由 caicai8478 - Core Challenges of Air Transport of Magnetic Goods
Magnetic goods are classified as Class 9 Dangerous Goods (Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods) in international air transport, and they mainly face three major challenges:
Risk of magnetic interference: May affect aircraft navigation systems and electronic equipment
Strict testing standards: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) stipulates that the magnetic field strength at 2.1 meters from the surface of the object being tested shall not exceed 0.159A/m
Complex certification requirements: Professional test reports and a full set of compliance documents are required
- DHL/FedEx sensitive goods transportation operation process
Step 1: Pre-test and classification
Use a Gauss meter for preliminary magnetic field detection (recommended model: HT20 portable Gauss meter)
Determine the type of goods:
Completely non-magnetic goods: conventional general goods
Weakly magnetic goods (50% below the standard): You can try general goods channels
Strongly magnetic goods: Must be declared as dangerous goods
Step 2: Professional testing and certification
Choose a testing agency recognized by the Civil Aviation Administration of China:
China National Institute of Metrology
SGS Standards Technology Technical Services Co., Ltd.
Bureau Veritas
Get the “Magnetic Cargo Safety Transportation Inspection Report”
Typical cost: 800-1500 yuan/sample (expedited service is not included)
Step 3: Compliant packaging
Three-layer packaging standards:
Inner packaging: anti-static bag + shielding material (such as Mu-metal alloy foil)
Middle packaging: hard plastic box + cushioning material
Outer packaging: double-layer corrugated box (compression resistance ≥800kg/m²)
Step 4: Document preparation
Required documents List:
Magnetic inspection report (usually valid for 1 year)
MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet
Shipper’s Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD)
Special Cargo Transportation Application Form
Commercial Invoice (mark “Non-restricted Magnetic Materials”)
Step 5: Channel Selection Strategy
DHL Sensitive Cargo Channel:
Accept weak magnetic goods (magnetic field strength ≤ 0.1A/m)
Requires appointment 3 working days in advance
Surcharge: Ordinary sensitive goods + 25%, high-risk sensitive goods + 50%
FedEx IP Special Cargo Service:
Can accept goods with magnetic field strength ≤ 0.15A/m
Must use FedEx designated packaging materials
Need to purchase additional transportation insurance (insurance amount ≥ 130% of the value of the goods)
III. Solutions to Common Problems
Q1: How to transport small batches of samples at low cost?
Solution: Use “magnetic shielding bag + demagnetizer” for pretreatment
Recommendation: Japan Mitsubishi Chemical MCP-141 series shielding bags, which can attenuate the magnetic field by 60-70%
Q2: How to deal with goods detained by customs?
Emergency process:
Immediately provide an electronic version of the test report
Apply for third-party re-inspection (see the “Administrative Measures for Import and Export Commodity Inspection and Identification Institutions” for the list of customs-approved laboratories)
Prepare for a return plan (return agreement must be filed in advance)
Q3: Tips for ensuring the timeliness of transportation during peak season
Book space 30 days in advance
Choose a “red list + sensitive goods” combination service (DHL timeliness can be compressed to 3-5 working days)
Avoid the Hong Kong hub (give priority to direct flights from Shanghai Pudong/Guangzhou Baiyun Airport)
IV. The latest policy changes in 2023
DHL new regulations: From Q2 2023, all magnetic goods must be accompanied by a “transportation conditions appraisal certificate” (new requirements)
Fed Ex adjustment: cancel the “special channel for magnetic goods” and incorporate it into the dangerous goods transportation system
Customs supervision: the sampling rate of goods declared as “non-magnetic” is increased to 15% (under HS code 8505)
V. Alternative plan suggestions
For companies that frequently transport magnetic goods, it is recommended to:
Establish your own testing laboratory (initial investment of about 50,000-80,000 yuan)
Apply for AEO certification enterprise qualifications (the inspection rate can be reduced to less than 3%)
Establish long-term cooperation with professional sensitive goods agents (recommended: Sinotrans Dangerous Goods Transportation Department, Jincheng Logistics Network VIP Service)
Through systematic compliance operations, the success rate of air transportation of magnetic goods can be increased to more than 92% (the industry average is 68%). The key point lies in the accuracy of preliminary testing and the completeness of document preparation.