Commerce Department Restricts Exportation of Critical Minerals and Materials

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) within the Department of Commerce published a temporary final rule to restrict the exportation of black mass and tungsten waste and scrap without a license. Effective August 27, 2026, U.S. persons must allocate 100 percent of monthly sales of these materials to U.S. persons, unless an adjustment or exception is obtained. This action is taken under the Defense Production Act to address the scarcity of recoverable critical minerals and materials.