Refrigerated (2–8°C)

Refrigerated (2–8°C) is a temperature-controlled pharmaceutical shipping classification that requires products to be maintained between 2 degrees Celsius and 8 degrees Celsius throughout air transport. This temperature range is critical for maintaining the effectiveness of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, particularly vaccines and biologics, during air cargo operations. Shipments classified as Refrigerated (2–8°C) must display IATA Time and Temperature Sensitive labels showing the required temperature range and follow IATA Temperature Control Regulations (TCR) standards. Since July 2013, these shipments require completion of the IATA Standard Acceptance Checklist at carrier acceptance points.

A Lufthansa Cargo AWB 020-12345678 carries insulin shipments from Frankfurt (FRA) to Miami (MIA) in refrigerated containers marked with +2+8 labels, maintaining the 2–8°C range required for product efficacy. Emirates SkyCargo flight EK9747 transports COVID-19 vaccines on AWB 176-87654321 from Dubai (DXB) to Singapore (SIN), using active temperature-controlled containers with continuous monitoring to ensure the vaccines remain within the critical 2–8°C range throughout the journey.

• 2-8°C
• 2°C to 8°C
• cold range
• chilled pharma
• refrigerated pharma
• vaccine temperature
• +2+8

What labeling is required for Refrigerated (2–8°C) pharmaceutical shipments by air?

IATA requires Time and Temperature Sensitive labels on all pharmaceutical shipments needing maintained temperature during air transport, with the label displaying the specific temperature range (+2°C to +8°C). The temperature range on the label must match the transportation temperature range stated on the Air Waybill, Service Level Agreement (SLA), or Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

What acceptance procedures must carriers follow for Refrigerated (2–8°C) shipments?

Since July 2013, carriers must complete the IATA Standard Acceptance Checklist for all time and temperature-sensitive healthcare shipments. The checklist informs airlines and ground handling agents of minimum checks that must be performed when temperature sensitive healthcare shipments are presented to ensure requirements have been complied with. If any question is answered 'NO' on the checklist, the appropriate internal escalation procedure should be followed.