Abstract: In this paper, the importance of determination of RE trace in nuclearmaterials and the principle, characteristic and advantage of their determina-tion by IDMS are described briefly. In addtion, a review of the methodsused at home and abroad for determination of RE trace in recent 20 years ispresented. With some examples, the discussion is focused on the applicationof IDMS for RE determination in nuclear and other materials. Fundamentalparameters, such as sensitivity, error and main analytical procedures aregiven. The methods of separation and concentration of RE trace in nuclearmaterials are discussed in detail. Emphasis is put on the optimum condition,the difficulty and the way of solving in connection with the application ofIDMS for RE determination.