Packaging And Labeling Best Practices For "Keep Away From Magnets" Items

Keep Away From Magnets is an environmental handling instruction requiring the package to be managed according to 'Keep Away From Magnets'. For packaging and labeling teams the instruction defines required barriers, labels, and packing sequences that prevent exposure to external magnetic fields and protect nearby items during transport.

Packing magnetized items requires two parallel goals: contain or shield the magnet so it cannot affect nearby goods, and make the handling requirement obvious to every operator and carrier. The packing solution depends on magnet strength, product fragility, transport mode, and whether nearby SKUs are magnet-sensitive.

Labeling Standards And Placement

Labels must be visible at pick, pack, and carrier interfaces. Use bright, consistent labels and place them on at least two adjacent faces of the outer carton so handlers see the instruction regardless of orientation. Integrate the instruction into pick tickets, parcel manifests, and shipping documents so it is not lost when cartons are consolidated.

Packing Materials And Shielding

• Shielding Material: When product specifications require, use manufacturer-recommended magnetic shielding (for example, mu-metal or specialized sheets) to contain external flux.
• Barrier Layers: Add non-ferrous inner layers to prevent ferrous debris from being attracted to the magnet during transit.
• Blocking And Bracing: Secure the magnetized product inside the carton to eliminate relative movement; fast-moving ferrous debris contacting an exposed magnet causes damage.

Carton Selection And Orientation

Choose a rigid outer box with sufficient crush strength for the chosen transport mode. If multiple magnetized items ship together, separate them with non-magnetic spacers. Mark the carton orientation if the manufacturer specifies an orientation that reduces field projection or mechanical stress.

Documentation And WMS Integration

• Pack Slip Notes: Include the handling phrase on the packing slip so downstream partners see it in customs and carrier systems.
• WMS Workflows: Configure the WMS to require a special packing step when the SKU flag exists; do not allow completion until shielding and labeling steps are confirmed.
• EDI/ASN Fields: Populate any applicable EDI or ASN fields used by carriers to transmit special handling requirements.

Transport Mode Considerations

Air transport can be sensitive to magnetized items; carriers and IATA may require testing or declaration. Road and rail typically have fewer formal restrictions, but mixed loads can include magnet-sensitive SKUs, so segregate by compartment where possible. For international shipments, confirm postal and customs rules because some postal systems treat magnetized item declarations differently.

Packer Training And Checklists

Train packers to recognize the instruction, select the correct shielding material, and place labels. Use a simple checklist at the packing station: confirm SKU flag, apply shielding (if required), secure, label on two sides, and update the WMS. Audit a sample of packed shipments weekly until error rates fall to an acceptable level.

In short, the Keep Away From Magnets instruction must be reflected in packaging choice, shielding, labeling, WMS controls, and carrier documentation. A well-documented packing routine prevents damage claims, protects sensitive inventory, and keeps carriers and recipients informed of special handling needs.