Do I have to declare dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) at United States customs?

Only above the allowance. Up to 2.5 kilograms of dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) there is nothing to declare; beyond it you take the goods through the red channel and pay the duty.

What happens if I do not declare dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) in United States?

Under 19 CFR 148.102, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under 19 CFR 148.18, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed. Under 19 U.S.C. 1497: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed.

Do duty-free purchases count toward the United States allowance for dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid)?

Yes. What you buy in an arrival duty-free shop comes out of the same allowance, so the shop does not add to what you may already be carrying.

Can I post or ship dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) to United States instead of carrying it?

Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.

Can I take dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) out of United States?

United States publishes no separate rule for taking dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the United States limit for dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) apply per person or per family?

Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Where does this rule come from?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection states it in What Can I Bring? Complete List. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “The FAA limits you to 5.5 pounds of dry ice that is properly packaged (the package is vented) and marked. Airline approval is required.”

How does United States compare with other countries on dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid)?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid), 12 limit it and 8 let it through. United States is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) can I bring into United States?

Restricted

You can bring Dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) into United States only within the stated limits.

Carried Limited

Declaration Above allowance

Limit 2.5 kilogram

What you need to know

2.5 kilogram (5.51 lb)
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

What Can I Bring? Complete List Transportation Security Administration

Questions about Dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) in United States

How much dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) can I bring into United States?: United States allows 2.5 kilograms of dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) per traveller. Above that the goods are treated as an import and duty becomes payable. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) at United States customs?: Only above the allowance. Up to 2.5 kilograms of dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) there is nothing to declare; beyond it you take the goods through the red channel and pay the duty.
What happens if I do not declare dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) in United States?: Under 19 CFR 148.102, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under 19 CFR 148.18, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed. Under 19 U.S.C. 1497: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed.
Do duty-free purchases count toward the United States allowance for dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid)?: Yes. What you buy in an arrival duty-free shop comes out of the same allowance, so the shop does not add to what you may already be carrying.
Can I post or ship dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) to United States instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
Can I take dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) out of United States?: United States publishes no separate rule for taking dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United States limit for dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: U.S. Customs and Border Protection states it in What Can I Bring? Complete List. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “The FAA limits you to 5.5 pounds of dry ice that is properly packaged (the package is vented) and marked. Airline approval is required.”
How does United States compare with other countries on dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid)?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid), 12 limit it and 8 let it through. United States is among the ones that set a limit.

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