Are you planning on shipping magnets? Shipping magnets by air can be a bit of a challenge due to their inherent magnetic properties. Strong magnetic fields can interfere with the aircraft’s navigation and communication systems, potentially causing problems such as inaccurate readings or equipment failure. To prevent these issues, it is important to ensure that the magnets being shipped do not have a strong magnetic field that could affect the aircraft.
Thus, customers who purchase magnets from our factory often have questions about the air transportation of magnets. Some common questions include: Can I airship magnets or neodymium? How do powerful magnets get shipped? What cannot be shipped by air? How do you package magnets? Can you send magnets via USPS? Can you ship magnets by UPS? How much does it cost to ship a magnet by air?
This post will cover everything you need about air shipping magnets to ensure a smooth and safe transportation process.
Read on to learn more about safely shipping magnets by air.
Can I ship magnets by air?
Yes, magnets can be shipped by air. However, specific regulations must be followed to ensure the safety of the aircraft and passengers. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has classified magnetic goods as dangerous in the 9th category, which must be restricted during transportation.
What are the rules for shipping magnets by air?
According to the provisions of the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR):
Rule 1# (General Cargo): Any material packaged adequately for air transport is not considered to be restricted as “magnetized material” if the maximum field strength observed at a distance of 7 feet (2.1 meters) from the assembled consignment is less than 0.159A/m (200nT, 0.002 gausses). The magnet or magnetic device can be shipped as general cargo without special handling or packaging requirements.
Rule 2# (Dangerous Cargo): Magnets can be shipped as dangerous goods if the maximum magnetic field intensity measured at 7 feet (2.1 meters) from any point on the surface of the assembled consignment under test exceeds 0.159A/m (200nT, 0.002 gausses), but any magnetic field intensity measured at 15 feet (4.6m) away from the object under test is less than 0.418A/m (525nT, 0.00525 gauss).
If the magnets meet this criterion, they must be appropriately labeled and packaged by the regulations for transporting dangerous goods.
The proper label for magnets is the “MAGNETIZED MATERIAL” label, which must be affixed to the outside of the package in a visible location.
Rule 3# (Prohibited Cargo): What cannot be shipped by air? If the intensity of any magnetic field at 15 feet (4.6m) from the surface of the measured item is greater than 0.418A/m (525nT, 0.00525 gauss), then the item is strictly prohibited from being transported by air. In this case, we can ship the goods by sea instead.
How do you package magnets?
Shielding Packaging
To meet the requirements for air shipping, special shielding packaging is necessary to reduce the magnetic field to the required levels.
Shielding packaging for magnets involves using iron sheets or materials with high magnetic permeability to block the magnet’s magnetic field. This is often done by enclosing the magnet in a box or container made of iron or other magnetic materials or wrapping the magnet in iron foil or sheets.
The idea is to create a barrier around the magnet that will redirect and absorb the magnetic field, reducing the intensity of the field outside the shielded area. This can be important in certain situations, such as when shipping magnets by air, to ensure that the magnetic field does not interfere with sensitive equipment or cause any other problems.
To be effective, the shielding material must be thick enough and close enough to the magnet to block the magnetic field effectively.
Additional Considerations to Pack Magnets
There are several additional considerations when packaging magnets for safe transportation:
1. Use sturdy boxes and packaging materials: Choose boxes that are strong enough to withstand handling and protect the magnets from damage during transit. It’s important to protect the magnets from damaging each other or anything else during transport. This can be achieved by separating the magnets with a non-magnetic material such as cardboard or wooden blocks. It’s also a good idea to wrap the magnets in bubble wrap or other cushioning material to prevent any accidental impacts.
2. Secure the magnets inside the box: Use tape or other fasteners to secure the magnets inside the box so they don’t move around or shift during transit.
3. Use caution when handling the magnets: Magnets can be fragile and break or chip if mishandled. Wear protective gloves and handle them carefully to avoid injury or damage.
4. Label the box as containing magnets: It is important to clearly label the box to alert handling and transportation personnel to the presence of these potentially dangerous items, such as “Fragile” and “Magnetic Material.”
5. Follow all shipping regulations: Familiarize yourself with the shipping regulations for magnets, including any restrictions on the size, shape, or quantity of magnets that can be shipped. Follow these regulations to ensure the safe and legal transportation of your magnets.
Following these guidelines, you can safely and successfully ship magnets by air.
As a professional magnet manufacturer and exporter, JdaMagnet ensures that all of our magnets meet the required magnetic strength for air shipping packaging before they are shipped out to our customers. This helps to avoid any potential problems during the transportation process.
Will the provided shielding affect the magnetism?
No, the shielding itself should not affect the magnetism of the goods. The shielding is intended to block or reduce the strength of the magnetic field to prevent interference with other electronic devices or equipment. The magnetism of the goods will still be present, but it may be less detectable or have a weaker effect on nearby objects due to the shielding.
What Inspection Reports Required for Air Shipping?
- MSDS(Material Safety Data Sheet)
In the context of air shipping magnets, the MSDS would be used to inform the airline or logistics company about the properties of the magnets and any potential hazards associated with them to help ensure the safe handling and transportation of the material.
The MSDS should include information such as the chemical composition of the magnets, their physical and chemical properties, and any potential hazards associated with their handling or storage.
It is important to ensure that the MSDS for our magnets is up-to-date and accurate, as it is used by shippers, carriers, and other stakeholders to assess the risk of transporting the magnets and to develop appropriate handling and emergency response procedures.
- Identification and Classification Report for Air Transport of Goods
The Identification and Classification Report for Air Transport of Goods is a document that certifies that the item being shipped meets the requirements for air transportation. One of the requirements is that the maximum field strength of the package cannot exceed certain levels. This is important to ensure that the item does not pose a risk to the aircraft or its passengers during transport.
For example, we can see from this report about the maximum field strength, the testing conclusions are:
“Experiments according to the provisions set by IATADGR, the maximum field strength of this packaged material observed at a distance of 2.1m is not more than 0.418A/m (0.00525 gausses) or the compass deflection is not more than 2 degrees. The goods do not belong to class 9-magnetized material, and they can be shipped as “NOT RESTRICTED*”
Based on the experiments conducted according to the provisions set by IATADGR, the maximum field strength of this packaged material is within the acceptable range, and the compass deflection is also within the acceptable limit. Therefore, it can be concluded that this magnet can be shipped as general cargo by air.
Who can provide the inspection report?
The Identification and Classification Report for Air Transport of Goods is typically issued by a Dangerous Goods Management(DGM) or a qualified dangerous goods specialist. They are responsible for conducting the magnetic field strength inspection and determining whether the package can be shipped as a non-restricted item.
To obtain this report, DGM may require you to have the magnets undergo a magnetic field strength inspection. This inspection involves using a magnetic field tester to measure the strength of the magnets’ magnetic field at a distance of 2 meters.
If the magnetic field is too strong, DGM may require you to improve the magnets’ packaging to reduce the magnetic field’s strength. This may involve using thin iron sheets to shield the magnetic field, as described above.
Is magnetic field strength inspection the same as demagnetization?
No, magnetic field strength inspection is not the same as demagnetization.
The magnetic inspection involves measuring the strength of the magnetism of a shipment at a certain distance, whereas demagnetization involves the removal or reduction of magnetism in an object.
The magnetic inspection ensures the safe transport of magnetic materials by air. In contrast, demagnetization may be used for various purposes, such as to remove residual magnetism in tools or to protect sensitive electronic equipment from interference.
Is it necessary to unpack the goods for magnetic field strength inspection?
No, it is not necessary to unpack the goods for magnetic inspection. We should adequately package the goods according to air transport requirements, and the inspection process will not damage the packaging of the goods. In principle, the detection process does not involve opening the package but instead involves the inspection of stray magnetic fields on each of the six sides of the shipment.
What products require magnetic testing for air shipping?
Magnetic materials: such as neodymium magnets, SmCo magnets, ferrite magnets, alnico magnets, ceramic magnets, rubber magnets, magnetic assemblies, and so on.
Audio equipment: speakers, horns, speaker systems/boxes, multimedia speakers, sound systems, CDs, recorders, mini speaker systems, speaker accessories, microphones, receivers, buzzers, mufflers, projectors, amplifiers, VCDs, and DVDs.
Others: hairdryers, televisions, phones, motors, motor accessories, toy magnets, magnetic toy parts, magnetic health pillows, magnetic health products, compasses, car air pumps, drivers, reducers, rotary parts, inductive sensor components, coil sensors, electric gears, couplers, multimeters, magnetron tubes, computers, and accessories.
How much does it cost to ship a magnet by air?
The cost to ship a magnet by air will typically include the fee for the required documents, such as the identification and classification report and the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). It will also include the air freight charge, typically based on the weight of the magnets. In addition, depending on the regulations, there may be duties and taxes to pay in the destination country. Considering all these factors carefully when calculating the cost of shipping magnets by air is essential.
1. Required Documents Fees
- MSDS Report: $110/report. The validity shall be one year.
- Field Strength Inspection Report: $45/report. This report can only be used once
Unless specified under the EXW terms, the cost of document fees is usually the consigner’s responsibility.
2. Freight Charges
The cost of shipping magnets by air is typically based on weight rather than volume. This is because magnets can be very heavy for their size. To determine the weight of your magnets, you can use our Online Calculator. Enter the dimensions and quantity of your magnets, and the calculator will provide an estimated weight.
Here is a reference table with estimated freight charges under DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) terms and duties of sintered neodymium-iron-boron to some countries. However, the information provided in the shipping and tariff table should be used as a guide, but the actual rates that apply to your shipment may differ.
| Countries | Air Freight (Delivered Duty Unpaid) | HS. Code (Sintered neodymium-iron-boron) | Import Duty |
| United States | 52 RMB/Kgs | 8505.11.0070 | 2.1 % COST |
| Germany | 50 RMB/Kgs | 8505.11.0000 | 0% |
| Italy | 50 RMB/Kgs | 8505.11.0000 | 0% |
| United Kingdom | 50 RMB/Kgs | 8505.11.0047 | 0% |
| France | 50 RMB/Kgs | 8505.11.0000 | 0% |
| Switzerland | 50 RMB/Kgs | 8505.11 | 0% |
| Poland | 50 RMB/Kgs | 8505.11.0000 | 0% |
| Netherlands | 50 RMB/Kgs | 8505.11.0000 | 0% |
| Turkey | 80 RMB/Kgs | 8505.11.10.00.00 | 2.2 % CIF |
| Hungary | 80 RMB/Kgs | 8505.11.0000 | 0% |
| Spain | 49 RMB/Kgs | 8505.11.0000 | 0% |
| Korea | 38 RMB/Kgs | 8505.11.9000 | 3.7 % CIF |
| India | 60 RMB/Kgs | 8505.11.90 | 7.5 % CIF |
| Malaysia | 38 RMB/Kgs | 8505.11.00.00 | 0% |
| Thailand | 38 RMB/Kgs | 8505.11.00.000 | 0% |
| Vietnam | 38 RMB/Kgs | 8505.11.00 | 0% |
| Philippines | 38 RMB/Kgs | 8505.11.00 | 0% |
| Mexico | 55 RMB/Kgs | 8505.11.01 | 0% |
| Brazil | 75 RMB/Kgs | 8505.11.00 | 16.0 % CIF |
It is always a good idea to check with the shipping company for the most up-to-date and accurate information about shipping and tariff rates that apply to our specific situation.
Conclusion
Shipping magnets by air can be complex due to the special handling and safety regulations involved. As a professional magnet manufacturer with over 23 years of exporting experience, we have the knowledge and expertise to ensure your magnets’ safe and successful shipping. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help with your air shipping needs.
