Shipping with dry ice (UN1845): labels, limits and air waybill wording
Dry ice (solid carbon dioxide, UN1845) is a dangerous good when it travels by air, even when it only keeps food or samples cold. The package must let the gas escape, carry the UN1845 mark, the net weight of dry ice and a Class 9 label, and the shipper must arrange each shipment with the airline. Instead of a Shipper's Declaration, the dry ice details go on the air waybill.
Checked against official sources: 2026-10
At a glance
Why dry ice is regulated
Dry ice turns into carbon dioxide gas, which can build up dangerous pressure in a closed package, so air transport rules treat it as a dangerous good whatever it is cooling. US rules (49 CFR 173.217) require packaging that permits the release of the gas, the net mass of dry ice marked on the outside, and arrangements with the operator for each shipment; the FAA notes that quantities over 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) are fully regulated and need hazmat training and additional marks and labels.
For international air cargo, airlines check dry ice against IATA's acceptance checklist, which applies when no Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods is required. It asks for UN1845 and "Dry ice" or "Carbon dioxide, solid", the number of packages and the net weight in kilograms in the Nature and Quantity of Goods box of the air waybill, no more than 200 kg per package, packaging that conforms with Packing Instruction 954 and is vented, the package marks, and a Class 9 label.
Package marks and labels for air
- UN1845
- "Carbon dioxide, solid" or "Dry ice"
- Net weight of dry ice in the package, in kilograms
- Full name and address of the shipper and the consignee
- Class 9 hazard label
- Any other marks needed for the goods being cooled, if they are dangerous goods themselves
Small packages, sea and ground
In the US, a package with no more than 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) of dry ice used to cool its contents is excepted from most hazardous materials rules if it is vented, the shipper has arranged it with the operator, and it is marked "Dry ice" or "Carbon dioxide, solid", with the name of the contents and the net weight of dry ice or a note that it is 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) or less. Dry ice cooling diagnostic or treatment material, such as frozen medical specimens, has a similar exception when the package says so.
By vessel, US rules require packages to be marked "CARBON DIOXIDE, SOLID—DO NOT STOW BELOW DECKS", and transport vehicles and freight containers to be marked "WARNING CO2 SOLID (DRY ICE)" on two sides. For ground shipments in the US, the FAA notes that dry ice is not regulated as a dangerous good, but any package handed to an air carrier must meet the air rules. Courier and airline rules can be stricter, so check your carrier's dry ice instructions before booking.
Step by step
- Ask the airline or courier if it accepts dry ice on your route and what quantity per package it allows.
- Use an insulated box that is not airtight, so the gas can escape, and weigh the dry ice you add.
- Mark UN1845, "Dry ice", the net weight in kg and the shipper and consignee addresses, and attach a Class 9 label.
- Write UN1845, Dry ice, the number of packages and the net weight in kg in the Nature and Quantity of Goods box of the air waybill.
- Keep each package at 200 kg of dry ice or less, and make sure the staff who prepare packages over 2.5 kg are trained.
Documents you usually need
- Air waybill with the dry ice entry in Nature and Quantity of Goods
- Booking confirmation from the airline or courier accepting dry ice
- Commercial invoice and packing list for the goods being cooled
- Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods, only if the cooled goods are dangerous goods themselves
- Health or veterinary certificates the importing country requires for the frozen goods
Common problems and how to avoid them
What to do: Use packaging that lets the gas escape; an airtight container can burst.
What to do: Weigh the dry ice when packing and use the same net kg figure on every package and on the air waybill.
What to do: Add UN1845, "Dry ice", the net kg and a Class 9 label before handing the package over.
What to do: Arrange every dry ice shipment with the operator in advance; in the US, undeclared dry ice found in a shipment must be reported to the Department of Transportation.
Sources
- 49 CFR 173.217: Carbon dioxide, solid (dry ice) Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR)
- Dry ice fact sheet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- PackSafe: Dry Ice Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- 2027 Acceptance checklist for dry ice (Carbon dioxide, solid) International Air Transport Association (IATA)
Rules change often. This note is practical guidance based on the sources above, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the authority, your importer or a licensed customs broker before you ship.
Trade notes
Common questions
Is dry ice a dangerous good?
Yes, by air. It is UN1845, Class 9, because it releases carbon dioxide gas. In the US it is not regulated as a dangerous good for ground shipments.
Do I need a Shipper's Declaration for dry ice?
Not when dry ice is the only dangerous good: the UN number, name, number of packages and net kg go in the Nature and Quantity of Goods box of the air waybill instead.
How much dry ice can go in one package?
Up to 200 kg per package under IATA's checklist, but airlines and couriers often set lower limits, so check before booking.
What label does a dry ice package need?
A Class 9 hazard label, plus the marks UN1845, "Dry ice" or "Carbon dioxide, solid", the net weight in kg and the shipper's and consignee's names and addresses.
Can I take dry ice on a plane as a passenger?
In the US, up to 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) per package and per passenger to keep perishables cold, with the airline's approval and a vented package.
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