Dry ice: up to 2.5kg per person
Carry-on or checked, only to cool perishables etc., in a container letting CO2 gas escape
Instant cold packs: quantity limits
0.5L (kg) per container, 2L (kg) per person together with toiletries, medicines and sprays
Freezable ice packs: not in MLIT list
Ice packs you freeze have no entry in MLIT's examples. If in doubt, ask your airline
100ml (3.4 oz) exception: only when cooling meds
International cabin: ice packs packed with medicines that must be kept cold (declare them)
| Item | Carry-on baggage | Checked baggage |
|---|---|---|
| Dry ice used to cool perishables and other non-dangerous goods | Allowed (up to 2.5kg per person) | Allowed (up to 2.5kg per person) |
| Dry ice for other purposes | Not allowed | Not allowed |
It must be in a container that allows the carbon dioxide gas to escape.
Source
Source: MLIT: "Examples of Dangerous Goods by Air Transportation" (English version, last updated April 24, 2026) (retrieved 2026-09-27)
- MLIT's "Examples of Dangerous Goods by Air Transportation" lists instant ice packs (cold packs) that get cold when struck. They are included in medicinal articles, with a quantity limit of 0.5L (kg) per container and 2L (kg) per person together with toiletries, medicines and spray cans
- Ordinary ice packs that you freeze before use have no entry in that document. If in doubt, ask your airline
- For carrying on board international flights, MLIT's list of liquids (2015) treats ice and ice packs as an exception to the 100ml rule only when packed together with medicines that must be kept cold (insulin, hormone preparations, etc.) to cool them (declare them at security screening)
Sources (2)
Source: MLIT: "Examples of Dangerous Goods by Air Transportation" (English version, last updated April 24, 2026) (retrieved 2026-09-27)
Source: MLIT: "List and Description of LAGs Restriction" (English version of the list of liquids, 2015) (retrieved 2026-09-27)
Some airlines have stricter rules. On international flights, rules of other countries' authorities may also apply.