On 4th April 2025, the Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs of China released Announcement No. 18 of 2025, implementing export control measures on certain medium and heavy rare earth-related items, including Samarium (Sm), Gadolinium (Gd), Terbium (Tb), Dysprosium (Dy), Lutetium (Lu), Scandium (Sc), and Yttrium (Y).

According to this announcement, products containing these elements can no longer be exported from China without obtaining an export license issued by the Ministry of Commerce.

As Neodymium magnets and SmCo magnets may contain trace amounts of these controlled elements, these new regulations could impact customs clearance processes. We have been informed that such products may undergo additional scrutiny, potentially resulting in delays during export procedures. Since the announcement, we have been closely collaborating with our logistics partners to fully understand the implications and compliance requirements of these regulations.

Since the release of these new export regulations, we have assisted numerous customers in Australia and other countries in adjusting their supply chains to mitigate potential risks. Our measures include, but are not limited to:

1. Diversifying supply chains by shifting the production of Neodymium and SmCo magnets to facilities located outside of China.
2. Collaborating closely with factories and customs authorities, enabling normal export for most magnet grades.
3. Applying for the necessary export licenses from China's Ministry of Commerce on behalf of our clients to further reduce supply chain risks.

If you encounter any issues related to this matter, we will do our utmost to assist you and provide support—please contact us at: sales@magnetop.com.au

We sincerely apologise for any potential delays this may cause to your orders, and we appreciate your understanding. 

Update on 18-Jul-2025:

We are pleased to report continued progress in stabilising supply under China’s export control framework. As of mid-July 2025, the following magnet types and grades are available from Magnetop without requiring additional export licenses:

1. Neodymium Magnets: Magnetop can now supply 99% of Neodymium magnet grades, including high-performance grades such as SH, UH, and EH, without any additional licensing requirements.
2. Samarium Cobalt (SmCo) Magnets: Magnetop is able to supply 100% of SmCo magnet grades, including Sm1Co5 and Sm2Co17, without additional export permits.
3. AlNiCo Magnets: Magnetop continue to supply 100% of AlNiCo magnet grades, with no regulatory restrictions.

4. Ferrite Magnets: Magnetop ensures uninterrupted supply of all Ferrite magnet grades, with zero regulatory barriers.

These updates reflect the results of our proactive engagement with customs authorities, strategic partnerships with qualified suppliers, and the successful alignment of our export practices with regulatory requirements. We continue to monitor developments closely and will provide further updates as needed.

At Magnetop, we are committed to helping our clients maintain a stable and reliable magnetic materials supply chain, even in the face of changing export regulations and global challenges. If you need support, feel free to contact us at sales@magnetop.com.au to discuss how we can assist.