Overview
ISO 24544:2024 - Rare earth - Recyclable Neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) resources - Classification, general requirements and acceptance conditions defines an international framework for identifying, handling and accepting recyclable NdFeB materials. The scope covers recyclable NdFeB resources from end-of-life (EOL) products and manufacturing processes, and addresses sintered (S‑NdFeB), bonded (B‑NdFeB) and deformed (D‑NdFeB) magnet streams. The standard supports consistent rare earth recycling practices and reliable trade in recyclable NdFeB feedstocks.
Key topics and requirements
- Classification and coding: Sets categories for recyclable NdFeB resources (EOL vs industrial; S‑NdFeB, B‑NdFeB, D‑NdFeB; magnet scrap vs sludge) to enable clear communication and material tracking.
- Sampling: Defines general principles and specific considerations for sampling recyclable NdFeB from EOL and industrial sources to ensure representative testing.
- Testing and analysis: Requires appropriate analytical methods for composition and contamination assessment (references include wavelength dispersive X‑RF methods for magnet scrap).
- Packaging, transport and storage: Specifies requirements to prevent oxidation, contamination or material loss during logistics.
- Labelling and information exchange: Emphasizes standardized labeling and data to accompany recyclable NdFeB shipments (composition, source, code).
- Acceptance conditions: Provides criteria purchasers and recyclers can use to accept or reject inbound recyclable NdFeB resources based on classification, composition and contamination levels.
Applications and who uses it
ISO 24544:2024 is intended for organizations and stakeholders involved across the NdFeB value chain:
- Recycling companies assessing feedstock quality and acceptance criteria for magnet scrap and sludge.
- Magnet and materials manufacturers sourcing recycled NdFeB input for re‑melting, powder production or remanufacturing.
- EOL processors and dismantlers who collect and prepare NdFeB-containing components from end-of-life products.
- Waste managers, traders and logistics providers handling packaging, storage and transport of recyclable rare earth resources.
- Laboratories and QA teams performing sampling, analysis and certification.
- Policymakers and procurement teams implementing circular economy and critical‑materials strategies.
Benefits include improved feedstock quality control, reduced environmental impact by boosting rare earth recovery, and clearer commercial transactions for recyclable NdFeB materials.
Related standards
This document is linked to existing ISO and IEC publications used for measurement and information exchange, including:
- ISO 22450:2020 (information on industrial waste and EOL products)
- ISO/TS 22451 (methods for measurement of REEs in waste/EOL products)
- ISO 22453 (exchange of information on REEs in wastes and EOL products)
- ISO 22928‑1 (WD‑XRFS analysis for magnet scraps)
- IEC 60404‑1 (magnetic materials classification)
Keywords: ISO 24544:2024, NdFeB, recyclable neodymium iron boron, rare earth recycling, EOL magnets, magnet scrap, sintered NdFeB.