What special qualifications are required for ore exports?

According to the latest 2025 "Regulations for the Implementation of the Mineral Resources Law," engaging in ore export business requires the simultaneous possession of:

• Basic qualifications:
  • AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) Advanced Certification qualification from customs
  • Filing for the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (for Radioactive Ores)
• Industry License:
  • Mining License (Certificate of Origincertificate)
  • Membership of the China Chamber of Commerce for Metals, Minerals & Chemicals Importers & Exporters (for strategic metal ores)

It is worth noting that the newly implemented EU ESG mineral traceability system in 2025 requires exporters to provide complete supply chain carbon footprint reports, which has become a new entry threshold.

How to choose compliant oresExport agentA professional agency company should have the following characteristics:

A high-quality agency should possess the following characteristics:

• Over 10 years in the mining industryImport and exportOperational experience
• Holding FIATA certification for international freight forwarding.
• We have our own customs clearance teams at major ore ports (such as Caofeidian and Lianyungang).
• Familiar with the latest revised terms of INCOTERMS 2025.

Typical Case: In 2024, a manganese ore exporter suffered a direct loss of $370,000 due to the entire shipment being detained because the agency company was unfamiliar with Indonesia's new regulations.

What is the specific process for ore export agency?

The standard operating procedure consists of 7 key nodes:

• Ore composition testing and HS code classification
• Pre-audit of Import License in Destination Country
• Customized logistics solutions (special attention to bulk vessel schedule matching)
• Pre-shipment radioactive inspection (in accordance with IAEA standards)
• Cross-border settlement solution design (recommended to use the Cross-border Interbank Payment System, CIPS)
• Pre-screening of Anti-dumping Duties at Destination Port
• Electronic Bill of Lading Blockchain Notarization

How are the agency fees for ore exports structured?

The standard fee structure for 2025 includes:

• : For low - value goods, some agency companies may adopt a fixed - fee model, which is about 1500 yuan, but this amount is negotiable.:
  • Agency service fee: 0.6%-1.2% of the cargo value
  • Inspection fee: 2000-5000 RMB per batch
• Variable fees:
  • Ocean shippingSurcharge (including Low Sulfur Fuel Surcharge)
  • Anti-dumping deposit at the port of destination

It is recommended to clearly specify the demurrage cost-sharing ratio in the contract, as the average demurrage fee for ore transportation in 2024 has already reached $12,000 per day.

How to avoid legal risks in mineral exports?

Three key risks to guard against in 2025:

• Trade Compliance Risks:
  • Restrictions on rare earth minerals under the U.S. EAR regulations
  • EU Conflict Minerals Regulation (to be expanded to cover 12 types of minerals by 2025)
• Quality dispute risk:
  • Error control between SGS inspection at the loading port and BV inspection at the discharging port
• Logistics risks:
  • Additional Clauses for Somali Piracy Insurance
  • Panama Canal Transit Reservation System

What special documents are required for ore exports?

In addition to the regular trade documents, special attention should be paid to:

• Certificate of Radioactive Inspection at Origin (Compliant with IAEA SSR-6 Standard)
• Non-Conflict Minerals Report (Applicable to Minerals from Regions Such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo)
• Rare Earth Element Content Analysis Form (Applicable to U.S. Importers)
• EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) Declaration Document

What are the new trends in ore exports for 2025?

Industry monitoring reveals three major changes:

• The digital customs declaration adoption rate has increased to 78% (Mandatory implementation by the General Administration of Customs in 2025).
• The main importing countries require electronic certificates of origin to be linked with blockchain.
• The green shipping clause has led to a 15%-20% increase in maritime transport costs.

It is recommended that exporters proactively deploy an EDI system to interface with the Single Window for Customs and purchase carbon credits to hedge against CBAM costs.