GB/T 9967-2025 in English

Background and Significance of the Revision of GB/T 9967-2025 Neodymium Metal Standard

GB/T 9967-2025, the national standard for neodymium metal, was published on August 1, 2025, and will officially come into effect on February 1, 2026, replacing the 2010 edition. This revision marks the third major revision, following its initial publication in 1988 and revisions in 2001 and 2010, and reflects the continuous improvement in my country's neodymium metal production technology and quality requirements.

As an important rare earth metal, neodymium is widely used in NdFeB permanent magnets, hydrogen storage alloys, laser crystals, and other fields. As downstream applications continue to demand higher material performance, the original 2010 edition of the standard no longer fully meets current industry needs. The release and implementation of the new standard will further improve the quality of my country's neodymium metal products and promote the high-quality development of the rare earth industry.

Main Technical Changes and Innovations

Compared with GB/T 9967-2010, the new standard has made important revisions in many aspects:

Product Classification and Grade System

The new standard classifies neodymium metal into five grades based on chemical composition: Nd-3N, Nd-2N5A, Nd-2N5B, Nd-2NA, and Nd-2NB. The grade designations conform to GB/T 17803, "Rare Earth Product Grade Designation Method," where "N" represents neodymium and the number indicates the purity level.

Nd-3N is the highest purity grade, with a total rare earth content of no less than 99.5% and a neodymium to rare earth ratio of no less than 99.9%, suitable for high-performance NdFeB permanent magnet materials. Nd-2N5A and Nd-2N5B are medium-to-high purity grades, meeting the needs of most industrial applications. Nd-2NA and Nd-2NB are industrial-grade grades, suitable for applications with relatively low purity requirements.

In-depth Analysis of Chemical Composition Technical Requirements

Total Rare Earth Content and Neodymium to Rare Earth Ratio Requirements

The new standard stipulates that the total rare earth (RE) content of all grades must be no less than 99.0%, with the Nd-3N grade requiring an RE of no less than 99.5%. The neodymium rare earth ratio (Nd/RE) is divided into different grades from 99.0% to 99.9%. This indicator directly affects the performance of neodymium metal in the final application.

Impurity Element Control System

The new standard has established a more complete impurity control system:

It should be noted that the F content index is not a mandatory inspection item and is not used as a basis for acceptance, but it can be inspected if the purchaser requires it.

Test Methods and Technological Innovations

Total Rare Earth Content Test Method

Total rare earth content analysis is conducted in accordance with GB/T 14635. When the total rare earth content is above 99.5%, the difference subtraction method is used to calculate: 100% - ∑ non-rare earth impurity mass fraction. This change in calculation method improves the accuracy and consistency of high-purity product testing.

Impurity Element Analysis

Rare earth impurity content is determined according to GB/T 18115.4, and non-rare earth impurities are tested according to the GB/T 12690 series of standards. The new standards further improve the test method system to ensure the accuracy and comparability of test results.

Sampling and Preparation Specifications

The new standard has made significant revisions to the sampling method:

• Oxygen content analysis: Cut a sample from the center of the metal ingot, with a sample size of no less than 10g.
• Analysis of other components: Use 6mm and 4mm diameter drill bits for graded drilling, discarding surface 0.5mm-1.0mm drill cuttings.
• The total sample size is no less than 10g, divided into four portions and immediately sealed and stored.

Quality Inspection and Acceptance Rules

Batch Requirements

Each batch of products must consist of the same brand, with a batch weight of no more than 1000kg. This regulation ensures product quality consistency and traceability.

Sampling Quantity Regulations

Depending on the batch weight, the sampling quantity ranges from 2 to 10 pieces, and is implemented in accordance with Table 2. This graded sampling method ensures representativeness while improving inspection efficiency.

Determination of Inspection Results

Numerical rounding of inspection results shall be carried out in accordance with GB/T 8170, using the rounded value comparison method for determination. If any of the chemical composition or appearance quality does not meet the standard requirements, the batch of products shall be deemed unqualified.

Packaging, Transportation and Storage Requirements

Product marking, packaging, transportation, and storage shall comply with the provisions of GB 39176, "Packaging, Marking, Transportation and Storage of Rare Earth Products." The new standard adds requirements for accompanying documents, including quality certificates, product certificates, and inspection reports, improving the product quality traceability system.

Implementation Recommendations and Application Guidance

Implementation Recommendations for Manufacturers

1. Update production processes and quality control systems in a timely manner to adapt to the new grade designation method and impurity control requirements

2. Strengthen raw material quality control, paying special attention to the control of key impurity elements such as Fe, Mg, and Cl-

3. Improve the capacity building of testing laboratories to ensure that all testing items can be completed in accordance with the new standard requirements

4. Revise corporate standards and quality manuals to ensure consistency with national standards

Purchasing Guide for Users

1. Select the appropriate grade based on actual application requirements to avoid excessive pursuit of high purity and resulting in cost waste

2. Focus on impurity content indicators, especially key impurity elements that have a significant impact on the performance of the final product

3. Require suppliers to provide complete accompanying documents and establish a comprehensive quality traceability system

4. For special application requirements, negotiate with suppliers to develop personalized technical requirements

Precautions for testing institutions

1. Strictly follow the sampling and sample preparation methods specified in the new standard to ensure the representativeness of the samples

2. Improve the validation of testing methods, especially the confirmation of methods for newly added testing items

3. Pay attention to the particularity of F content testing, and clarify testing requirements and reporting methods

4. Strengthen personnel training to ensure accurate understanding and implementation of the new standard requirements

Technological Development Trends and Outlook

With the rapid development of new energy vehicles, wind power generation, energy-saving home appliances and other fields, the demand for high-performance NdFeB permanent magnet materials continues to grow, which puts higher requirements on the quality of metallic neodymium. The future development of neodymium metal standards may evolve in the following directions:

1. Further improvement in purity: As application requirements increase, 4N or even higher purity neodymium metal standards may become the development trend

2. More refined impurity control: The control requirements for specific impurity elements will become more stringent and specific

3. Continuous innovation in testing technology: New testing methods and technologies will be continuously introduced into the standard system

4. Green environmental protection requirements: The environmental friendliness and sustainability of production processes will become important factors considered in the standard

The implementation of GB/T 9967-2025 will provide important technical support for the high-quality development of my country's rare earth industry and promote the competitiveness of neodymium metal products in the international market.