PRC expands rare-earth export licensing — samarium/gadolinium/lutetium compounds added January 1
Effective January 1, 2026, China's updated Import-Export Licensing Catalogue added samarium, gadolinium, and lutetium compounds — plus silver — to the rare-earth and strategic-materials export licensing list. Mechanism is licensing, not embargo — buyers can still source these materials, but only through suppliers holding valid MOFCOM export licenses. Administered jointly by MOFCOM and MIIT. The expansion follows the October 2025 framework that introduced extraterritorial jurisdiction and the '50% Rule' for products containing controlled components (extraterritorial enforcement delayed until November 2026). Previously controlled rare earths include yttrium, scandium, neodymium, indium, dysprosium, gallium, and germanium.
Coverage: Export country CN → Import country All · HS 28