How to deliver magnets by air?
【三富铁科技 · 品牌运营中心】发布时间:2023-07-18浏览量:559
Air transportation has its particularities, and to ensure safety, both passengers and cargo must undergo security checks before boarding. If you are traveling with magnetic materials, such as neodymium iron boron magnets, or if a customer urgently requires air shipment, there are specific regulations regarding whether these magnets can be brought onto an aircraft.
Due to the potential interference of weak stray magnetic fields with aircraft navigation systems and control signals, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) categorizes magnetic goods as Class 9 dangerous goods, imposing restrictions on their carriage. Therefore, air shipments containing magnetic materials require magnetic testing to ensure the safe operation of the aircraft. This applies to magnetic materials, audio materials, and instruments containing magnetic components.
Air Transport Standards
According to IATA 902 regulations,if the maximum magnetic field strength measured at 2.1 meters from the material does not exceed 0.159A/m (200nT, equivalent to 2mGs = 0.002Gs), the item is not considered a restricted magnetic material and can be handled as general cargo.
If the maximum magnetic field strength at 2.1 meters exceeds 0.159A/m but is less than 0.418A/m at any point 4.6 meters from the surface of the material, the cargo may be accepted as dangerous goods for transport.
If these requirements are not met, the item is strictly prohibited from air transport.
Meeting Air Transport Standards
To comply with these air transport requirements, magnetic items intended for air shipment must undergo demagnetization treatment. This treatment does not eliminate magnetism entirely but reduces the magnetic field externally visible on packaging to meet national aviation safety transport requirements. Shielding packaging typically involves using high-permeability materials like cold-rolled plates or galvanized sheets, sometimes requiring multiple layers for large quantities of magnetic material. According to Faraday cage principles, the magnetic field circulates mainly within the container after packaging, minimizing external leakage. External packaging with cardboard or wooden boxes further enhances shielding.
Magnetic Testing
Air carriers or logistics companies handling magnetic materials require customers to conduct magnetic testing and provide an 'Air Transport Conditions Discrimination Report' to ensure safe flight operations. Qualified professional appraisal companies recognized by the national civil aviation authority typically perform this testing, either through sample submission for laboratory analysis or on-site evaluation by experts. The validity of the discrimination report usually extends through the current calendar year, necessitating renewal after each new year.
During magnetic testing, customers must package goods according to air transport requirements. Testing generally examines the stray magnetic fields on all six sides of each item without opening the packaging. If a magnetic test fails, the customer's consent is sought to inspect the goods, after which appropriate recommendations are made. If shielding can meet air transport requirements, the goods can undergo shielding treatment upon customer request, with associated costs.
For domestic shipping within China, mainstream logistics companies like SF Express and Shentong do not accept air shipments of magnetic materials, limiting transportation to ground options. EMS may consider accepting shipments with an 'Air Transport Conditions Discrimination Report' subject to the discretion of the collection agent.
For international shipping, companies such as DHL or UPS require customers to conduct magnetic testing. DHL may facilitate testing on behalf of customers, with expenses covered by the customer.
In conclusion, adherence to IATA regulations regarding magnetic materials is crucial for air transportation safety. Customers must ensure compliance through appropriate testing and documentation to facilitate the shipment of magnetic goods via air carriers or logistics providers.