China's export controls on gallium and germanium take effect on Tuesday.

The rare metals are used in the production of electronic parts, including semiconductor chips, LEDs and solar cells. China accounts for over 90 percent of the world's gallium production and holds roughly 40 percent of global germanium reserves.

Under the controls, exporters of items relating to gallium and germanium will be required to file an application with authorities, specifying who will be the end-users and how the materials will be used. The application must be vetted and approved before the exporter can ship the products. Violators will face punishment.

The Chinese government says the move is meant to safeguard national security and interests. But the controls appear to be in response to the US and its allies ratcheting up pressure on China's high-tech industries.

Washington has imposed restrictions on exports of advanced semiconductor chips and manufacturing equipment to China. Tokyo tightened export controls on chip-making equipment in late July.

Japanese companies import large amounts of the metals from China. China's latest action has the potential to cause disruptions to global supply chains of industrial products.