I. Market Overview
The global dry ice cleaning equipment market continues its expansion in 2026. Industry data shows that global dry ice cleaning machine sales reached $123 million in 2025, with further growth projected through 2032–; other sources estimate the 2026 global market at approximately $132 million–. The Chinese market is particularly robust, with the domestic CO₂ dry ice cleaning market reaching RMB 1.25 billion in 2025, representing a compound annual growth rate exceeding 18%–. The global dry ice cleaning equipment market is expected to surpass $850 million in 2026, with a CAGR of approximately 12.3%.
Leveraging its water-free, chemical-free, and residue-free environmental advantages, dry ice cleaning technology is transitioning from a “specialized process” to a “standard option” across multiple industries. Three key sectors—aerospace, food and beverage, and medical molds—now account for over 55% of procurement.
II. Technological Developments
1. New Patents Emerging
On July 28, a utility model patent titled “A Dry Ice Cutting Device for Dry Ice Cleaning Machines” (CN224561344U) was granted–. The patent involves structural optimization of core components, contributing to improved operational stability and efficiency.
Recent patent publications cover multiple frontier directions:
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Intelligent Cleaning: Shanghai Jiao Tong University published an invention patent for an “Intelligent Dry Ice Cleaning System for Liquid Crystal Removal” (CN122231036A), introducing intelligent control into dry ice cleaning processes for LCD panels––.
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In-line Cleaning: “An Online Dry Ice Cleaning Equipment and Its Control Method” (CN121945492A) enables cleaning without production stoppage, simplifying operations and reducing disassembly time––.
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Hybrid Cleaning: An “Intelligent Laser-Dry Ice Composite Cleaning Method and Device” (CN119281752B) combines laser and dry ice cleaning to address the industry challenge of thick-layer contaminant removal–.
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Semiconductor Applications: Related patents disclose dry ice jetting combined with pre-cooling and grounding techniques for efficient, non-destructive removal of adhesive overflow from semiconductor devices–.
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Dust Filtration: Patents for dry ice cleaning of dust collector filter bags have been granted, enabling efficient cleaning and reuse of filter bags–.
2. Deepening Technical Principles and Applications
Dry ice cleaning technology is based on the phase-change properties of solid CO₂—the -78.5°C low-temperature impact embrittles and cracks contaminants, followed by kinetic stripping and sublimation expansion for contaminant removal. The cleaning medium sublimates directly into gas under normal temperature and pressure, producing no secondary waste such as wastewater or residue–. This technical characteristic positions the technology uniquely within the green manufacturing framework of the Industry 4.0 era.
III. Industry Standards and Regulation
1. Industry-Wide Standards Progressing
A key development this week is the progress in establishing industry standards for dry ice cleaning machines. The standardization work is advancing steadily, with multiple core foundational specifications already defined. The standards establish basic performance thresholds for dry ice cleaning machines across different application scenarios, mandate safety features including no-ice alarms and emergency stop protection as baseline requirements, and provide unified reference indicators for environmental emissions and energy consumption benchmarks.
This standardization framework is expected to fundamentally address the past issues of inconsistent parameter labeling and market disruption by low-quality products. For purchasing enterprises, the standards provide clear selection benchmarks; for the industry as a whole, unified norms will drive manufacturers to focus on equipment stability and actual cleaning effectiveness.
2. Sector-Specific Group Standards
A group standard for technical requirements of dry ice cleaning and disinfection of medical devices (T/CQAHPE 001-2025) has been approved and implemented–, marking an important step toward standardization in the high-demand medical sector.
IV. Customs and Trade Policies
1. Commodity Classification and Declaration Standards
Clear customs classification standards have been established for dry ice cleaning machines and related equipment. Based on publicly available customs code information:
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Dry ice cleaning machines/devices: Classified under HS code 8424300000, with declaration elements including brand type, export preference status, blasting material, application, brand, and model.
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Dry ice cleaning equipment/dry ice blasting machines: Classified under 8424899990, with regulatory condition “L” (requiring automatic import license).
2. Import Regulatory Requirements
Importers of dry ice cleaning equipment must comply with regulations governing mechanical and electrical product imports. For products subject to automatic import licensing, the import entity must apply for the “PRC Automatic Import License” prior to customs declaration–.
For used mechanical and electrical products (including second-hand dry ice cleaning equipment), a full-chain supervision model of “pre-shipment inspection + port inspection + destination inspection” is implemented. Used equipment on the high-risk list requires pre-shipment inspection by CCIC overseas agencies, and the “Pre-shipment Inspection Certificate” must be obtained before customs declaration.
3. Export Clearance Facilitation
Dry ice exports face unique challenges—dry ice continuously sublimates after production, with block dry ice losing 10%–15% daily at room temperature, and approximately 5% daily even with sealed packaging and cold-chain transportation. To address this, customs authorities have introduced an appointment-based inspection model, conducting on-site inspections immediately after dry ice production and issuing relevant certificates, compressing clearance time to half a day. This model effectively reduces sublimation losses for exporters and strengthens China’s comprehensive export competitiveness in dry ice products, characterized by “quality, stable pricing, large volume, and fast delivery”.
4. Tariffs and Trade Environment
The 2026 tariff adjustment plan took effect on January 1, 2026–. The plan applies import provisional tax rates below most-favored-nation rates to 935 categories of goods, covering key components and advanced materials–. Importers and exporters of dry ice cleaning equipment should closely monitor tariff changes and leverage preferential tariff policies where applicable.
V. Summary and Outlook
Based on this week’s intelligence, the dry ice cleaning machine industry is demonstrating three major trends:
First, continuous technological innovation. From intelligent control to hybrid cleaning processes, from semiconductor applications to new energy sectors, the密集 publication of technology patents indicates strong innovation vitality and expanding application boundaries.
Second, accelerating standardization. From industry-wide standards to sector-specific group standards, the standardization process is establishing the institutional foundation for high-quality industry development, facilitating market consolidation and increased industry concentration.
Third, maturing trade environment. Clear customs classification, comprehensive regulatory frameworks, and optimized clearance services provide a more transparent and efficient policy environment for the import and export trade of dry ice cleaning equipment.
Driven by both tightening environmental regulations and surging demand for precision manufacturing–, dry ice cleaning technology is poised to replace traditional chemical cleaning and sandblasting processes across more industrial scenarios. The industry’s growth potential warrants continued attention.