币界网报道：China has reportedly begun requiring "passports" for rare earth exports, tightening control over the strategic minerals sector. The new export certificate system, implemented quietly in recent months, mandates detailed tracking of rare earth shipments including product type, quantity, and end-use. While not officially announced, industry sources confirm customs now demands these documents for clearance. The move follows China's 2021 consolidation of rare earth producers under state-owned China Rare Earth Group, and comes as Western nations seek to reduce reliance on Chinese supplies. Rare earth elements are crucial for electric vehicles, wind turbines, and defense technologies. China currently produces about 70% of the world's rare earths and processes nearly 90% of them. The export controls mirror similar measures China imposed last year on gallium and germanium, two other critical minerals. Industry analysts suggest this could accelerate alternative supply chain development efforts in the US, EU, and Japan.