China Implements Export Controls on High-End New Materials, Triggering Major Adjustments in the Global Industrial Chain

On October 9, 2025, the Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs jointly issued a series of announcements, announcing the implementation of export controls on superhard materials, lithium battery and artificial graphite anode materials, some medium and heavy rare earths, as well as some rare earth equipment and raw auxiliary materials. These measures will take effect on November 8, 2025, and the Catalogue of Dual-Use Items and Technologies Subject to Export Control of the People's Republic of China will be updated simultaneously. This is a significant policy launched by China in the field of key strategic resources, aiming to safeguard national security and interests and fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation.

01.Scope of Control: Three Categories of Items and Technical Parameters

A.Superhard Materials

Specific items: Synthetic diamond micropowder with an average particle size ≤ 50μm; synthetic diamond single crystals with a particle size of 50-500μm (excluding decorative cultivated diamonds); diamond wire saws with a wire diameter ≤ 45μm and diamond particle size ≤ 8μm.

Equipment and technology: Direct current arc plasma jet chemical vapor deposition (DCPCVD) equipment and its process technology.

Application background: Synthetic diamonds are irreplaceable in high-end machine tools, semiconductor cutting, and the national defense industry.

Figure caption: Electron micrograph of high-precision synthetic diamond micropowder, clearly showing the particle size standard of ≤ 50μm and crystal structure

B.Full-Chain Control of Rare Earths

Equipment side: Centrifugal extraction equipment; intelligent continuous impurity removal and precipitation equipment for ionic rare earth ores (with a daily processing capacity ≥ 5000m³); corrosion-resistant rare earth roasting kilns (with a reaction temperature ≤ 850℃).

Raw material side: Rare earth ore products such as bastnaesite, monazite, and ion-adsorption rare earth ores, as well as key auxiliary materials like P507 extractant.

Medium and heavy rare earths: Metals such as holmium, erbium, thulium, europium, and ytterbium, as well as their alloys, target materials, and permanent magnet materials. The controlled forms are clearly specified, including ingots, powders, and sheets.

Figure caption: Aerial view of the mining site of ion-adsorption rare earth ores, a unique occurrence form of rare earth resources in China

C.Lithium Battery Materials

Battery cells: Lithium-ion batteries (including cell cores and battery packs) with an energy density ≥ 300Wh/kg.

Materials and equipment: Lithium iron phosphate cathode materials with a compaction density ≥ 2.5g/cm³; nickel-cobalt-manganese hydroxide precursors; production equipment such as winding machines, graphitization furnaces, and chemical vapor deposition rotary kilns.

Technical connection: In July, the lithium iron phosphate preparation technology was included in the Catalogue of Technologies Subject to Export Restrictions. This round of control forms a "technology + item" dual guarantee.

Figure caption: Internal structure of a high-energy-density lithium-ion cell, with the cathode material having a compaction density ≥ 2.5g/cm³

02.Policy Background: Systematic Layout from Technology to Items

Timeline: On July 15, 2025, the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Science and Technology took the lead in adjusting the Catalogue of Technologies Subject to Export Restrictions, adding 8 control points including battery cathode material preparation technology and spodumene lithium extraction technology.

Legal basis: Strictly in accordance with the Export Control Law and the Regulations on the Control of the Export of Dual-Use Items and Technologies, emphasizing the "dual-use nature (military and civilian)" of the items.

International alignment: Major economies such as the United States, the European Union, and Japan all implement similar controls on dual-use items. China's measures are in line with WTO rules.

03.Compliance Tips for Enterprises

License application: For exported controlled items, enterprises need to apply for an export license from the Ministry of Commerce and submit a complete description of technical parameters.

Risk inspection: Sort out whether products involve controlled parameters and establish an item identification ledger.

Customs declaration specifications: Fill in customs declaration information in strict accordance with the requirements of the announcement to avoid cargo detention due to missing parameters.

Supply chain adjustment: Communicate with upstream and downstream partners in advance and assess the impact of the control on production plans.

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The content of this article is for reference only. The specific results shall be determined in accordance with the corresponding laws and regulations and local administrative authorities. In case of dynamic adjustments, the official interpretations and announcements of domestic and foreign competent authorities shall prevail. The article is sourced from Announcement No. 56 of 2025 of the Ministry of Commerce and China Trade News. The pictures are sourced from the Internet. In case of infringement or questions about copyright, please contact admin@mbs-gz.com via email. We will delete and handle it as soon as possible. Thank you.