MAG-INS regulatory compliance fee: A mandatory safety inspection fee charged for air cargo containing magnetic materials or items that may interfere with aircraft navigational instruments. Products such as electronics (speakers, motors, transformers, magnets), audio equipment, and certain medical devices generate magnetic fields and require testing before air transport. The inspection ensures the cargo meets IATA dangerous goods regulations for magnetic materials and will not disrupt aircraft compass or navigation systems. This fee applies only to air freight; ocean freight does not require magnetic inspection.. This page explains Magnetic Inspection Fee as seen in China export freight quotes, shows typical MAG-INS costs ($50-80/per shipment based on Chinese shipping rates), the calculation formula, and whether overseas importers and freight forwarders can negotiate it away.
MAG-INSRegulatoryCarrier-Mandated
Magnetic Inspection Fee for Air Cargo
A mandatory safety inspection fee charged for air cargo containing magnetic materials or items that may interfere with aircraft navigational instruments. Products such as electronics (speakers, motors, transformers, magnets), audio equipment, and certain medical devices generate magnetic fields and require testing before air transport. The inspection ensures the cargo meets IATA dangerous goods regulations for magnetic materials and will not disrupt aircraft compass or navigation systems. This fee applies only to air freight; ocean freight does not require magnetic inspection.
Per Shipment
Category:Basic Shipping FeeChina Export Local ChargesDestination Import Charges
Applies to:
✕ FCL✕ LCLAir✕ Rail✕ Courier✕ Road✕ FBA✕ As Request
Typical Cost Range
$50–$80
per shipment
Magnetic inspection fee: $50-$80 per shipment. Usually charged when cargo tests above the IATA magnetic field threshold (0.418 A/m or 0.00525 Gauss at 2.1m).
Who Pays?
Shipper (When CIF, DAP)
Consignee (When EXW, FOB)
Negotiability
Set by carrier or port authority — not negotiable.
This is a regulated aviation safety inspection fee mandated by IATA and civil aviation authorities. The fee is non-negotiable as it is required for magnetic cargo to be accepted for air transport.
Adjustment Frequency
MonthlyWeeklyFixed
Current rate reviewed: Per shipment
Chargeable Unit
Per Shipment
Formula / Calculation
MAG-INS = Certified magnetic inspection fee per shipment (flat rate)
magnetic inspectionmagnetic testair cargo safetyIATAdangerous goodsmagnetic materials
Frequently Asked Questions
What cargo requires magnetic inspection for air freight?
Cargo generating magnetic fields above IATA's safe threshold (0.418 A/m or 0.00525 Gauss measured at 2.1 meters) requires magnetic inspection. Common items include: speakers, headphones, motors, transformers, magnetic generators, microphones, MRI equipment, magnetic therapy devices, and some electronic equipment. If in doubt, ask your forwarder to test a sample before shipping.
Is magnetic inspection required for ocean freight?
No. Ocean freight does not require magnetic inspection because ships have different navigation systems and are not subject to the same magnetic interference concerns as aircraft. MAG-INS is specific to air freight only.
How is magnetic inspection performed?
A certified inspector uses a Gauss meter to measure the magnetic field strength of the cargo at multiple points (front, back, left, right, top). If readings are below the IATA threshold, an inspection report/certificate is issued. If above threshold, the cargo may need special packing (degaussing) or must be shipped by sea instead.
Often Appears Together With
These charges frequently appear on the same freight invoice as MAG-INS: