Dry Ice Labels

Dry Ice (UN1845), also known as solid carbon dioxide, is widely used as a refrigerant for temperature‑controlled shipments in the pharmaceutical, medical, food, laboratory and biotechnology sectors. Although effective for maintaining low temperatures, Dry Ice sublimates into carbon dioxide gas, which can displace oxygen and create pressure build‑up inside packages if not properly vented. For this reason, Dry Ice is regulated as a Class 9 dangerous good.

Which mark you need depends on the mode, and the difference is bigger than most shippers expect.

By air, the Class 9 label is required. Under the IATA DGR the package is prepared to Packing Instruction 954, vented to let the gas escape, limited to 200 kg of dry ice per package, and marked with “UN1845”, the words “Carbon dioxide, solid” or “Dry ice”, and the net weight of dry ice in each package, alongside the Class 9 label (IATA DGR 7.1.4.1 and 7.2.3.9).

By road, rail and inland waterway, the picture is different. ADR 5.5.3.1.1 states that for UN 1845 only section 5.5.3 applies and no other provision of ADR — so there is no Class 9 label and no transport document under ADR. What ADR does require is the marking “CARBON DIOXIDE, SOLID” or “DRY ICE” on packages carried as a consignment (5.5.3.4.1), and, on vehicles or containers that are not well ventilated, an asphyxiation warning mark at every access point (5.5.3.6.1). RID and ADN carry the same section.

The Class 9 label itself features the standardised striped upper half and the “UN1845 DRY ICE” wording, giving carriers, warehouse operators and emergency responders one clear identification across the air leg of a journey.

These labels are essential for pharmaceutical distributors, laboratories, hospitals, food suppliers, logistics operators and any business shipping temperature‑sensitive products using dry ice as a cooling agent. Proper marking prevents handling errors and supports safe cold‑chain operations — normally alongside an insulated shipper sized for the journey: PharmaTherm for pharmaceutical loads, BioTherm for laboratory and clinical samples, and GreenTherm where a recyclable outer is preferred.

We offer Dry Ice (UN1845) labels in polypropylene (100×100 mm) and in vinyl (150×150 mm), available with text, without text or customised on‑demand printing. Packs of 10, 50 and 100 units are available, as well as rolls of 250, 500 and 1000 to support all dangerous goods operations.

Disclaimer: This information is for guidance only; customers must always consult the applicable regulations.