Dry Ice Packing Instruction (2025): A Practical, Compliant How‑To

يستخدم vented packaging, mark “Dry Ice”/“Carbon dioxide, solid” + UN 1845, add net dry ice mass in kg on the outer package, and apply a Class 9 hazard label (min 100×100 mm). For air, follow IATA PI 954, respect the ≤ 200 kg per package cap, and include the dry‑ice line on the Air Waybill (AWB):
UN 1845, Dry Ice, x packages × y kg (net per package) (no Shipper’s Declaration when cooling non‑DG; carrier/state variations may apply).

USPS is different: domestic air mail ≤ 5 lb of dry ice per piece و requires a Shipper’s Declaration affixed; international mail with dry ice is prohibited.

1) What rules actually apply in 2025
2) Marks, labels, sizes—exactly what goes where
3) How much dry ice to use (calculator & rules of thumb)
4) Step‑by‑step packout (PI 954‑aligned)
5) Carrier specifics: FedEx, يو بي إس, USPS
6) Dry ice pack for shipping food (practical recipe)
7) Safety (CO₂ exposure, venting, disposal)
8) 2025 updates to watch
9) FAQ

1) What rules actually apply in 2025

Air (global): IATA DGR PI 954 governs dry ice (UN 1845). It requires vented التغليف, proper marking & labeling, ال net dry‑ice mass in kg on the package, و AWB information when a Shipper’s Declaration isn’t required (i.e., dry ice used only as a refrigerant for non‑dangerous goods). Operators may impose variations and ask you to declare dry‑ice weight at booking.

U.S. (all modes / aircraft specifics): 49 CFR § 173.217 requires vented packaging و net mass (kg) on the outside for air. Documentation for air transport of dry ice used only as refrigerant is generally handled on the AWB when no DGD is required.

USPS mail (postal network): USPS Packaging Instruction 9A caps هواء mailpieces at ≤ 5 lb الثلج الجاف per piece, requires Class 9 labeling and markings, و requires a Shipper’s Declaration for air mail; international mail with dry ice is prohibited. (USPS surface mail rules differ.)

EU road (ADR): Dry ice used as a coolant is not subject to ADR beyond section 5.5.3 (asphyxiant‑gas provisions)—focus on vehicle ventilation and the package/vehicle markings that may apply in ventilation‑risk scenarios.

2) Marks, labels, sizes—exactly what goes where

On the outer package (هواء):

Proper shipping name: “Dry Ice” أو “Carbon dioxide, solid”
UN 1845
Net mass of dry ice in kilograms (kg only)
Class 9 hazard label, minimum 100 mm × 100 mm
Shipper & consignee addresses (same panel when feasible)

Practical rules that stop rejections: Keep the Class 9 label clear (don’t write inside the diamond). Put UN 1845 و net kg adjacent to the Class 9 when space allows. Use the AWB line for non‑DG cargo chilled by dry ice.

Why venting matters: التغليف must permit CO₂ release; sealed containers can rupture. That’s a requirement in 49 CFR § 173.217 and mirrored in carrier job aids.

Package quantity limits: Under PI 954, the typical maximum net dry ice per package is 200 kg (operators may set lower limits).

3) How much dry ice to use (calculator & rules of thumb)

Engineering method (most accurate):
Dry ice absorbs ~571 kJ/kg on sublimation. Estimate your shipper’s heat gain (kJ/h), multiply by transit hours, then ÷ 571 to get kg of dry ice; add +20–30% buffer for handoffs or hot routes.

Formula: Dry‑ice kg ≈ (Heat gain kJ/h × Hours) / 571, then × 1.2–1.3 (buffer)
Source for enthalpy: NIST Chemistry WebBook.

Field rule of thumb (fast planning):
Plan on ~5–10 lb (2.3–4.5 kg) per 24 h in a well‑insulated shipper; blocks last longer than pellets. Start at the low end in VIP/thick EPS; add +25–50% for hot lanes (> 90 °F) or thin insulation.

Placement: Top‑load blocks and surround with pellets; cold gas sinks, so top‑down cooling is efficient. (University and carrier guidance recommend top placement.)

4) Step‑by‑step packout (PI 954‑aligned)

Pre‑condition: Freeze product; pre‑chill the shipper interior.
Choose vent‑capable insulation: EPS/EPP/VIP or validated systems; no airtight liners/lids.
Line & segregate: Poly liner/absorbent as needed; prevent direct dry ice contact with unpackaged food.
Load & position dry ice: Blocks on top, pellets around sides; stabilize voids to prevent shifting.
Close—but do not seal airtight: Tape outer carton but maintain vent paths.
Apply marks & labels: “Dry Ice/Carbon dioxide, solid," UN 1845, net kg, Class 9 (100×100 mm).
Complete documents: For non‑DG cooled by dry ice, put the dry‑ice line on the AWB; check operator/state variations.
Tender & track: Ship early in the week; use data loggers for high‑value lanes.

5) Carrier specifics: FedEx, يو بي إس, USPS

FedEx (هواء): On paper airbills, check “Shipper’s Declaration NOT Required” (when dry ice only cools non‑DG). Use this AWB syntax:
UN 1845, Dry Ice, __ x __ kg (packages × net kg per package). أيضًا, Class 9 label must be ≥ 100×100 mm; don’t write inside the diamond.
يو بي إس: Expect an acceptance audit. Mark “Dry Ice/Carbon Dioxide, Solid” + UN 1845; keep packages vented; UPS healthcare guidance echoes the 5–10 lb/24 h planning rule.
USPS mail: Domestic air: ≤ 5 lb per mailpiece + Class 9 + required markings و أ Shipper’s Declaration affixed. International: prohibited.

6) الجليد الجاف pack for shipping food (practical recipe)

Target: Keep frozen foods below 0 °C for 48 h on 2‑day service.
Start with: 10–20 lb dry ice for a medium EPS (20–30 qt) shipper (increase in summer or thin walls).
Method: Pre‑freeze goods, line with poly, top‑load dry ice blocks, fill side voids with pellets/foam, keep vent paths.
وضع العلامات: “Dry Ice/Carbon dioxide, solid," UN 1845, net kg, Class 9.

Want to target the keyword “dry ice pack for shipping food” more directly? Link this section to a deeper recipe page (internal hub) with packout photos and calculators.

7) Safety (CO₂ exposure, venting, disposal)

Exposure limits: OSHA PEL 5,000 ppm (8‑h TWA); STEL 30,000 ppm. NIOSH IDLH 40,000 ppm. Use ventilation and avoid confined spaces and vehicles without airflow.
Gas volume: ~250 L CO₂ per lb of dry ice—one reason airtight is a hard no.
PPE: Insulated gloves and eye protection; avoid direct skin contact (frostbite risk).
Disposal: Let remaining dry ice sublime in ventilated areas; never in sinks/closed rooms (risk of pressure/CO₂ buildup).

8) 2025 updates to watch

IATA 2025 acceptance checklists: IATA published a 2025 Dry Ice Acceptance Checklist template; operators can request declared net dry ice at booking to manage aircraft CO₂ limits. Continue to check operator/state variations.
Core DGR edition: ال 66th Edition (effective Jan 1, 2025) is in force; addenda may update checklist wording—stay current on the IATA site and your carrier job aids.

9) FAQ

Q1: Is there a hard maximum per package by air?
A: Commonly ≤ 200 kg net dry ice per package under PI 954; carriers can impose lower limits or aircraft‑type caps. Always verify operator variations.

Q2: Do I need a Shipper’s Declaration (DGD) for dry ice?
A: Not when dry ice is فقط cooling non‑dangerous goods in air cargo—use the AWB entry. If cooling dangerous goods, a DGD is required. Note: USPS air mail requires a DGD even for dry‑ice‑cooled non‑DG.

س 3: Pounds or kilograms on the box?
A: Kilograms are required on the outer package for air shipments (net dry ice mass).

Q4: What’s the most common labeling mistake?
A: Missing net kg and undersized Class 9 labels. يستخدم 100 × 100 mm minimum; don’t write inside the diamond.