped directly.

License Lead Time: Applications take 20–30 working days—plan ahead and never ship before receiving the official license.

Documentation: Non-regulated shipments require a material statement and test reports; regulated shipments need a CNAS lab test report and MOFCOM application.

Practical Tip: Separate regulated and non-regulated grades into different packages and customs entries for smoother mixed shipments.

 

Grade Classification for Export Control

Regulated Grades 

These grades contain heavy rare earth elements (Dy, Tb). You must apply for a Dual-Use Item Export License before customs clearance:

UHT Series: 30UHT, 33UHT, 35UHT, 38UHT, 40UHT, 42UHT, 45UHT, 48UHT, 50UHT, 52UHT, 54UHT

EH Series: 28EH, 30EH, 33EH, 35EH, 38EH, 40EH, 42EH, 45EH, 48EH, 50EH, 52EH

AH Series: 28AH, 30AH, 33AH, 35AH, 38AH, 48AH, 50AH

SH Series (partial): 50SH, 52SH, 54SH

Non-Regulated Grades

N Series: N30~N58

M Series: 30M~54M

H Series: 30H~54H (standard grade)

No heavy rare earth elements (Dysprosium and Terbium) are included. Direct customs declaration is allowed without any special permit.

Customs Procedures for Non-Regulated Magnets (Direct Shipment)

Required documents for regular customs filing:

Customs declaration form

Commercial invoice, packing list and sales contract

Material statement confirming no Dy / Tb heavy rare earth

Magnetic identification report (mandatory for air transport by DHL / FedEx)

Rare earth composition test report (for customs random inspection)

Clearance process: Submit all documents directly to customs. No dual-use permit is required. Keep all test records for at least three years.

Customs Procedures for Regulated Heavy Rare Earth Magnets

Step 1: Apply for the Export License in Advance

Obtain a rare earth element test report issued by a CNAS-accredited laboratory.

Submit an application on the MOFCOM official platform.

Prepare supporting materials: business license, foreign trade registration, sales contract, end-user & end-use certificate, component test report, and civilian application description.

Approval lead time: 20–30 working days. Goods cannot be shipped before receiving the official Dual-Use Export License.

Step 2: Full Customs Documentation

Original Dual-Use Item Export License

Rare earth element inspection report

End-user undertaking letter

Full set of shipping documents (invoice, packing list, contract, declaration form)

Magnetic test certificate for air shipment

Important rules:

The license is only valid for the specified batch, destination and buyer.

Transshipment to other countries is prohibited.

Unauthorized shipment without a permit will result in cargo detention and penalties.

Practical Operation Tips

Separate regulated and non-regulated grades into different packages and customs entries for mixed shipments.

Issue a material certificate to clearly state whether heavy rare earth is contained.

Magnetic testing and rare earth permit are two independent sets of documents—one for logistics safety and one for customs control respectively. Prepare both separately.

Summary Box (within 300 characters)

Chinese rare earth export controls classify NdFeB magnets into regulated (Dy/Tb-containing) and non-regulated grades. Regulated grades require a 20–30 day dual-use license from MOFCOM with full documentation; non-regulated grades clear customs directly with a material certificate. Key tips: separate grades, keep test records, and plan license lead time.