Air cargo operations are subject to stringent aviation safety requirements. Among the goods requiring particular attention are shipments containing magnets or magnetic materials, which may generate stray magnetic fields capable of interfering with aircraft magnetic compasses and heading instruments. Depending on their magnetic characteristics, certain goods may require magnetic field measurement before being accepted for carriage by air.

Vinacontrol provides Magnetic Field Measurement for Air Cargo services to support importers, exporters and logistics providers in assessing the magnetic field strength of packaged goods against applicable technical criteria. The service helps businesses identify relevant air transport requirements, prepare the necessary supporting documentation and minimize potential disruptions to their air freight operations.

Service Backdround

Magnetic Field Measurement for Air Cargo involves measuring and evaluating the stray magnetic fields generated by packages or products containing magnets and other magnetic materials.

Measurements are conducted on packages in their final configuration for air transport, at specified distances from the outer surface of the package and under conditions consistent with applicable technical requirements.

Vinacontrol's measurement results provide an objective technical basis to help businesses:

✔ Determine whether the packaged goods meet the classification criteria for Magnetized Material under the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (IATA DGR).

✔ Evaluate measured magnetic field levels against the applicable assessment thresholds.

✔ Support the identification of relevant packaging, labeling and transport documentation requirements.

✔ Provide technical measurement data to aircraft operators, freight forwarders and other relevant parties when required.

IATA Requirements for Magnetized Materials Transported by Air

Under the International Air Transport Association Dangerous Goods Regulations (IATA DGR), goods meeting the applicable criteria for magnetized materials are classified as Class 9 – Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods, under UN 2807 – Magnetized material.

The applicable conditions for carriage by air are specified in Packing Instruction 953 (PI 953). Not all products containing magnets are classified as Magnetized Material.

Classification depends on the magnetic field generated by the fully assembled package, assessed at the prescribed measurement distances from any point on its outer surface.

Magnetic Field Classification of Air Cargo Packages

Scope of Application

Magnetic field measurement may be required or recommended for a wide range of air cargo shipments containing magnets, magnetized components or materials capable of generating significant magnetic fields, including:

• Magnets and Magnetic Materials: Neodymium magnets, ferrite magnets and industrial magnetic assemblies.

• Audio Equipment: Loudspeakers, subwoofers, headphones and audio systems incorporating magnetic components.

• Electromechanical Equipment: Electric motors, pumps, industrial fans, rotors and drive assemblies.

• Electronic Equipment and Components: Magnetic sensors, electronic assemblies and components incorporating permanent magnets.

• Industrial Machinery and Specialized Equipment: Certain scientific instruments, measuring devices and medical equipment containing magnetic components.

Scope of Services

Founded in 1957, Vinacontrol is Vietnam's first conformity assessment organization, bringing nearly seven decades of experience in inspection, testing and certification.

Leveraging its technical expertise and nationwide service network, Vinacontrol supports businesses with:

✔ Measurement of stray magnetic fields generated by packaged goods containing magnets or magnetic materials.

✔ Assessment of measurement results against the applicable criteria under IATA DGR – PI 953.

✔ Issuance of magnetic field measurement certificates documenting the relevant measurement results and technical findings.

✔ Technical guidance on suitable packaging arrangements and magnetic shielding measures to reduce external magnetic fields, where necessary.

✔ Responsive technical assistance through Vinacontrol's extensive network across Vietnam.

Service Process

Step 1: Use specialized, verified magnetic field measuring instruments to measure magnetic field strength at different sides of the package, at the measurement positions and distances specified by IATA.

Step 2: Compare the actual measurement results against the reference assessment thresholds specified in IATA DGR – Packing Instruction 953 (PI 953) and draw conclusions accordingly. Provide technical advice on packaging configurations to reduce magnetic field strength, where necessary.

Step 3: Issue a Magnetic Field Measurement Certificate for the relevant package.

Please contact Vinacontrol for professional consultation and support regarding our Magnetic Field Measurement for Air Cargo services!