If you’ve bought neodymium magnets from China recently, you may have heard the words “customs inspection” more often than you’d like. Shipments that used to leave in days now sometimes take weeks.
We export sintered NdFeB magnets every week, mostly through Ningbo and Shanghai, so we deal with this daily. Here is the full story: why it happens, how long it takes, and what you can do about it.
Why Are NdFeB Magnets Inspected More Often Now?
The short answer is China’s export controls on certain rare earth elements, which started in April 2025.
Under these rules, magnets that contain dysprosium (Dy) or terbium (Tb) need an export license. These two elements are often added to NdFeB magnets to improve high-temperature performance, so many high-coercivity grades (such as H, SH, UH, EH and AH series) may contain them.
Magnets that do not contain Dy or Tb don’t need a license and can be exported normally.
Here is the catch. Customs officers can’t tell by looking at a magnet whether it contains Dy or Tb. Two magnets can look identical, with the same size, coating and appearance, and still have very different compositions. So when a shipment is selected, customs sends samples to a laboratory to check the actual chemistry.
That is why inspection rates have gone up. It isn’t a sign that your supplier or your order has a problem. It’s a way to separate licensed products from unlicensed ones.
Inspection Rates: Ningbo vs. Shanghai
Inspection rates differ by port, by shipper and by product. Based on our own experience, Shanghai selects a larger share of NdFeB shipments than Ningbo, and results take longer to come back. Ningbo is a little less strict and, more importantly, more predictable.
Our advice: assume your shipment will be inspected. If it isn’t, you’ve saved a few weeks. If it is, you’re already prepared.
What Happens When a Ningbo Shipment Is Inspected
For sea freight, the process usually looks like this:
- You receive the inspection notice. Customs tells us the shipment has been selected.
- Samples are taken and sent to the lab. Usually 2–3 days after the notice, sometimes closer to a week, depending on port scheduling.
- The laboratory runs its tests. About 11 working days.
- We re-declare. The earlier customs record is deleted and a new declaration is filed, about 3 days.
- We wait for the next vessel. Usually 3–7 days.
Altogether, expect about 3 to 4 weeks from the inspection notice to departure. It’s not quick, but it follows a clear schedule.
What About Shanghai?
For shipments through Shanghai, by sea or by air, results typically take around 40 days after inspection.
Many buyers assume air freight is the escape route for urgent orders. For magnets, it isn’t, because the inspection comes first either way. For more on your shipping options, see our shipping and logistics page.
So Which Port Should You Choose?
For most orders, we recommend Ningbo sea freight. You only need to wait for the inspection result, and once it’s out, the goods can go on the next available vessel. Shanghai still works for some customers and routes, but if your schedule is tight, add a generous buffer.
Five Ways to Protect Your Production Schedule
1. Order at least one month ahead. If you have a forecast or project plan, share it early. We can run production, paperwork and logistics in parallel, so an inspection doesn’t stop your line.
2. Know your grade. Whether a grade contains Dy or Tb affects licensing, so confirm your requirements before production starts. Browse our available grades and coatings, or ask us if you’re not sure.
3. Tell us if you have flexibility on grade. In some applications a Dy/Tb-free grade can meet the performance requirement. If yours can, it may simplify export.
4. Keep safety stock. For critical grades, a small buffer is cheap insurance.
5. Work with a supplier who handles this every day. Experienced exporters know how to prepare goods and documents so the process goes as smoothly as possible.
The Paperwork That Keeps Things Moving
Most avoidable delays come from documents that are incomplete or don’t agree with each other. Make sure you have:
- Packing list: quantities, weights, carton counts and dimensions
- Commercial invoice: accurate product description, grade, unit price and total value
- Third-party material test report: independent confirmation of the magnet’s composition
- MSDS: needed for transport and safety compliance
- Other supporting files: grade specifications, magnetization details, packaging documents and any customer-specific requirements
Product names, grades, quantities and weights must match on every document. A small mismatch can lead to extra questions or a repeat declaration, which costs you days. For more, read our guide to NdFeB magnet MSDS and safety documents.
Quick Recap
- Since April 2025, magnets containing dysprosium or terbium need an export license in China.
- Customs can’t identify composition by sight, so selected shipments go to the lab.
- Ningbo sea freight is usually the most predictable route: about 3–4 weeks if inspected.
- Shanghai inspections can take around 40 days.
- Order early and keep your documents complete and consistent.
Export control rules can change. Contact us for the latest situation before you place a large order.
Let’s Plan Your Next Order Together
Every project is different. Tell us your grade, quantity and deadline, and we’ll help you build a realistic schedule, including a buffer for inspection.
Request a quote or email Tony directly:
