Shipping Magnetized Material by Air: UN 2807, IATA Rules and Packing Instruction 953

Permanent magnets, magnetic assemblies, industrial components and some electronic devices can create a shipping problem that is easy to overlook. A product may look like ordinary cargo, but its magnetic field can affect aircraft compass systems if the shipment is not properly assessed and handled.

Before booking air freight, shippers need to establish whether the consignment meets the applicable criteria for magnetized material, whether special handling conditions apply, and what documentation and packaging the operator requires. Getting these details wrong can lead to additional checks, rework or refusal at the cargo terminal.

This guide explains the key considerations for shipping magnetized material by air, including UN 2807, the magnetic-field criteria associated with Packing Instruction 953, handling labels, operator coordination and the information to gather before tendering a shipment.

What is magnetized material under UN 2807?

UN 2807 is the United Nations identification number associated with the proper shipping name MAGNETIZED MATERIAL. Under the air-transport provisions, it is associated with Class 9 dangerous goods requirements where applicable.

Examples of items that may need assessment include:

• Permanent magnets and magnetic assemblies.
• Magnetic components used in industrial machinery.
• Magnetic measuring instruments and specialised equipment.
• Devices containing strong magnets, including certain technical or electronic assemblies.
• Consignments containing multiple magnetic items whose combined field may need to be considered.

These examples are not a classification decision. The product name alone does not establish whether a shipment must be offered as UN 2807. The item, its magnetic characteristics, how the consignment is assembled, and the applicable air-transport provisions must be assessed.

Start with the current IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) and the applicable ICAO Technical Instructions. The IATA DGR contains requirements covering classification, packing, marking, labelling, documentation and handling of dangerous goods carried by air.

Why the magnetic field matters

Aircraft use magnetic compass systems and related instruments that must operate within prescribed tolerances. A sufficiently strong magnetic field from cargo can interfere with these systems. The concern is not simply whether an item contains a magnet, but whether the magnetic field from the consignment meets the applicable transport criteria.

For air transport, the assessment refers to compass deflection at specified distances from the consignment. A commonly cited reference point is a maximum compass deflection of two degrees at 4.6 metres, equivalent to 0.418 A/m or 0.00525 gauss at that distance. However, that number must be read in the context of the complete regulatory provision, not treated as a standalone exemption threshold.

The applicable provisions distinguish between different field-strength outcomes. The distance at which the field is measured and the resulting compass deflection both matter. The configuration of the shipment can matter too: several items packed together may behave differently from an individual item assessed on its own.

Understanding Packing Instruction 953

Packing Instruction 953 is the air-transport packing instruction associated with UN 2807. It addresses magnetized material carried on passenger and cargo aircraft, subject to the applicable conditions and restrictions.

The provisions distinguish between magnetized material that falls within the specified field-strength range and material whose field is strong enough to exceed the stated limit at 4.6 metres. These categories do not have identical requirements.

When the field falls within the intermediate range

The relevant provision describes material that causes compass deflection of more than two degrees at 2.1 metres but not more than two degrees at 4.6 metres. For material in this range, the provisions specify conditions that include:

• Prior arrangements with the operator: The shipper must identify the magnetized material and make arrangements with the airline or other applicable operator before transport.
• Documentation: The provision allows the dangerous goods transport document requirements to be handled through the stated alternative, provided the alternative written or electronic documentation includes the words "magnetized material" in association with the description of the goods.
• Handling label: The package must bear the required magnetized material handling label.
• Stowage: The operator must stow the packaged material in accordance with the applicable requirements.
• Incident reporting: The relevant reporting provisions must be met.

These conditions are why it is unsafe to assume that a shipment meeting the 4.6-metre field criterion can automatically be sent without special arrangements or handling requirements.

When the field exceeds the stated limit at 4.6 metres

Magnetized material with a field strong enough to cause compass deflection of more than two degrees at 4.6 metres may only be transported under the cited provisions with prior approval from the appropriate authorities of the State of Origin and the State of the Operator.

Do not tender a shipment in this category as routine cargo while assuming that shielding or a carrier booking alone resolves the issue. Obtain a competent assessment and confirm the applicable approvals and operator requirements before proceeding.

For the regulatory wording, consult the current edition of the IATA DGR and the applicable ICAO Technical Instructions. The exact requirements must be checked against the edition in force for the shipment date, including any applicable amendments and operator variations.

Does every magnet shipment need a Shipper's Declaration?

No single answer should be applied to every magnet shipment. Documentation depends on the applicable classification and provisions, the measured field category and the requirements that apply to the specific consignment.

For magnetized material covered by the intermediate-range provision described above, alternative written or electronic documentation may be used under the stated conditions. That documentation must include "magnetized material" in association with the goods description. The provision also requires prior arrangements with the operator and the specified handling label and stowage measures.

Do not assume that every shipment requires a Shipper's Declaration, and do not assume that no dangerous goods transport documentation is needed just because a field measurement is below a particular number. Check the applicable entry, packing instruction, documentation provisions and operator requirements.

The air waybill or other shipping records must also be prepared according to the requirements applicable to the shipment. Where the special provision permits alternative documentation, ensure the wording and records meet that provision rather than relying on a generic commodity description such as "magnets" or "machine parts".

Packaging, shielding and measurement

Packaging decisions should follow the assessment of the actual consignment and the applicable requirements. There is no universal steel thickness or shielding design that can be promised to make every magnet shipment acceptable for air transport.

Depending on the item, its arrangement and the assessment results, the shipper or technical specialist may consider measures such as:

• Using suitable packaging to keep the goods stable and prevent movement.
• Arranging permanent magnets or magnetic components in a configuration that reduces the external field, where technically appropriate.
• Evaluating suitable magnetic shielding materials and their effectiveness for the specific assembly.
• Reassessing the completed package or consignment after any change to the arrangement or shielding.

Shielding should not be treated as proof of compliance on its own. The completed consignment must be assessed against the applicable criteria, and the measurement method must be appropriate to the regulatory decision being made.

Before arranging testing, confirm the measurement instrument, calibration status, measurement locations, distance reference, test configuration and the way results will be recorded. The number and position of measurement points should follow the applicable method and technical assessment. A six-point test should not be treated as a universal regulatory requirement unless the governing method or applicable procedure requires it.

Keep a record of the test conditions and results with the shipment file. If the package contents, orientation, spacing or shielding change after testing, confirm whether the assessment remains valid.

Passenger aircraft or cargo aircraft?

Packing Instruction 953 is identified for passenger and cargo aircraft for UN 2807, subject to its provisions. It is therefore inaccurate to assume that all UN 2807 shipments are automatically cargo-aircraft-only.

That does not mean every airline will accept every magnetized-material shipment on every service. Operator procedures, route restrictions, state variations, approval conditions and the details of the consignment can affect acceptance.

Before booking, give the operator or freight forwarder an accurate description of the goods and provide the assessment results and supporting documents they need. Confirm acceptance for the intended route and service before arranging a delivery to the cargo terminal.

Common mistakes that delay magnetized-material shipments

• Using the field threshold as a blanket exemption: The regulatory criteria involve distances, compass deflection and conditions for the relevant category.
• Testing the item but not the final consignment: Packaging, orientation, spacing and combined items can affect the field around the shipment.
• Assuming shielding solves every problem: Shielding must be assessed in the actual configuration; it does not replace required testing, classification or approvals.
• Applying the wrong label: The magnetized material handling label is not interchangeable with a generic Class 9 hazard label. Apply the markings and labels required for the classification and provision that actually apply.
• Preparing documents from a generic template: The correct documentation depends on the applicable requirements. Verify the goods description and any special documentation conditions.
• Booking before contacting the operator: Prior arrangements may be required, and operators may have additional acceptance procedures.
• Assuming every carrier follows identical procedures: Confirm the rules for the actual airline, route and shipment rather than relying on a previous booking.

Pre-shipment checklist for UN 2807

Before tendering magnetized material for air freight, confirm each of the following:

• The product and consignment have been accurately identified.
• The current applicable IATA DGR entry and Packing Instruction 953 have been checked.
• The magnetic-field assessment follows the applicable method and uses the correct measurement distances and reference points.
• The field results have been assessed against the relevant criteria rather than a single isolated number.
• Any required state approvals have been obtained before transport.
• The operator has been contacted and any required prior arrangements are confirmed.
• The package bears the required handling label and any other applicable marks or labels.
• Documentation matches the requirements for the shipment category.
• The final package matches the configuration that was assessed.
• The airline or freight forwarder has confirmed the acceptance process for the intended service.

For broader dangerous goods preparation, see the AÉRO-DG IATA DG Pre-Flight Checklist. For emergency guidance on rejected shipments, see our emergency dangerous goods shipping guide. These are general reference aids and do not replace the current regulations or a shipment-specific assessment.

Frequently asked questions

This article is general guidance, not shipment-specific compliance advice. A qualified dangerous goods specialist must be consulted on the applicable rules, including the IATA DGR, the ICAO Technical Instructions, and the Transport Canada TDG Regulations, for any specific shipment.