Dry Ice

Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide that exists at extremely cold temperatures of -109.3°F (-78.5°C). It is classified as a Class 9 miscellaneous dangerous good under UN1845 and shipped under the proper shipping name Carbon Dioxide, Solid. Its unique property of sublimating directly from solid to gas makes it extremely effective for keeping products cold during transport, particularly food, pharmaceuticals, and biological materials. All dry ice shipments must conform with IATA Packing Instruction 954 and require vented packaging to permit gas release.

A FedEx Express shipment AWB 023-87654321 contains biological specimens cooled with 1.5 kg of dry ice, with the air waybill stating 'Diagnostic Specimens, Dry Ice, 9, UN1845, 1 piece at 1.5 Kg' in compliance with Class 9 regulations. An American Airlines Cargo shipment AWB 001-12345678 transports pharmaceutical products using 2.2 kg of dry ice per package, requiring Class 9 hazard labels and proper ventilation markings on the container exterior.

• carbon dioxide solid
• RCL
• CO2 dry ice

What is the maximum weight of dry ice allowed per package on passenger aircraft?

The maximum amount of dry ice allowed per piece is 2.5 kilograms (5.5 pounds) on passenger aircraft, except when refrigerating medical, diagnostic or treatment items where the net weight may exceed 2.5 kilograms but the total gross weight cannot exceed 22.5 kilograms.

Does dry ice require a Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods when cooling non-dangerous goods?

A Shipper's Declaration of Dangerous Goods is not required when dry ice is used to cool non-dangerous goods. However, the air waybill must contain UN1845, the words 'Carbon dioxide, solid' or 'Dry ice', and the net weight of dry ice in kilograms.