Magnet Shipping by Air
Safety, Compliance & Documentation
Shipping magnetized materials by air isn't simple. Magnetic field interference poses real risks to aircraft systems. Learn UN2807 classification, field strength testing, shielding requirements, and how to prepare compliant dangerous goods documentation.
Why Magnetic Field Strength Matters for Air Transport
Strong magnetic fields can interfere with aircraft navigation systems, communication equipment, and flight instruments. This interference poses a genuine safety risk to crew and passengers. IATA's dangerous goods regulations exist to ensure that any magnetic material shipment is tested, documented, and safely enclosed to prevent such interference.
Magnets can also affect other cargo in the same shipment—especially electronic components, medical devices, and sensitive instrumentation. This is why even a single magnetized item requires careful assessment before air transport approval.
The Reality: Airlines will reject magnet shipments that lack proper documentation, field strength testing, and hazard labeling. Delays cost money. Compliance prevents rejection.
UN2807: Magnetized Materials Classification
Magnetized materials fall under UN2807 – Magnetized Material, classified as IATA Class 9 (Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods). However, not all magnets are automatically subject to full DG regulations.
The key question is: Does your magnet's external field exceed the regulatory threshold? If it does, you must treat it as dangerous goods and follow all IATA DG protocols.
IATA Field Strength Exemption Threshold
↳ Measured at 4.6 meters (15 feet) from any outer edge of the package
Two Possible Outcomes:
- Field ≤ 0.00525 gauss: Not subject to IATA DG regulations. Exempt from labeling, documentation, and special handling.
- Field > 0.00525 gauss: Subject to full UN2807 classification. Requires shielding, hazard labeling, Shipper's Declaration, and compliant packaging.
Magnetic Field Strength Testing
Testing is simple in principle but critical in execution. You need accurate equipment and proper procedure.
How to Test Your Magnets:
✓ Required Equipment
- Calibrated gauss meter
- Measuring tape (accurate to cm)
- Test documentation log
- Shielding materials (if needed)
↳ Procedure Steps
- 1. Package magnet in outer box
- 2. Measure 4.6m from package edge
- 3. Record gauss reading (6 points)
- 4. Document all results
Pro tip: Test at 6 points around the package (top, bottom, sides). Use the highest reading for your compliance determination. Keep all test records for audit purposes.
Magnetic Shielding for Compliant Packaging
If your magnets exceed the 0.00525 gauss threshold, shielding is your solution. The goal: reduce the external field below the regulatory limit at 4.6 meters.
Common Shielding Materials:
Steel Enclosures
Heavy-duty steel boxes (mild steel, stainless steel) are effective absorbers of magnetic fields. Thickness matters—typically 2-4mm for moderate field reduction.
Soft Iron Sheeting
Soft iron (low-carbon steel) provides excellent magnetic dampening when layered. Often used as a shielding envelope inside outer packaging.
Mu-Metal Layering
High-permeability mu-metal is ultra-effective but expensive. Commonly used for high-field magnets or space-constrained applications.
Composite Materials
Specialized shielding composites designed for DG compliance. Often lightweight and engineered for specific field strengths.
Important: Shielding design depends on magnet type, strength, size, and shape. A materials engineer or DG specialist should validate your shielding approach before production.
Packaging, Labeling & Dangerous Goods Documentation
Once your magnets exceed the field threshold, full DG compliance is required. Here's what you need:
Required DG Documentation:
- Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods: Completed and signed by an authorized person or IATA-certified DG specialist. Must accompany the air waybill.
- Class 9 Hazard Label: Affixed to outer packaging. Black-and-white striped diamond label clearly visible from all angles.
- Proper Outer Packaging: Strong, rigid container that prevents magnet shift, impact damage, and external field leakage during transport.
- UN2807 Marking: Clearly labeled with UN classification number, proper shipping name, and class designation.
- Air Waybill Notation: DG declaration reference must be recorded on the waybill. Freight forwarder must be notified before submission to airline.
Packaging Specifications:
- Outer container must withstand normal handling without rupture, leakage, or magnet movement
- Inner packaging should immobilize the magnetic material to prevent shifting
- Use cushioning materials that are non-flammable and compatible with magnetic shielding
- Seal all openings securely; no exposed magnetic surfaces
- Maintain structural integrity under typical cargo handling conditions
Exemptions & Special Cases
A few scenarios allow magnetized materials to ship without full DG compliance:
✓ Field Strength Below Threshold
If testing shows your magnet's field is ≤0.00525 gauss at 4.6 meters, it's completely exempt from IATA DG regulations. No labeling, no declaration, no special handling required.
✓ Integral Magnets in Devices
Magnets that are integral to a medical device, scientific instrument, or commercial product may fall under different regulations. Check the device manufacturer's documentation and consult a DG specialist.
✓ Ground Shipping Only
Magnets that exceed UN2807 thresholds but are shipped via ground (truck, rail, ocean) may have different or relaxed requirements. IATA restrictions apply only to air transport.
When in doubt: Consult a certified DG specialist. Misclassification can result in cargo rejection, fines, and shipment delays. The cost of expertise is far less than the cost of non-compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all magnets classified as dangerous goods for air shipment?
Not all magnets trigger IATA dangerous goods classification. The determining factor is magnetic field strength at 4.6 meters (15 feet) from the package. If the field measures less than 0.00525 gauss, the shipment is exempt. Above that threshold, UN2807 classification and full DG documentation apply.
What is UN2807 and why does it matter?
UN2807 is the United Nations designation for magnetized materials. It falls under IATA Class 9 (Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods). This classification triggers specific packaging, labeling, shielding, and documentation requirements to prevent magnetic interference with aircraft navigational systems and other sensitive cargo.
How do I test if my magnets exceed the field strength limit?
Magnetic field strength must be measured at exactly 4.6 meters from any outer edge of the package using a gauss meter. If the reading is ≤0.00525 gauss, the shipment is DG-exempt. Readings above this threshold require shielding, labeling, and a Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods.
What shielding materials work best for magnets?
Common shielding materials include steel enclosures, soft iron sheeting, and mu-metal layering. The goal is to reduce the external magnetic field below 0.00525 gauss at 4.6 meters. Proper shielding design depends on magnet strength, size, and intended use.
What documentation is required for shipping magnetized materials by air?
If your magnets exceed the field threshold, you must provide: a completed Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods, Class 9 hazard labeling, proper packaging certification, and the air waybill. The declaration must be signed by an authorized dangerous goods shipper or certified DG specialist.
Can I ship magnets on passenger aircraft?
Most UN2807 magnetized materials are restricted to cargo-only aircraft under IATA DGR. Some shielded, low-field magnets may be eligible for passenger flights, but this requires specific testing and certification. Consult with your airline and a DG expert to confirm eligibility.
Ship Magnets Safely & Compliantly
Magnet shipments require precision: field testing, shielding design, compliant packaging, and certified documentation. AÉRO-DG handles all of it—so your shipment clears the airline without rejection or delays.