Published October 21
*Please see updated blog published 10/30/25
Executive summary
- China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and General Administration of Customs (GACC) issued Announcement No. 57 (2025), expanding dual‑use export controls to include holmium‑containing items (and other heavy rare earths).
- Beginning November 8, 2025, 13 additional NdFeB grades that contain holmium will require an export license if shipped from China.
- Our factories are actively removing holmium from these grades. We estimate ≈1–2 months to prove out Holmium‑free formulations, after which the affected grades will no longer contain controlled holmium.
- We will keep customers supplied by prioritizing HRE‑free alternatives, working safety stock, and proactive scheduling.
What changed (Announcement No. 57 of 2025)
On October 9, 2025, MOFCOM/GACC announced new export controls on several heavy rare earth–related items, including holmium. Key points relevant to magnets:
- Holmium‑related items (category 1C909) now explicitly include “holmium‑containing permanent magnet materials” (magnets or magnetic powders), plus metallic holmium, holmium‑containing alloys/targets, oxides, and compounds.
- Exporters must apply for permission for controlled items; declarations must be marked “dual‑use item” with the correct control code. Customs can question shipments and hold goods pending verification.
- The announcement takes effect November 8, 2025.
Practical impact: NdFeB grades that use holmium to achieve target performance will require export licenses if produced in China after Nov 8. Grades that are 12‑HRE‑free (no Dy, Tb, Ho, Er, Tm, Eu, Yb, etc.) are unaffected by this specific holmium control.
Which Adams grades are affected
The table below shows the status by grade and our planned transition timing. “12 HRE‑free” indicates a formulation without the 12 heavy rare earths MOFCOM is tightening controls on. Where a grade is currently only “7 HRE‑free,” our factories are engineering 12 HRE‑free versions on an accelerated timeline.
Implication: The bolded 13 grades are the ones where holmium removal is underway. Until the 12 HRE‑free versions are validated, shipments of holmium‑containing variants produced in China after Nov 8 would require an export license.
Our mitigation plan
- Formula changes (in progress): Our factories have initiated holmium‑removal work on the 13 affected grades. Target validation window is ~1–2 months.
- Continuity of supply: We are prioritizing 12 HRE‑free equivalents and will coordinate substitutions case‑by‑case to maintain performance and delivery schedules.
- Proactive communication: Our team is reaching out to customers with active orders in these grades to discuss timelines and options.
- Compliance coverage: Where license applications are unavoidable (e.g., urgent shipments before reformulations complete), we will assist with documentation and timing expectations.
What customers should do now
- Review active POs that specify any of the bolded grades above. If timing intersects with Nov 8, contact your Adams representative to align on either (a) 12 HRE‑free alternatives, or (b) licensing path.
- Confirm end‑use/end‑user documentation readiness in case an export license is required for near‑term builds.
- Share performance constraints (flux, coercivity, temp) so we can finalize the best 12‑HRE‑free substitute without compromising your design envelope.
Background: What “12 HRE‑free” means
“12 HRE‑free” is our shorthand for grades designed without the heavy rare‑earth elements captured in recent MOFCOM controls (including holmium). Moving to 12‑HRE‑free recipes reduces licensing exposure while maintaining target magnetic properties.
We’re here to help
If you have questions about how Announcement No. 57 affects your program—or you’d like a side‑by‑side comparison of your current grade versus the 12‑HRE‑free alternative—contact us. Our applications engineers can advise on performance, supply timing, and documentation.
Note: This post updates our June 2025 “Magnet Tariffs and Export Controls” blog with the latest policy change focused on holmium‑related items and the steps we are taking to protect customers’ timelines: https://www.adamsmagnetic.com/blogs/june-2025-magnet-tariffs-and-export-controls-update/