The product's hold-time calculation sets the dry ice amount, and the carrier's acceptance rule puts a ceiling on that calculation. Two separate approvals are needed: the carrier accepting the load as dangerous goods, and the packaging keeping the product at the required condition along the route.
The US rule 49 CFR 173.217 and the FAA page write the requirements concretely:
| Topic | What is required |
|---|---|
| Packaging | Allows gas to escape, no pressure build-up (air and sea) |
| Air, marking | Net mass of dry ice on the outside of the package |
| Air, carrier | Arrangement with the operator for each shipment |
| Document | Dry ice or Carbon dioxide, solid; class 9; UN 1845; number of packages and net quantity per package |
| Sea, marking | WARNING CO2 SOLID (DRY ICE) on two sides of the container; DO NOT STOW BELOW DECKS on packages |
| Passenger | Up to 2.5 kg per package and per passenger, with airline approval |
For a shipment leaving Turkey the governing text is the IATA DGR (67th edition, in force since 1 January 2026) plus the selected carrier's additional conditions. Before booking, get the quantity, package count, marking and documents confirmed in writing by the carrier.
Once the quantity is capped, three options remain: split the shipment, use a better insulated container, or shorten the route. Better insulation lowers the dry ice needed; decide in route design.
An accepted load does not mean the product will stay cold. Run a separate thermal test with the real product or a representative load, covering the starting condition, transfer and delay.
