Shipping with Dry Ice from China: Rules, Costs and Compliance Explained
When you're exporting frozen seafood, vaccines, or ice cream from China, one question matters most: how do you keep products frozen until they arrive?
The answer is almost always dry ice.
But here's the problem: shipping with dry ice isn't as simple as throwing a few blocks into a box. It's strictly regulated as a dangerous good (UN 1845), comes with carrier limits and demands proper packaging if you want your shipment to survive customs, transit delays and last-mile delivery.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know, regulations, costs, documentation and proven steps, to ship with dry ice from China safely, legally and without costly mistakes.
Why Dry Ice Is Essential for Frozen Logistics
Dry ice, solid carbon dioxide at -78.5°C (-109.3°F), has become the gold standard for international frozen shipping. Here's why exporters from China rely on it:
Extreme cold: Unlike regular ice that melts at 0°C, dry ice maintains temperatures far below freezing. Vaccines, biologics and premium seafood like tuna often need storage below -60°C, which only dry ice can provide.
No liquid residue: Dry ice sublimates directly from solid to gas, leaving no mess. This is crucial for pharmaceuticals or any cargo where moisture contamination could compromise product integrity.
Readily available: Major logistics hubs like Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Beijing have established dry ice suppliers who can deliver pellets or blocks to your warehouse or airport on short notice.
Flexible temperature control: By adjusting dry ice quantity and insulation quality, you can design solutions ranging from 24-hour express parcels to 96-hour air freight shipments.
Comparison of Cold Chain Coolants
Is Dry Ice Considered Dangerous Goods?
Yes. This is the single most important fact you need to understand before shipping with dry ice from China.
UN 1845 Classification Explained
Dry ice is classified as UN 1845, Class 9 Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods under the United Nations Model Regulations. It's regulated because:
Asphyxiation risk: In enclosed spaces, sublimating CO₂ can displace oxygen
Pressure buildup: CO₂ gas expansion can burst sealed containers
Cold burns: Direct contact causes frostbite-like injuries
This classification applies specifically when dry ice is used as a refrigerant for other goods. The Class 9 designation means dry ice is considered less hazardous than explosives or corrosives, but it still requires proper declaration, labeling and handling procedures.
Check our Dangerous Goods Classification and shipping guides
IATA / CAAC Regulations for Air Cargo
Air shipments with dry ice from China must comply with:
IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR): The global standard for air cargo, updated annually. Dry ice shipments fall under Packing Instruction 954 (PI954).
CAAC (Civil Aviation Administration of China): China's aviation authority aligns with IATA but may have additional local requirements.
Key requirements under PI954:
Net dry ice weight must be declared on the air waybill and outer packaging
Packaging must be vented to allow CO₂ gas to escape safely
Maximum quantities per package vary by aircraft type
IATA-trained personnel must prepare and document the shipment
Airlines operating from Chinese airports will not accept dry ice shipments unless these requirements are met. Non-compliance results in rejected cargo, fines, or safety incidents.
Air Shipping Options from China with Dry Ice
Air transport is the only viable method for dry ice shipments due to sublimation rates. Here are your options:
Cargo Aircraft
Best for: Large shipments, pharmaceutical validation, reliable capacity
Airlines like Cargolux, Cathay Pacific Cargo and Lufthansa Cargo regularly transport dry ice from Chinese airports. Cargo aircraft offer the most flexibility with weight limits often up to 200 kg per package.
Transit times: 10-15 hours to North America, 12-16 hours to Europe (direct flights), plus 4-12 hours airport handling on each end.
Passenger Aircraft
Best for: Smaller shipments, cost-sensitive cargo
Passenger airlines have strict limits, often 2.5 kg per package. Some airlines don't accept dry ice on passenger flights at all due to safety concerns about CO₂ accumulation in the cabin.
Key difference: Lower capacity but sometimes lower cost and more flight frequency.
Express Couriers (FedEx, UPS, DHL)
Best for: Door-to-door service, time-critical shipments, smaller volumes
FedEx accepts dry ice from major Chinese cities (primarily Shanghai) with advance booking. Typical limits: up to 200kg on cargo aircraft, much lower on express services.
UPS has restrictive policies for dry ice from China. Many lanes require special approval; some origins don't accept dry ice at all. Verify with your account manager.
DHL accepts dry ice with strict quantity limits and specific packaging requirements. Acceptance varies by origin city and destination.
Important: Never assume courier acceptance. Contact them during the quote phase and confirm in writing. Expect dangerous goods handling fees of $50-200 per shipment plus standard freight charges.
Why Sea Freight Doesn't Work
Ocean voyages from China take 14-35 days. Dry ice sublimates at a rate of 2-4 kg per 24 hours. Even with 50kg in premium insulation, your coolant would be gone within 10-14 days. For ocean freight requiring frozen conditions, use refrigerated containers (reefers). Dry ice is reserved exclusively for air transport.
Cost of Shipping with Dry Ice from China
Understanding the full cost structure helps you quote accurately and avoid surprises.
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Example: 100 kg Frozen Seafood Shipment (Guangzhou to São Paulo, Brazil)
Given Brazil's distance from China and tropical climate requiring extra dry ice for potential delays:
Note: Brazil shipments require higher dry ice quantities due to:
Longer transit time (18-24 hours flight time + 6-12 hours handling)
Tropical destination climate
Potential customs clearance delays in São Paulo
Temperature fluctuations during ground transport
Calculate approximately 6-7 kg dry ice per 24 hours for frozen seafood to Brazil, with a 40-50% safety margin.
Compliance & Documentation Requirements Shipping with Dry Ice from China
Proper documentation is non-negotiable. Incomplete paperwork results in shipment rejection or customs delays.
Required documents:
Air Waybill (AWB) with notation: UN 1845, Dry Ice, 15 kg (exact net weight)
Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods (if required by carrier)
Signed by IATA-trained personnel
Include UN number, proper shipping name, class, net quantity
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS/SDS) for carbon dioxide (solid)
Commercial invoice and packing list
Export customs clearance documents from China Customs
HS code: typically 2811.21.0000
Temperature validation documents (pharmaceutical shipments)
Packaging qualification data
Temperature mapping studies if required
Packaging & Safety Guidelines for Dry Ice Shipments
Insulated Containers & Venting
Requirements:
EPS, polyurethane (PU), or vacuum insulation panel (VIP) construction
Wall thickness: 38-75mm depending on transit duration
Minimum two vents on opposite sides (25mm diameter typical)
Never use completely sealed containers
Critical mistake: Using non-vented packaging creates explosion risk as CO₂ gas pressure builds.
Product Separation & Safety Handling
Packaging:
Food-safe barriers for edibles (never allow direct dry ice contact with food)
Sealed primary containers for pharmaceuticals
Wrapped dry ice (paper or plastic, not sealed bags)
Top placement is most efficient (cold air sinks)
Absorbent pads for any condensation
Safety notes:
Handle with insulated gloves (cold burn risk)
Store in ventilated areas (asphyxiation risk)
Brief personnel on safe handling
Labels & Hazard Markings
Required markings:
Class 9 hazard label (diamond with "9")
"UN 1845" with net dry ice weight
"Carbon Dioxide, Solid" or "Dry Ice"
Handling arrows (if applicable)
Emergency contact information
Critical mistake 1: Forgetting Class 9 labels. Unlabeled dangerous goods are illegal and result in immediate rejection.
Critical mistake 2: Misdeclaring dry ice weight. Declaring 10 kg when you packed 15kg is a dangerous goods violation with severe penalties.
Industry-Specific Practices for Dry Ice Shipping
Different industries require specialized approaches to dry ice logistics from China.
Frozen Food Export
China exports massive volumes using dry ice, frozen seafood (tuna, lobster, prawns) to Japan and Western markets, poultry and pork to Middle East and Southeast Asia, ice cream for e-commerce, and frozen prepared meals worldwide.
Specific requirements:
Food-grade packaging with food-safe barriers
Specialized foam boxes sized for seafood or specific products
Temperature logs (many buyers require documentation)
Import compliance for destination (USDA, FDA, EU regulations)
Quantity calculation: 5-7 kg dry ice per 24 hours for a well-insulated 20 kg shipment. Always oversize by 30-50% for potential delays.
Pharmaceutical & Biotech Cold Chain
China's pharmaceutical sector requires the highest cold chain standards for vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, cell therapies, unstable APIs, clinical trial samples, DNA/RNA samples, tissue specimens, and temperature-sensitive reagents.
Regulatory frameworks:
Good Distribution Practice (GDP): EU pharmaceutical distribution guidelines
WHO guidelines: Temperature management for vaccines and biologics
FDA requirements: US market validated cold chain procedures
China GMP: Domestic manufacturing quality standards
Special requirements:
Validated packaging systems (Pelican BioThermal, va-Q-tec, Sonoco ThermoSafe)
Temperature monitoring: USB data loggers or real-time IoT trackers
Packaging qualification documentation
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for packing
Temperature Requirements for Pharmaceutical Products
E-Commerce & Industrial
E-commerce: Direct-to-consumer frozen food, small-batch artisan products via express courier, specialty items for cross-border trade within Asia-Pacific.
Industrial: Dry ice blasting pellets for machinery cleaning, frozen chemicals requiring deep-freeze transport.
How to Ship with Dry Ice: 7-Step Process
Step 1: Confirm Carrier Acceptance & Limits
Contact your airline or courier to confirm dry ice acceptance on your specific route. Ask about weight limits per package (varies by aircraft type) and special booking requirements.
Step 2: Calculate Required Dry Ice Quantity
Formula: (Transit hours ÷ 24) × Daily sublimation rate × 1.4 safety factor
Example: 72-hour shipment = (72 ÷ 24) × 3 kg × 1.4 = 12.6 kg dry ice
Always add 30-50% extra for delays, a thawed shipment destroys product value.
Step 3: Choose Packaging & Prepare Liners
Select appropriate packaging for product type (food-safe for edibles, validated for pharma), transit duration, and destination climate. Prepare food-safe liners, separation layers, and cushioning.
Step 4: Apply Correct Labels & Markings
Display Class 9 hazard diamond, "UN 1845", "Dry Ice", net weight, orientation arrows, and shipper/consignee information. Labels must be accurate, weight discrepancies are serious violations.
Step 5: Prepare Documents
Complete Air Waybill with dry ice notation, Shipper's Declaration (if required), MSDS, commercial invoice, packing list, and destination-specific documents. All paperwork must be consistent.
Step 6: Book Air Freight / Courier Slot
Provide complete shipment details including dry ice weight with advance notice (often 24-48 hours for dangerous goods). Confirm booking in writing.
Step 7: Handover & Track
Verify packaging integrity, confirm labels are visible, activate temperature data logger, photograph the package, and obtain pickup receipt. Track online and communicate with consignee about delivery time and cold chain procedures.
Partnering with a Specialist Forwarder
Successfully shipping with dry ice from China requires expertise in dangerous goods regulations, cold chain management, and carrier relationships.
What to look for:
IATA DG certification: Staff must hold current dangerous goods training certificates, legally required for preparing DG documentation.
Industry experience: Pharmaceutical logistics differs from frozen seafood. Choose a forwarder with relevant expertise.
Carrier relationships: Established forwarders have preferential rates and better dry ice acceptance.
End-to-end services: Packaging consultation, dry ice procurement, temperature monitoring, destination customs clearance.
At Gerudo Logistics, we've built our reputation on reliable cold chain solutions from China. Our IATA-certified dangerous goods specialists handle dry ice shipments daily across pharmaceutical, food, and biotech sectors. We maintain partnerships with major airlines and couriers, providing competitive rates and consistent dry ice acceptance. Whether you're shipping vaccines to Europe, frozen seafood to North America, or biotech samples worldwide, we design compliant, cost-effective solutions tailored to your needs.
FAQs on Shipping with Dry Ice from China
Is dry ice considered dangerous goods when exporting from China?
Yes. Dry ice is classified as UN 1845, Class 9 Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods when used as a refrigerant. It requires proper declaration, labeling, and compliance with IATA regulations for all air shipments.
What documents are required to ship with dry ice from China?
Essential documents include: Air Waybill with UN 1845 notation and dry ice net weight, Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods (if required), MSDS for solid CO₂, commercial invoice, packing list, and China customs export clearance paperwork.
How much dry ice can be shipped per package?
Cargo aircraft typically allow up to 200 kg per package, while passenger aircraft often limit to 2.5 kg or less. Always verify specific limits with your carrier before booking under IATA Packing Instruction 954.
Which carriers accept dry ice shipments from China?
FedEx accepts dry ice from major Chinese cities with advance booking. UPS and DHL have restrictive policies, many lanes require special approval. Cargo airlines like Cathay Pacific Cargo, Cargolux, and Lufthansa Cargo regularly handle dry ice. Always confirm acceptance with your carrier before preparing shipments.
How long does dry ice last in transit?
Typical sublimation is 2-4 kg per 24 hours in standard insulated packaging. Premium insulation reduces this rate. For planning, calculate 3 kg per day and add a 40% safety margin for delays.
What are the packaging requirements for dry ice shipments?
Packaging must include: insulated outer container (EPS, PU, or VIP construction), ventilation holes to allow CO₂ escape, Class 9 hazard labels, UN 1845 marking with net dry ice weight, and food-safe liners when shipping edibles. Packaging must never be completely sealed.
Can sea freight be used for dry ice shipments from China?
No. Ocean voyages take 14-35 days, while dry ice sublimates completely within 10-14 days. Refrigerated containers are the appropriate solution for frozen ocean freight. Dry ice is used exclusively for air transport.
Conclusion: Your Path to Successful Dry Ice Shipping from China
Shipping with dry ice from China requires regulatory compliance, proper planning, and expertise. By understanding UN 1845 classification, following IATA guidelines, calculating appropriate dry ice quantities, using proper packaging and labeling, and partnering with experienced logistics providers, you can successfully maintain frozen conditions throughout your products' journey.
The key to success is preparation. Confirm carrier acceptance early, invest in quality packaging, train your team on dangerous goods procedures, and always oversize dry ice quantities for potential delays.
Ready to ship your frozen products with confidence? Contact us to discuss your dry ice shipping requirements with our cold chain specialists. We'll help you navigate regulations, optimize costs, and ensure your products arrive frozen and compliant at destinations worldwide.
