Appendix C USPS Packaging Instructions for Mailable Hazardous Materials

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USPS Packaging Instruction 9B

• Magnetized MaterialsA magnetized material is an article that has a magnetic field strength capable of causing the deviation of aircraft instruments. Magnetized materials include magnets and magnetized devices such as magnetrons and light meters of sufficient strength to possibly cause erroneous aircraft magnetic compass readings. Magnetized materials are mailable, provided that all requirements in 349.24 are met.

Proper Shipping Name and ID Number

• Not applicable.

Mailability

• International Mail: Prohibited, except for those that do not cause a compass deviation at 7 feet or more.

• Domestic Mail: Magnetized material with a field strength greater than 0.00525 gauss at 15 feet is prohibited. For air transportation (Express Mail, Priority Mail, and First-Class Mail), a magnetized material that can cause a compass deviation at 7 feet or more is prohibited. Other magnetized materials are permitted with restrictions via surface transportation as Standard Mail or Parcel Post.

Required Packaging

General

• Magnets and magnetic devices such as magnetrons and light meters must be packaged with the polarities of each unit positioned to oppose one another.

• Keeper bars must be installed on permanent magnets or must otherwise be shielded to prevent the magnetic field from affecting magnetic compasses.

• Mailable materials must be packed in strong outer containers.

Marking

• For air transportation, the address side of the outer packaging must bear the magnetized material warning label shown in Exhibit 349.242b.

• For surface transportation, mailpieces containing magnetized material with unconfined fields must be clearly marked on the address side with "Surface Only" or "Surface Mail Only" and "Magnetic - Keep 7 Feet Away From Navigational Equipment."

• A complete return address and delivery address must be used.

Documentation

• For air transportation, a properly completed shipper's declaration for dangerous goods must be prepared in triplicate and affixed to the outside of the mailpiece. Magnetized material is not regulated as a hazardous material when transported via surface transportation.