Rare earth exports should meet set criteria

China will review and approve applications for rare earth exports that meet the requirements to facilitate compliant trade, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

Some foreign enterprises have suggested that China's approval process of rare earth export licenses is slow, and their companies may face suspended production. The ministry made the comment in response to such thoughts.

He Yongqian, a spokeswoman for the ministry, said rare earth and related items have a clear dual-use nature for both civilian and military purposes. Implementing export controls on such items is common international practice.