China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) Thursday began accepting Chinese firms' applications for 2011 rare earth export quotas.

The ministry said only applications from firms that meet relevant environmental standards will be accepted.

To have their application accepted, the MOC said firms must have ISO 9000 certification and meet national standards.

Rare earth distributing enterprises must also acquire ISO 9000 certification before they can apply for export quotas, it said.

According to the requirements, rare earth producers must be equipped with environmental management devices according to their production capacities.

The firms' pollutant emissions must also meet national and local criteria, the ministry said.

The MOC said to further standardize rare earth export activities, China will strictly supervise exporters.

Rare earths are 17 chemical elements. They are used in the production of flat-screen monitors, electric-car batteries, wind turbines, missiles and aerospace alloys.