A U.S. buyer once placed a bulk order of CO2 cartridges and was excited to launch a new product line. But the shipment got held at U.S. customs, delaying the launch by three weeks and costing thousands. The reason? A missing label and one overlooked document.
CO2 products are regulated as hazardous materials by U.S. Customs, and missing even one technical document or UN marking can result in costly delays. Here’s how to avoid it.
The truth is, you don’t need to be an expert in shipping regulations to avoid these problems — you just need to understand a few key rules and partner with an experienced manufacturer.
Is CO2 Considered a Dangerous Good by U.S. Customs?
A lot of buyers assume CO2 cartridges are just consumer goods. But for customs authorities, especially in the U.S., CO2 is a pressurized gas classified as a hazardous material.
Yes — CO2 is classified as a hazardous material (UN1013), and customs requires specific packaging, labeling, and documentation to be cleared without issues.
Understanding the Classification
- UN Number: CO2 cartridges fall under UN1013. This number must be clearly labeled on shipping cartons.
- Hazard Class: Class 2.2 (non-flammable, non-toxic gases).
- Applicable Regulation: U.S. DOT and IATA for air transport.
You can find a detailed breakdown of hazardous materials classifications on Wikipedia. It’s essential to make sure your manufacturer understands and applies these codes correctly.
What Documents Are Required to Clear CO2 Cartridges Through U.S. Customs?
A shipping invoice and packing list won’t get you far if you’re missing the technical paperwork. Most customs delays happen because one of the following was missing or incorrect.
To clear CO2 shipments smoothly, you must prepare an MSDS, Dangerous Goods Declaration, and properly labeled outer packaging.
Required Documents Checklist
| Document | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) | Describes the CO2 gas properties, handling, hazards, and safety precautions. |
| UN Label & Carton Marking | Must show “UN1013” and Class 2.2 hazard icon clearly. |
| Dangerous Goods Declaration | For air or sea freight, signed by trained personnel. |
| Photos of Outer Packaging | Used by customs to verify label placement before release. |
We always provide these in advance for our customers. You can also refer to our CO2 cartridges specifications and shipping information page for examples of our standard documentation.
How to Avoid Delays and Ensure Smooth Delivery of CO2 Products to the U.S.?
You don’t need luck. You need systems. In our experience, the smoothest shipments happen when buyers do three things right: pick the right supplier, choose the right forwarder, and double-check labels before loading.
Choose a supplier with dangerous goods experience, request all documentation in advance, and confirm your logistics partner understands CO2 regulations.
Pro Tips for Trouble-Free Clearance
- Choose a compliant supplier: Make sure your supplier has experience exporting to the U.S. and knows how to handle Class 2.2 gas products.
- Request all files early: Don’t wait for customs to ask. Ask your factory to send all documents before the goods are picked up.
- Use the right freight forwarder: Not every forwarder understands how to handle hazardous goods. Make sure they’ve cleared CO2 cartridges before.
- Check outer packaging: Ensure each box shows the UN1013 and hazard icon visibly — no exceptions.
A Personal Story from Alizeemetal
A few years ago, a U.S. customer placed their second order with us. The first one was smooth. But the second got stuck in customs for 14 days. Why? One of the outer boxes didn’t have a UN1013 label. That one detail triggered a full inspection. Since then, we’ve introduced a triple-check process for every carton before it ships.
Now, we help customers avoid delays by offering document templates, pre-shipment label reviews, and logistics partner recommendations. No more surprises at customs. That’s the Alizeemetal promise.
Conclusion
Delays at customs are avoidable. With the right documents, correct labeling, and a supplier who understands export requirements, your CO2 cartridges will arrive on time and stress-free.
