Dry Ice (UN 1845) — PI 954
Carbon dioxide, solid (dry ice) transport by air. PI 954 requirements, 200 kg per-package limit, ventilated packaging, DGD exemption, NOTOC notification, and combination rules with other dangerous goods.
Asphyxiation Hazard
Dry ice sublimes at -78.5 °C, releasing CO₂ gas at approximately 750× its solid volume. In enclosed or poorly ventilated areas this can displace oxygen and cause asphyxiation. Hermetically sealed packaging is STRICTLY FORBIDDEN.
UN 1845 Identity Card
| UN Number | 1845 |
| Proper Shipping Name | Carbon Dioxide, Solid (Dry Ice) |
| Class | 9 — Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods |
| Subsidiary Risk | None |
| Packing Group | None (not assigned for UN 1845) |
| Packing Instruction | PI 954 |
| PAX Limit (per package) | 200 kg net |
| CAO Limit (per package) | 200 kg net |
| Hazard Label | Class 9 (black & white stripes) |
| ERG Code | 9L |
| Primary Hazard | Asphyxiant — displaces O₂ in enclosed spaces |
PI 954 — Key Requirements
1. Ventilated Packaging (Mandatory)
Packaging must be designed to permit the release of CO₂ gas and prevent pressure build-up that could rupture the package. Typical: EPS (expanded polystyrene) box with vent holes inside a cardboard outer. UN specification marks are not required for PI 954.
2. Prior Arrangement with Operator
The shipper must make arrangements with the operator(s) for each shipment to ensure ventilation safety procedures are followed (PI 954(b)).
3. Package Limit — 200 kg Net
Maximum 200 kg net weight of dry ice per package, identical for both PAX and CAO aircraft. Multiple packages per consignment are permitted; each must not exceed 200 kg.
DGD Exemption (Section 8.2.3)
When dry ice is the only dangerous good in the shipment, a Shipper's Declaration (DGD) is not required. Instead, the following information must appear on the air waybill (AWB):
Exception: When dry ice accompanies another DG (e.g., UN 2814, UN 3480), the DGD requirement is determined by the primary DG. Dry ice is then listed as an additional line on the DGD.
NOTOC — Notification to Captain (9.5.1)
The operator must include dry ice on the NOTOC (Notification to Pilot-in-Command) regardless of quantity. The shipper's responsibility is to accurately state the net weight on the AWB so the operator can compile the NOTOC correctly.
Marking & Labelling
- ✓UN 1845 — UN number on package
- ✓"Carbon dioxide, solid" or "Dry ice" — proper shipping name
- ✓Net weight in kg (sublimation calculation needed for transit time)
- ✓Class 9 hazard label — diamond, black & white stripes, "9"
- ✓Shipper & consignee name and address
- ✗Orientation arrows — not required (dry ice is not a liquid)
Common Combination Scenarios
Dry Ice Only
PI 954 alone. No DGD, AWB sufficient. ≤ 200 kg/package.
Dry Ice + UN 3373 (Biological Cat B)
PI 650 + PI 954. Both DGD-exempt (2.6.3 + 2.9.2). AWB lists both items. Outer packaging must be ventilated.
Dry Ice + UN 2814/2900 (Cat A)
PI 620 + PI 954. DGD required (Cat A side). Both listed on DGD as separate lines.
Dry Ice + Lithium Battery (UN 3480/3481)
PI 954 + PI 965-970. DGD per lithium battery section. SoC ≤ 30% still applies for standalone batteries.
Dry Ice + Perishables (non-DG)
Dry ice is the only DG. PI 954, no DGD. Cold chain labels (CEIV Pharma, "Keep Frozen") are separate from IATA DGR.
Dry Ice in a Unit Load Device (ULD)
A shipper may prepare a ULD containing dry ice under the following conditions:
- - Prior arrangement with the operator is required
- - The ULD must not contain DG other than UN 3373 or ID 8000
- - The ULD must allow venting of CO₂ gas (marking & labelling of Section 7 do not apply to the ULD)
- - AWB must show: UN 1845, proper shipping name, number of packages + net weight per package (or ULD ID + net quantity per ULD)
Important Notes
- - Hermetically sealed packaging will cause pressure build-up and rupture. Always use ventilated packaging.
- - DGD exemption is specific to UN 1845. Other Class 9 substances (UN 3077, UN 3082) still require a DGD.
- - AWB must show net weight of dry ice, not gross weight including packaging.
- - PAX and CAO limits are identical (200 kg) — unlike lithium batteries which have different PAX/CAO limits.
- - "Keep Frozen" or CEIV Pharma labels are cold-chain standards, not IATA DGR requirements.
- - Loading: refer to operator's loading procedures and Section 9.3.10 for ventilation.
- - When packages are in an overpack, mark the overpack with the total net quantity of dry ice.