However, large scale clearances remain elusive, with most applicants still awaiting regulatory approval.
China has continued to issue rare earth export licences to a limited number of Indian companies, more than eight months after imposing strict export restrictions, though the majority of applicants remain without approvals.
According to official sources, a small group of entities including dealers for Mahindra and Mahindra and Maruti Suzuki, suppliers to Honda scooters, and Bosch have recently received licences. These approvals follow earlier clearances granted in October for rare earth magnet imports to Jay Ushin Ltd, De Diamond Electric India, and the Indian subsidiaries of Continental AG and Hitachi Astemo.
India remains heavily dependent on China for rare earth magnets, which are critical for the automobile sector particularly electric vehicle manufacturers, as well as the electronics, semiconductor and defence industries.
Officials tracking the issue said the pace of approvals remains slow. After temporarily halting licence issuance in April, China resumed clearances towards the end of October, approving around four to five applications. Since then, licences have continued to be issued, but only at a trickle.
At least 50 applications from Indian companies are currently pending with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, alongside requests from other countries. Chinese officials have informed Indian embassy representatives that delays are due to the backlog, with applications being cleared on a case by case basis.
Under the April restrictions, exports of rare earth materials were made contingent on export licences, requiring importers to submit end user certificates confirming non military use. Indian industry representatives have complained that licences were delayed despite meeting all requirements.
