Magnetized Material (UN 2807) — PI 953
Magnetic field thresholds for air transport classification, magnetometer test procedure, PI 953 packaging, DGD requirements, and common product assessments for speakers, motors, and rare-earth magnets.
Navigation Hazard
Magnetized materials can deflect aircraft compass and navigation instruments. Materials exceeding 2° compass deflection at 4.6 m require prior approval from the State of Origin and the State of the Operator.
UN 2807 Identity Card
| UN Number | 2807 |
| Proper Shipping Name | Magnetized material |
| Class | 9 — Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods |
| Subsidiary Risk | None |
| Packing Group | None |
| Packing Instruction | PI 953 |
| PAX Limit (per package) | No limit (package weight) |
| CAO Limit (per package) | No limit (package weight) |
| Hazard Label | Magnetized Material (Class 9 variant — curved arrow symbol) |
| ERG Code | 9L |
| Primary Hazard | Compass/navigation instrument deflection |
Classification Thresholds (IATA 3.9.2.2)
A material is classified as UN 2807 Magnetized material if either of the following thresholds is exceeded:
≥ 0.00525 gauss
Equivalent: 0.418 A/m
≥ 0.00200 gauss
Equivalent: 0.159 A/m
Note: Earth's magnetic field is approximately 0.3–0.6 gauss at the surface. These thresholds are far below that level because they protect sensitive navigation instruments.
Magnetometer Test Procedure
1. Package the item
Measurement must be taken on the final outer packaging — not the bare magnet. Internal orientation, shielding, and packaging materials all affect the external field.
2. Calibrate environment
Zero/tare the magnetometer against Earth’s field. Ensure a metal-free environment (at least 2 m from steel surfaces, forklifts, or other magnetic sources).
3. Measure at both distances
At 2.1 m: 5 points per face (center + 4 corners) on all 6 faces. At 4.6 m: 3 horizontal directions. Record the maximum value.
4. Interpret results
If max @ 2.1 m < 0.00200 gauss AND max @ 4.6 m < 0.00525 gauss → Not Restricted. Otherwise → UN 2807.
5. Document
Retain the Magnetic Field Test Certificate for minimum 3 months. The operator or customs may request it.
PI 953 — Packaging & Documentation
Packaging
- - Combination packaging (inner + outer)
- - UN specification marks NOT required (3.9.2.4 exemption)
- - Magnetic shielding (iron/steel plate, mu-metal) recommended
- - Re-test after shielding — may reclassify to Not Restricted
Documentation
- - DGD required (UN 2807 is NOT exempt)
- - NOTOC mandatory
- - Prior arrangement with operator (identifying magnetized material)
- - Operator stows away from compass/navigation equipment (9.3.9)
Simplified Regime (Compass Deflection > 2° at 2.1 m but ≤ 2° at 4.6 m)
Materials that cause compass deflection exceeding 2° at 2.1 m but not exceeding 2° at 4.6 m (i.e., field < 0.00525 gauss at 4.6 m) are subject to reduced requirements:
- - No DGD required — AWB shows "magnetized material" + number of packages
- - Magnetized material handling label on package
- - Operator stowage per 9.3.9
- - Incident reporting per 9.6
Marking & Labelling
- ✓UN 2807 — UN number on package
- ✓"Magnetized material" — proper shipping name
- ✓Magnetized Material hazard label — white background, black curved arrow symbol, "9" in lower corner (distinct from standard Class 9 label)
- ✓Shipper & consignee name and address
- ✓Net weight
Common Products — Typical Assessment
| Product | Typical Result |
|---|---|
| Small speaker (10W, ferrite magnet) | Not Restricted (below threshold) |
| Pro studio speaker (neodymium 500W) | Likely UN 2807 — test required |
| Hard disk drive (HDD) | Not Restricted (internal shielding) |
| SSD | Not magnetic — out of scope |
| Small DC motor (RC toys) | Not Restricted |
| Industrial generator | Likely UN 2807 |
| MRI magnet coil (bare) | UN 2807 — very high field |
| Neodymium disk magnet (≥10 mm) | Likely UN 2807 |
| Refrigerator magnet (ferrite) | Not Restricted |
| Medical implant (pacemaker) | Test needed — usually Not Restricted |
Important Notes
- - Measurement must be on the final packaged item, not the bare magnet. Packaging affects the external field.
- - Two separate distances, two separate thresholds — there is no single-value test.
- - Unit confusion (gauss/tesla/A/m) is common. IATA uses A/m officially, but industry typically uses gauss.
- - Earth's magnetic field must be zeroed out. Raw readings include 0.3–0.5 gauss background.
- - Metal environment contaminates measurements. Test in a metal-free area (≥ 2 m clearance).
- - "Not Restricted" certificate should be retained (min. 3 months) — operator may request it at ramp.
- - Wireless speakers: may require dual assessment — lithium battery (PI 965-970) + magnet (PI 953).
- - Magnetized Material label is distinct from the standard Class 9 label used for lithium batteries or dry ice.