How to Use Quarantine Dry Ice Pack Sheets for Safe Cold Chain Shipping?
Introduction:
If you manage cold chain shipments, understanding how to use quarantine dry ice pack sheets est critique. These sheets help you keep vaccines, biologics and frozen food at deep cold temperatures during customs holds and quarantine, where delays are unpredictable. Dry ice maintains a temperature around −78.5 °C and sublimates directly into gas, ne laissant aucun résidu liquide. This guide will show you how these sheets work, how to size them for 24–120 hour holds and what regulations you need to follow in 2025.
What is a quarantine dry ice pack sheet and how does it work? — explores the definition and role of these sheets in the cold chain, highlighting their sublimation properties and deep cold temperatures.
How should you choose and size quarantine dry ice pack sheets? — outlines a simple rule of thumb formula and provides practical examples for different payload volumes.
What are the safety and regulatory considerations for using dry ice? — summarizes hazard classes, labeling requirements and handling precautions.
How do dry ice pack sheets compare with gel packs and other coolants? — contrasts temperature ranges and use cases to help you decide which refrigerant suits your shipment.
What trends and innovations will shape dry ice shipping in 2025? — provides an overview of new insulation technologies, hybrid packaging and digital monitoring systems.
What Is a Quarantine Dry Ice Pack Sheet and Why Is It Used?
Core definition:
A quarantine dry ice pack sheet is a flat sheet made from solid carbon dioxide (glace carbonique) designed to maintain a deep cold environment for temperature sensitive products during unexpected holds. Dry ice sublimates at about −78.5 °C, turning directly from solid to gas, which keeps goods frozen without leaving water behind. This property makes dry ice ideal for quarantine situations where products may sit idle for days.
How it works:
When you place these sheets around your shipment, they absorb heat from the surrounding air. As heat is absorbed, the dry ice sheet sublimates into carbon dioxide gas, which escapes through vents in the packaging. Because there is no liquid phase, there is no risk of water damage to pharmaceuticals or sensitive food. The low temperature also provides a buffer against unexpected warm environments during customs inspection or quality assurance quarantine.
Dry Ice Sheets vs. Packs de gel: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between dry ice sheets and gel packs depends on your target temperature and shipment duration. Dry ice sheets maintain temperatures around −78.5 °C (−109.3 °F) and are best for keeping items frozen for several days. Packs de gel hold temperatures around 0 °C to −20 °C and are ideal for chilled goods that must not freeze. Par exemple, meal kits and produce shipments use gel packs to stay above 0 °C, while vaccines and frozen seafood rely on dry ice to stay well below freezing.
| Méthode de refroidissement | Plage de température | Durée typique | Meilleure utilisation | How It Benefits You |
| Dry ice sheet | ~−78.5 °C | 24–120 h | Marchandises surgelées, biologique | Keeps payload deeply frozen; Pas de résidu |
| Pack de gel | 0 °C to −20 °C | 24–72 h | Chilled foods, vaccines requiring 2–8 °C | Empêche le gel; good for perishable foods |
| Phase change material (PCM) | Varie (Par exemple, 2 °C, 8 °C) | 24–96 h | Controlled room temperature | Stabilizes specific temperature windows; ideal for medicines |
| Azote liquide | −196 °C | 24–48 h | Cryogenic samples | Extremely cold but complex and costly; used for lab specimens |
Practical Tips for Choosing a Refrigerant
Know your target temperature: Use dry ice sheets when your product must remain below −20 °C for more than a day. For chilled goods requiring 2–8 °C, gel packs suffice.
Consider shipment duration: For 72 hour holds, equal weight of dry ice and payload will typically maintain freezing; Pour plus de temps, plan for 1.5 times the payload weight in dry ice.
Protect sensitive goods: Never pack dry ice directly next to items prone to freeze damage. Use trays or corrugated sleeves to create separation.
Exemple du monde réel: A cell therapy distributor faced 36 hour customs holds. They increased dry ice mass by 30 % and added a vented over carton; the number of temperature excursions dropped to zero.
How to Size and Select Quarantine Dry Ice Pack Sheets
Rule of thumb formula:
Sizing your dry ice pack sheets correctly ensures consistent temperature throughout transit. A widely used formula starts with a base rate of 0.09 kg of dry ice per liter of payload volume per 24 hours for basic EPS insulation. Adjust for insulation quality (EPP or VIP) et ajoutez un 30 % buffer to account for quarantine uncertainty.
# Quick estimator for dry ice mass (kg)# Inputs: H = hold hours, V = payload volume (L), Q = insulation factor# Q = 1.0 pour PSE, 0.8 for EPP, 0.6 for VIP hybrids
base_rate = 0.09 # kg per liter per 24h for EPS
H = hold_hours
V = payload_liters
Q = quality_factor # 1.0 (PSE), 0.8 (PPE), 0.6 (VIP)
uncertainty = 1.3 # 30% tampon
dry_ice_kg = base_rate * V * (H/24) * Q * uncertainty
Example scenarios:
The table below applies the formula to different payload volumes and insulation types:
| Scénario | Payload Volume | Tenir le temps | Insulation Type | Commencer la glace sèche | Avantage pratique |
| Entry level | 10 L | 48 h | PSE | 1.2–1.6 kg | Adds 30 % buffer for quarantine holds |
| Mid tier | 15 L | 72 h | PPE | 2.0–2.6 kg | Better R value lowers ice mass |
| Prime | 20 L | 96 h | Hybride VIP | 2.6–3.4 kg | Highly efficient walls reduce mass needs |
Tips to Reduce Ice Mass Without Compromising Safety
Pre condition the payload: Chill or freeze your product to its target temperature before adding dry ice; this reduces the heat load.
Minimize void space: Fill empty spaces with foam or cushioning to reduce air volume, qui ralentit la sublimation.
Arrange ice above and around the payload: Use trays or mesh racks to separate ice from products and allow CO₂ to vent upward.
Étude de cas: A vaccine shipper improved success by using two temperature loggers—one at the core and one near the wall—and documenting re icing events. After a 60 hour quarantine, auditors accepted the shipment within minutes because the records were complete.
Safe Packaging, Handling and Regulatory Compliance
La glace sèche est classée comme un danger divers (Classe 9) according to the U.S. Department of Transportation and IATA. Its hazards include explosion risk (CO₂ buildup in sealed containers), suffocation risk (displacing oxygen) and severe frostbite on contact. Following proper packaging and labeling guidelines not only protects handlers but also ensures compliance.
Packaging Requirements
Vent for gas release: Packages containing dry ice must allow carbon dioxide gas to escape. Never use airtight containers or sealed plastic bags.
Ensure package integrity: Use containers strong enough to withstand vibration, temperature swings and normal handling.
Select appropriate materials: Avoid plastics that become brittle at dry ice temperatures. Commercially available insulated boxes designed for dry ice are recommended.
Limit weight: For air shipment, do not exceed 200 kg de glace sèche par colis.
Marking and labels: Label the outer carton with “UN 1845, Glace sèche,” the net weight in kilograms and a Class 9 étiquette de danger. The air waybill must include this information.
| Compliance Element | Exigence | Pourquoi ça compte pour toi |
| UN marking | “UN 1845, Dry Ice” on the outer carton | Meets air transport rules and speeds acceptance |
| Poids net | List total dry ice mass (kg) near the UN mark | Enables proper stowage and audit readiness |
| Chemin de ventilation | Provide vent holes; Évitez les phoques hermétiques | Prevents CO₂ buildup and package rupture |
| Hazard label | Appliquer la classe 9 étiquette de danger | Alerts handlers to explosion and frostbite risks |
| Entraînement | Personnel must have hazmat training certificates | Ensures legal compliance and safe handling |
Handling Safety Tips
Portez un équipement de protection: Use goggles to protect eyes and insulated gloves to prevent frostbite.
Separate dry ice from products: Keep dry ice sheets off the product using dividers or trays; direct contact can crack vials or damage food.
Assurer la ventilation: Never seal the box airtight; CO₂ needs a vent path to escape to avoid explosions and suffocation.
Limit exposure: Use tongs or scoops to handle dry ice, and never place it in a sink where the extreme cold could damage fixtures.
Regulatory documentation: Include the proper shipping name, UN number and net weight on the airway bill; a Shipper’s Declaration is not required when dry ice is used to cool non hazardous goods.
Practical note: UPS recommends adding enough dry ice for an additional 24 hours of transit to cover delays and advises combining dry ice with gel packs for shipments lasting more than one or two days.
Designing Packages and Hybrid Solutions
An effective quarantine packout does more than just add ice. It considers insulation, layout and hybrid coolants to maximize performance. Here are the key design principles:
Ventilation and separation: Arrange dry ice sheets above and around the payload, leaving a clear path for CO₂ to escape upward. Use trays or mesh racks to keep the ice off your products and prevent freeze damage.
Choix d'isolation: The insulation material influences how much dry ice you need. Basic Polystyrène élargi (PSE) has low R value and requires more ice; Polypropylène expansé (PPE) offers medium insulation; Panneaux d'isolation sous vide (VIP) reduce ice mass significantly.
Hybrid packing: Combining dry ice with gel packs can cushion products during re icing and slow down sublimation. Par exemple, a gel sleeve inside a dry ice shipper protects the payload when staff open the lid.
Over carton design: Use an over carton with cutouts or vent holes when local rules require visible venting. This also provides an extra barrier against damage.
Re icing windows: For long routes, design a removable plug or window so staff can add ice without fully opening the box.
| Insulation Type | Relative R Value | Impact on Ice Mass | Bénéficier à vous |
| PSE | Faible | Highest mass requirement | Faible coût, suitable for short holds |
| PPE | Moyen | Moderate mass requirement | Good balance for 48–72 h quarantines |
| Hybride VIP | Haut | Lowest mass requirement | Ideal for 72–120 h holds with minimal ice |
Practical Design Tips
Use a rigid tray with drain slots to hold dry ice sheets, preventing water accumulation and keeping products dry.
Print ventilation warnings such as “Open in Ventilated Area Only” on the inner lid to remind staff about CO₂ hazards.
Add reflective liners to reduce radiant heat near the lid and extend cooling duration.
Standardize re icing: Pre bag dry ice in 1 kg increments and include a chart that tells staff how much to add at each interval.
Surveillance, Documentation and Release: Proving Chain of Custody
In quarantine shipping, evidence of continuous temperature control is as important as performance. Surveillance et documentation help you demonstrate compliance to auditors and reassure customers.
Dual temperature loggers: Place at least two temperature loggers—one near the core and another near the wall—to detect edge warming. Synchronize their clocks and record start/stop times.
Re icing records: Keep a log sheet recording each re icing event with the time, mass added, ambient conditions and staff initials.
Packout diagram: Prepare a simple diagram showing where dry ice sheets and loggers are placed. Attach it to the exterior of the carton so quarantine staff can reference it without opening the box.
Acceptance criteria: Define pass/fail criteria for temperature excursions before shipping. After quarantine, provide a final report with a time temperature graph and decision summary.
Self assessment quiz: Before launching a new route, ask yourself:
Do you list the net weight of dry ice on the label?
Can staff re ice without touching the product?
Do you use two loggers with synchronized times?
Is the package vented and clearly marked?
Is there a 24/7 contact number on the case?
Scores of 4–5 indicate audit readiness; 2–3 suggest improvements are needed.
Real world insight: A biologics shipper added UN 1845 markings and a bold quarantine identifier on the master carton. Customs cleared the shipment faster because handlers immediately recognized the hazard and venting requirements.
Comparing Dry Ice Pack Sheets with Other Cooling Methods
Deciding whether to use dry ice, gel packs or modern PCMs depends on product sensitivity, transit duration and cost. The following considerations will help you make an informed choice:
When to Use Dry Ice Pack Sheets
Frozen products: Use dry ice for frozen meats, fruit de mer, ice cream and biologics that cannot tolerate temperatures above −20 °C.
Uncertain holds: When customs delays or quarantine windows are unpredictable, dry ice provides extended thermal headroom. The ability to add extra ice during holds offers flexibility.
Deep freeze shipments: For sample shipments requiring ultra cold temperatures (Par exemple, −70 °C for mRNA vaccines), dry ice is indispensable.
Non water exposure: Because dry ice sublimates directly to gas, it avoids moisture damage to electronics or sensitive packaging.
Quand utiliser des packs de gel
Marchandises refroidies: Gel packs maintain products between 0 °C and −20 °C and are ideal for items that must not freeze, such as fresh vegetables, dairy and pharmaceuticals requiring 2–8 °C.
Short transits: For shipments lasting less than 48 heures, gel packs offer adequate cooling without the regulatory complexity of dry ice.
Freeze protection: Room temperature gel packs can buffer against freezing when used with dry ice, protecting goods from shock during re icing.
Integrating Phase Change Materials (PCMS)
Phase change materials are engineered to maintain a specified temperature range (Par exemple, 5 °C or 25 °C). They melt and solidify at those points, offering precise thermal control. PCMs are particularly useful for room temperature pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. They can also supplement dry ice by providing a second layer of protection when the lid is opened.
Trends and Innovations for 2025
The cold chain industry continues to evolve. Dans 2025, several advancements are changing how quarantine dry ice pack sheets are used:
VIP mini kits: Compact vacuum insulation panels reduce the amount of dry ice needed, making shipments lighter and greener.
Hybrid buffering: Gel sleeves or PCMs inside dry ice shippers cushion products during re icing, reducing shock and temperature excursions.
Digital release: Battery free data loggers with QR codes enable quarantine teams to download temperature histories quickly without cables.
Durabilité: Manufacturers are developing reusable dry ice containers and biodegradable insulation materials to reduce environmental impact.
Standardized re icing stations: More facilities are adding dedicated re icing stations near inspection areas, enabling consistent ice replenishment and reducing variability.
Perspicacité du marché
With the growth of biotechnology, direct to consumer frozen foods and mRNA vaccines, demand for high performance cold chain packaging is increasing. Logistics providers report more lanes with re icing stations and pre validated packaging for 72–120 hour holds. Reusable containers and data integrated solutions are also gaining traction, reflecting customer expectations for sustainability and transparency. FedEx notes that its cold shipping boxes can maintain 2–8 °C for 48 ou 96 hours without dry ice or gel packs, offering an alternative for chilled goods. Cependant, such boxes do not support the deep freeze range needed for many biologics.
Questions fréquemment posées
Q1: How long do quarantine dry ice pack sheets last?
Typiquement, dry ice sublimates at a rate of 5–10 pounds every 24 heures. Your sheet will keep products cold for 24–72 hours, depending on insulation quality and ambient temperature. Always include extra ice for delays.
Q2: Can I place dry ice sheets directly on food or vials?
Non. Direct contact can crack vials or alter the texture of food. Use trays, corrugated sleeves or mesh racks to create separation.
Q3: Do I need a Shipper’s Declaration for dry ice shipments?
When dry ice is used solely to cool non hazardous goods, a Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods is not required; cependant, the air waybill must list “UN 1845, Dry Ice” and the net weight.
Q4: How much dry ice should I use for a 72 hour hold?
En règle générale, pack equal weight of dry ice and payload for 48 hours and 1.5 times the payload weight for 72 heures. Always validate with lane testing because insulation and ambient temperatures vary.
Q5: Are there alternatives to dry ice for room temperature shipments?
Oui. Phase change materials and FedEx cold shipping boxes maintain 2–8 °C for up to 96 hours without the weight or hazard of dry ice. Use them when your product must not freeze.
Résumé et recommandations
Principaux à retenir:
Quarantine dry ice pack sheets are essential when shipping deep frozen goods through uncertain holds. They maintain temperatures around −78.5 °C, sublimate to gas without leaving moisture, and provide a buffer for unexpected delays. Sizing your sheets correctly involves estimating heat load, factoring in insulation quality and adding a quarantine buffer. Safe packaging means venting, labeling and using strong containers. Dual monitoring, re icing logs and clear documentation prove compliance and speed release.
Prochaines étapes réalisables:
Map your quarantine points: Identify where delays occur and plan for re icing.
Select the right insulation: Choose EPS, EPP or VIP based on hold time and budget.
Calculer la masse de glace carbonique: Use the formula provided and test with your own packout.
Formez votre équipe: Provide hazmat training, create re icing procedures and post a self assessment quiz on the packout.
Prepare labels and documents: Pre print UN 1845 labels and list net weight and contact details.
Embrace new technologies: Consider VIP mini kits, hybrid gel sleeves and QR enabled loggers to enhance performance.
À propos du tempk
Aperçu de l'entreprise:
Tempk is a specialist in cold chain packaging and temperature controlled shipping solutions. Our team designs and manufactures high performance dry ice packs, packs de gel, insulated boxes and pallet covers for pharmaceuticals, biotechnologie, food delivery and logistics. We combine deep industry expertise with sustainable materials to protect your products while minimizing environmental impact.
Appel à l'action:
We invite you to consult our experts for customized cold chain solutions. Whether you need to protect vaccines during a 96 hour journey or design a reusable packaging system, nous sommes là pour vous aider.
