How to Import Magnets from China Without a License?

Since China’s export control on rare earth magnets in 2025, importing magnets containing controlled elements such as Dysprosium (Dy) and Terbium (Tb) has become more and more difficult. Many manufacturers and traders worldwide are facing challenges of supply chain disruptions and higher costs, as well as complex and long-time license application procedures. Are you struggling to purchase high-performance magnets from China? This article will introduce how to import magnets from China without a license. This article is primarily intended for motor manufacturers, other product manufacturers can also refer to this article or consult us to see if we can assist with your imports.

I. China’s Magnet Export Restrictions​

According to the MOFCOM (Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China) Announcements No. 18 and No. 62 of 2025, China imposes strict export controls on rare earth-related magnets:​

1. Permanent magnets containing ≥0.1% of controlled elements such as Dy or Tb, regardless of their total rare earth content, require a dual-use export license, including end-user and end-use certifications.
2. Even if made overseas, if you use Chinese rare earth magnet technology, you still need a license.

II. Which Magnets Require a License?

Not all magnets are controlled. Generally, magnets requiring export licenses are high-performance neodymium magnets, especially those that require the addition of Dy and Tb to maintain performance at high temperatures. Due to high coercivity and high operating temperature, these controlled magnets are widely used in:

·New energy vehicle drive motors

·Energy-saving variable frequency air conditioning compressors

·High-end servo motors

·Wind turbine generators

If the magnets you purchase are intended for use in these areas, they are likely to be controlled.

N and M grade magnets don’t contain restriction elements, so they can be exported directly, and don’t need license. Whether H-grade magnets need a license, it depends on the specific situation. SH, UH, EH grade magnets must get a license to export successfully. The table below clearly shows which magnets need a license and which do not.

Grade	Max. Operating Temperature	Need License
N35-N52	80℃	No
35M-50M	100℃	No
35H-48H	120℃	Based On situation
35SH-45SH	150℃	Yes
33UH-40UH	180℃	Yes
33EH-38EH	200℃	Yes

III. How to Import from China Without a License?​

• Motor Manufacturer Solution

Most motor magnets need to withstand high temperatures, and these magnets containing controlled elements, can’t be exported directly unless get a license. For motor manufacturers, they can directly source magnets or stator/rotor assemblies. Chinese suppliers can provide stator and rotor assemblies containing Dy/Tb magnets and assemble them into motor assemblies. Integrated motor assemblies do not fall under the category of “controlled standalone magnets” but are classified as “motor components.” Currently, such components are not subject to rare earth export licenses and require no license.

• General Method for All Manufacturers

This is a method available to all manufacturers using magnets—”pre-processing” controlled magnets, transforming them from “single magnets” into “magnetic components/semi-finished products”. Through this method, customs classification will change and the cargo can be exported  smoothly without a license.

Practical Applications: Focusing on the integration of “magnet + basic carrier,” such as embedding block magnets into metal supports (forming “magnetic supports,” classified as mechanical parts) or injection molding magnetic sheets into plastic frames (forming “magnetic frames,” classified as plastic structural parts).

IV. What we support

As China’s only factory with a complete industrial chain of magnets, motors (stators/rotors), and drives, we can provide compliant and efficient solutions to help you import magnets smoothly.

• The Full-chain Capability of Magnets & Motors

Based on our full-chain capability, we can integrate controlled magnets with core motor components. This is the most direct and efficient solution. Instead of exporting controlled magnets separately, we use our motor manufacturing capabilities to assemble the magnets with the stator and rotor, exporting these as complete motor assemblies.

• Integrated Drive System Solution

We also offer integrated “magnet + motor + driver” products. These pre-assembled, high-value core components can reduce downstream production steps, improve production efficiency, and directly interface with end-user equipment production, thereby shortening the supply chain and reducing control risks.

• Quality Assurance

As experts in both magnets and motors, we ensure optimal matching between the magnets and motor cores. This result in superior performance compared to purchasing and reassembling them separately.

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As China’s only manufacturer with a complete motor industry chain, our solutions have passed customs compliance verification and have helped over 50 overseas companies (including over 20 non-motor manufacturers) achieve license-free imports since 2025. Whether you are a motor/non-motor manufacturer or a magnet trader, by assembling magnets with other components to create more complex assemblies, you can not only bypassing licenses but also obtain higher value-added, more reliable core components. Contact us for a customized, compliant, and efficient import solution!