The Future of Critical Materials Compliance: What Defense Contractors Should Expect Beyond 2027
- Dennis Blacksmith
- 7 days ago
- 1 min read
By Dennis Blacksmith
Principal, RavenClear – a division of Ravenswake Global
Former Naval Aviator and NAWCTSD Program Manager
The new DFARS 252.225-7052 and NDAA §842 rules are just the beginning.
While current requirements focus on magnets, tantalum, tungsten, and advanced batteries, the U.S. government is clearly moving toward broader control over critical materials supply chains. The strategic goal is to reduce dependence on adversarial nations for materials essential to national security.
The current rules are testing the framework. Future regulations will likely build on this foundation with similar tracing and attestation requirements for additional materials.
We can expect expanded rules for battery metals such as lithium, cobalt, graphite, and nickel. Other rare earth elements beyond those used in magnets are also likely to face increased scrutiny. Gallium and germanium, already under export controls, may see full tracing requirements in the near future. Even broader specialty metals like titanium and certain nickel alloys used in aerospace and naval systems could eventually be included.
What this means for defense contractors is clear. The compliance landscape will continue to expand. Companies that start building robust processes now — or create strong partnerships with compliance-focused companies — will have a significant advantage as these requirements grow.
RavenClear is already helping companies prepare for the current rules while positioning them for future requirements. Our full-service approach includes supply chain tracing, attestation packages, and practical mitigation strategies that can scale as regulations evolve.
The companies that begin building strong compliance processes today will be best positioned for success in the years ahead.
Learn more at ravenclear.com
