China has expanded its restrictions on rare earth and permanent magnet exports. On 9 October 2025, the Ministry of Commerce Bureau of Industry Security and Import-Export Control released two announcements (Announcements No. 61 and No. 62) that contain updated export control measures for rare earth-related items and technologies. Under the new policy, foreign firms are required to obtain Chinese government approval to export magnets (even if they only contain trace amounts of Chinese-origin rare earth materials) or that were produced using Chinese technologies, and exports will be prohibited in certain circumstances. While the measures for items originating from China apply as from 9 October, the rules for items manufactured overseas will not apply until 1 December 2025.
Key Points of Announcement No. 61
Announcement No. 61 establishes the extraterritorial application of China's export control regulations. It requires overseas exporters to obtain export approval from China's Ministry of Commerce to export certain rare earth items manufactured outside China if such items incorporate specific materials or technologies originating from China.
Key Points of Announcement No. 62
Announcement No. 62 focuses on the export control of rare earth- related technologies across the entire industry chain, rather than specific physical items.
BDO Insight
The announcements signal a strategic and regulatory tightening of China’s control over critical materials and technologies. Potentially affected parties should consider making an immediate assessment of their supply chains for exposure to Chinese-origin rare earths or technologies, re-assess any supplier and manufacturing dependencies related to Chinese inputs, and keep current on any additional guidance released by the Chinese authorities.
