To investigate the rare earth elements residues in teas from Fujian Province in order to provide suggestions on reducing rare earth element (REEs) contamination, and to provide a scientific basis for setting the proper limit standard of REEs in teas.MethodsA total of 145 samples of nine teas varieties were collected from their plantation fields and markets in Fujian Province from 2011-2012. The concentrations of 15 REEs in the samples were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) with microwave digestion.ResultsThe total amount of rare earth oxides in the teas were 0.405-20.74 mg/kg, the average content was 2.988 mg/kg, and the median was 1.857 mg/kg. The qualified rate was 53.8%. The rare earth elements residues was the highest in samples from the southern Fujian, followed by the northern and eastern, and the rare earth elements residues in tea was related closely to the contents of REEs in the soil and fertilizers.ConclusionIt is not optimistic about the status of the rare earth elements residues in the teas in Fujian Province. Regulating and monitoring REEs residues in teas should be strengthened. The current national limit standard of rare earth elements in tea (GB 2762-2012) is debatable.