What is the air cargo magnetic inspection?
1. Why is the magnetic inspection required for some air cargo?
Due to the weak stray magnetic field that interferes with the navigation system and control signals of the aircraft, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) classifies magnetic cargo as a Class 9 dangerous goods, which must be restricted during collection and transportation. Therefore, air cargo with magnetic materials are now required to undergo magnetic inspection to ensure the normal flight of the aircraft.
2. What are the technical requirements for magnetic inspection of air cargo according to the IATA 902?
According to the IATA 902, any material packaged for air transport, if the maximum magnetic field strength at 2.1 m (7ft) from any point on the outer surface of the package is less than 0.159 A/m (200 nT), won't be restricted as a magnetic substance and can be accepted as normal goods for carriage.
3. Does magnetic testing need to unpack the goods?
The magnetic inspection requires the customer to pack the goods according to the air transportation requirements, and the inspection will not damage the packaging of the goods. In principle, the goods will not be unpacked during the inspection. Only the six magnetic fields of each cargo are tested for stray magnetic fields.
4. What should I do if the goods fail the inspection?
If the goods fail the inspection, the inspection staff, after obtaining the customer's consent, will open the package for inspection and then make reasonable suggestions according to the specific situation.
Should shielding make the cargo meet the air transportation requirements, the treatment will be done to the customer's entrustment and charged.
5. Does shielding have an impact on product performance?
The shielding we provide is not to eliminate the magnetic properties of the goods whose magnetic field exceeds the standard, and has little effect on the performance of the product. However, during the treatment, the customer will be informed so as to avoid any loss. If conditions permit, the customer can also retrieve the goods and make the treatment by himself, and resend them for inspection.
6. If shielding does not work, is there any way to export the goods?
According to the IATA 902, if the maximum magnetic field strength at 2.1m (7 ft) from the surface exceeds 0.159 A/m (200 nT), but the magnetic field strength at 4.6m (15 ft) is less than 0.418 A/m (525 nT), the goods can be accepted as dangerous goods. If this requirement is not met, then the goods cannot be shipped by air.
7. What goods need magnetic inspection?
A list of goods that need magnetic inspection is as follows and is for reference only. In order to ensure the safety of air transport, whether the magnetic inspection is required shall be subject to the confirmation of warehouses and international express carriers (FedEx, HK DHL, TNT, UPS, Toll, and EMS).
(1) Magnetic materials
Magnet bodies, magnetic irons, magnetic steels, magnetic nails, magnetic heads, magnetic strips, magnetic sheets, magnetic blocks, ferrite cores, Alnico, electromagnets, magnetic fluid seals, ferrite, stop solenoids, rare earth magnets (motor rotors), coils, etc.
(2) Audio equipment
Speakers, loudspeakers, horn stereos/speakers, multimedia speakers, stereos, CDs, radio recorders, mini stereo sets, speaker accessories, microphones, car horns, telephone receivers, buzzers, silencers, projectors, sirens, VCDs, DVDs, etc.
(3) Others
Hair dryers, televisions, mobile phones, motors, motor accessories, toy magnets, magnetic toy parts, magnet-processed products, magnetic health pillows, magnetic health products, compasses, automotive air pumps, drivers, reducers, rotating parts, inductor components, magnetic coil sensors, electric gears, power receivers, multi-meters, magnetrons, computers and accessories, etc.
8. How is the magnetic inspection charged in China?
At present, only products in Shanghai warehouses can be arranged for magnetic inspection. The goods need to be sent to the monitoring center of Shanghai Institute of Chemical Industry Testing for the inspection. The shipping time will be correspondingly delayed by 1 to 2 business days. Details about the magnetic inspection and charges are as follows:
(1) Shanghai warehouses (UPS, DHL, FedEx, TNT, EMS, and Toll):
Less than or equal to two boxes: If the total weight is less than 50 kg, RMB 100/inspection; RMB 1 for every additional kilogram.
Three boxes or more: If each box is lighter than 20 kg, RMB 70 for the first box and RMB 30 for the remaining boxes; RMB 1 for every additional kilogram.
If the goods fail the magnetic inspection and the customer requires shielding, RMB 300/box.
(2) Shenzhen warehouses (UPS, DHL, and FedEx):
Magnetic inspection cannot be arranged. If magnetic goods are found and cannot be delivered, return the goods.
(3) Postal Express warehouses (providing EMS, e-EMS and other services):
Magnetic inspection cannot be arranged. If magnetic goods are found and cannot be delivered, goods can be shipped to a Shanghai warehouse for magnetic inspection through domestic express services (the customer pays the shipping fees). If the customer does not agree, return the goods.
(4) Hangzhou warehouses (FedEx):
Magnetic inspection cannot be arranged. If magnetic goods are found and cannot be delivered, return the goods.
9. Can I get the original magnetic inspection report?
After the inspection, a label will be affixed to the outer box of the goods (as shown in the figure below) and an original magnetic inspection report will be issued.
Only one magnetic inspection report will be issued, and it needs to be sent with the goods. If the magnetic inspection report is required, the warehouse should be informed in advance so the warehouse can provide a copy of the report.