When using dry ice in packaging, what regulations does the shipment become subject to?

When shipping with dry ice, the shipment falls under specific regulatory frameworks due to the properties of dry ice, which is solid carbon dioxide. As a substance that can release carbon dioxide gas when sublimating, dry ice is classified as a dangerous good when transported, particularly by air. This classification is due to the potential for buildup of harmful gases in confined spaces, which can pose a risk to health and safety.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) outline strict guidelines regarding the transport of dry ice in air cargo. These regulations cover aspects such as labeling, packaging requirements, quantity limits, and ultimately ensure the safety of both the cargo and the aircraft crew. Proper adherence to these regulations is critical to avoid incidents during transit.

While shipping with dry ice also involves considerations for ground and marine transport, those subsequent regulations do not specifically match the inherently gaseous and hazardous nature of dry ice as emphasized under air cargo regulations. Shipping by ground or marine may warrant other safety regulations, but they do not carry the same stringent requirements as air transportation guidelines. Consequently, the regulation surrounding air cargo is paramount in this context.