Live seafood such as crabs, crabs, lobsters, and eels going to China by air must be packed in watertight containers, with lining, absorbent material, appropriate refrigerant, and labels in accordance with the airline's regulations. Besides packaging, the shipment also needs a facility on the list approved by China and a certificate issued by a Vietnamese authority. This article summarizes general principles for shippers to prepare before delivering goods to the airport.
Why doesn't raw seafood packaging have to follow specific standards?
Live seafood is both perishable and at risk of seawater leakage - which can corrode the fuselage and damage other goods. Therefore, airlines only accept packages when the packaging is sealed, can withstand stacking forces, and is clearly labeled. The industry's common reference standard is the Live Animals Regulations (LAR) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), combined with each airline's own regulations. According to IATA's introduction page, the 53rd edition (2027) adds the AVZ special handling code for live seafood used for food.
Structure of a package of live seafood for air travel
Each airline has its own guidance documents. The table below takes an example from Virgin Australia Cargo's publicly available seafood packaging guide to illustrate common configurations; Before packing the goods, the shipper needs to ask the airline or agent about the regulations applicable to the trip to China.
| Ingredient | Request reference | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| EPS foam box | Minimum wall thickness 20 mm (bales under 20 kg) or 30 mm (from 20 kg); Bearing a stack of 4 boxes of the same weight in 24 hours | Heat insulation, load-bearing |
| Absorbent material | Absorb a minimum of 250 ml of seawater; At least 50% placed below the line, 20% above the line | Keeps water from leaking out |
| PE lining membrane | Minimum thickness of 0.1 mm, fold closed and tape | Anti-leakage |
| Refrigerant | Prioritize cold gel; Wet ice must be packaged in bags, each bag must not exceed 1 kg; Dry ice is dangerous goods and requires prior approval | Keep the temperature stable |
| Seal | At least 40 mm tape wrapped around the box | Maintain structure when loading and unloading |
Labels and symbols on packages
- Order direction label (up arrow) on at least two sides.
- The label is perishable and says "Live Seafood" on the outside of the box.
- Specific product names like "Live Mud Crab" on two sides opposite live crabs, lobsters, and eels.
- Sender's name, address, phone number and 24-hour contact number.
- Heavy goods label if the package is from 20 kg; Danger label and dry ice volume if using dry ice.
For goods entering China, the packaging must also meet the labeling requirements of the importer, including the facility's registration code according to Order 280 of the General Administration of Customs of China.
Documents accompanying live seafood shipments to China
Vietnamese side
Farming, collection and packaging facilities must be on the list approved by China. Each batch needs a certificate issued by a Vietnamese authority according to the form agreed with the Chinese side, along with a set of commercial documents and export customs declaration.
Chinese side
Goods must be imported through a designated border gate or monitoring area that is qualified to receive live seafood. Importers need to confirm in advance the intended border gate and the documents required by China.
Time and temperature
Live seafood can withstand limited transportation times. You should calculate the total time from packing, checking in at the airport, flying, to customs clearance in China to choose the appropriate flight and amount of refrigerant.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use cardboard boxes instead of foam boxes?
Some companies accept waterproof cardboard boxes or boxes with approved insulation. You need to ask the specific airline, because regulations vary between airlines.
Can dry ice be used to keep live crabs cold?
Dry ice is classified as dangerous and must be declared and approved in advance. With raw goods, cold gel is often preferred because it is easier to control the temperature.
Can an establishment whose name is not on the list be exported?
Are not. Seafood products entering China must be produced and packaged by establishments approved by the Chinese side. Facilities need to register in the correct order instead of using another unit's code.
Conclude
A batch of live seafood that travels smoothly by plane requires three things: the package is watertight, cold enough, and has the correct label according to airline regulations; establishments on the list approved by China; and deeds and documents match the actual goods. Check all three before the airport delivery date.
Reference source
IATA, Live Animals Regulations (LAR) – introduction page and changes of the 53rd edition (2027).
IATA Knowledge Hub: Instructions for choosing the right container for transporting animals by air.
Virgin Australia Cargo: Seafood packaging (for example, regulations of an airline).
General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), Order No. 280 dated October 14, 2025.
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