Michael Turner
U.S. checkpoint guideline: The Transportation Security Administration uses 350 mL (12 fl oz) as the practical threshold for dry, granular or powdered-like materials in cabin bags. Containers above that size commonly trigger secondary inspection and may be refused if officers cannot positively identify the contents.
Medical and infant exceptions: Medically necessary dry medications and infant formula or breast-milk substitutes are typically permitted beyond the 350 mL threshold, but you must declare them at screening, present prescriptions or supporting notes, and expect separate inspection (opening, swabbing or additional X‑ray).
International and customs cautions: Many countries enforce strict biosecurity for food and dairy-based dry mixes – Australia, New Zealand and several Asian markets often prohibit or require declaration for milk-containing or protein supplements. Check the destination’s customs and agricultural rules and keep purchase receipts and original packaging for inspection.
Packing and screening checklist: measure container volume before travel; retain original labels and receipts; place items in clear resealable bags for tray submission; label medically necessary supplies and carry prescriptions; allow an extra 15–30 minutes at the checkpoint when transporting dry goods; when in doubt, transfer excess quantities to checked baggage or contact the carrier/security authority prior to departure.
Which dry particulate types face restrictions or bans in cabin
Do not bring containers larger than 350 mL (12 fl oz) of dry particulate products into the cabin; transfer oversized containers to checked baggage or ship them separately to avoid seizure at security checkpoints.
Cosmetic and culinary items
Small personal-use cosmetic items (face powders, blush, dry foundation, talc, powdered deodorant) and ground spices (pepper, cumin, turmeric) typically pass screening if under the 350 mL/12 fl oz threshold and clearly identifiable. Cosmetic samples in sealed retail packaging or labeled containers reduce secondary inspection. Bulk cosmetic pan refills, spice jars exceeding the threshold or unlabeled opaque containers are likely to be opened and may be refused for cabin carriage.
Many countries enforce agricultural import rules: powdered or dried plant-derived spices may require declaration and can be seized at arrival (notably Australia, New Zealand, and some Gulf states). Pack culinary items separately in checked baggage when possible and keep purchase receipts or ingredient lists for inspections.
Dry chemicals and hazardous fine solids
Strict prohibitions apply to explosive, oxidizing, toxic and reactive fine solids. Examples banned from both cabin and often checked baggage include black powder and firing powders, pyrotechnic compositions, metal fuel dusts used in fireworks (aluminum, magnesium), ammonium nitrate-based formulations, potassium permanganate, sodium chlorate/perchlorate, and cyanide salts. Many laboratory reagents and desiccants that are corrosive or generate gases on contact with moisture also fall under dangerous-goods rules and require special handling or are forbidden.
Biological dry samples (infectious agents, cultures, clinical swabs) require Dangerous Goods documentation and specific packaging; unauthorised carriage in cabin is prohibited. Commercially supplied dry chemical reagents for education or industry must follow IATA/ICAO dangerous-goods regulations and airline approval; do not assume standard screening permits carriage.
Practical steps: verify the airline and departure/arrival country regulations before travel; keep items under 350 mL in clearly labeled, transparent packaging for quicker screening; obtain written proof for medically necessary powdered supplements or cosmetics; declare agricultural products at border control; for any chemical or laboratory material consult IATA dangerous-goods guidance and airline cargo services rather than attempting cabin transport.
How much loose particulate can pass through TSA, EU and other major airport checkpoints?
Recommendation: keep individual containers of loose particulate at or below 350 mL (12 fl oz) when carried in cabin carry-on; containers larger than 350 mL should be placed in checked baggage or purchased after security to avoid added inspection or refusal.
TSA (United States) enforces a 350 mL / 12 fl oz screening threshold for dry, granular or powdered items in cabin carry-on. Items exceeding that volume will be removed for separate X-ray screening and may be prohibited from continuing in the cabin; infant formula and medically necessary solids typically receive exception but must be declared and inspected.
European Union and UK checkpoints generally follow a comparable 350 mL guideline; airport-specific procedures vary, with some screening staff using discretion and rejecting large loose particulate containers from cabin carriage. Carry documentation (labels, receipts, prescription notes for medical items) to speed secondary checks.
Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many major Asian hubs use the same 350 mL reference point or similar security discretion. Duty-free sealed, tamper-evident bags with intact seals and receipts commonly permit larger-volume products through transfers, but connecting flights to jurisdictions with strict carry-on screening may still require checked placement.
Practical packing steps: measure with a 350 mL cup before departure; keep products in original, clearly labeled packaging; segregate questionable items for declaration at the checkpoint; transfer any container over 350 mL to checked baggage to avoid delays. Checked baggage normally imposes no volumetric cap for benign dry particulates, though hazardous or reactive dry chemicals remain prohibited.
If traveling with small children, consider compact gear to reduce carry-on congestion and simplify screenings: best umbrella stroller for preschooler. For moving larger toiletry or cosmetic quantities through checked carriage, a robust suitcase helps: best luggage rowena.
How to pack, label and present fine dry goods at security to avoid screening delays or confiscation
Keep fine dry goods in transparent, resealable bags or rigid clear containers, labeled with product name and net weight, and position them on top of your carry-on so they are immediately visible during X‑ray screening.
Packing checklist
- Use original retail packaging whenever possible; if repackaging, choose clear PET jars or zip-top bags with tamper-evident tape.
- Place single-use portions into individually sealed sachets with a printed label (content, date, weight) to avoid handling bulk amounts at security.
- Avoid loose material inside soft pouches or unmarked bags; compressible packaging makes X‑ray interpretation harder and increases chance of a manual check.
- For medical or dietary formulations, include a photocopy of prescription, doctor’s note or purchase receipt inside the same clear bag as the product.
- For professional samples or industrial chemicals, carry the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) and product specification sheet; attach a short label with CAS number if applicable.
- Double-bag fragile containers and secure lids with tape or a rubber band to prevent accidental opening during conveyor movement.
How to present items at the security checkpoint
- Remove containers from your carry-on and place them in a separate bin on the conveyor; do not leave them buried among clothing or electronics.
- If an item triggers secondary screening, hand over the labeled container and any supporting documents (receipt, prescription, SDS) immediately when requested.
- Verbally state the content only if asked; unnecessary commentary can slow processing–answer clearly and concisely.
- If traveling with large commercial samples, contact the airline/security office before departure to request pre-screening advice or documentation requirements.
- Refuse to repackage items at the checkpoint; if an agent requires transfer to a different container, request a supervisor or a written reason for the change.
Common causes of delays or confiscation: unlabeled white or off-white substances in generic zip bags, bulk quantities without receipts, homemade or improvised containers, and lack of medical or manufacturer documentation for regulated formulations.
Documentation and exemptions for baby formula, prescribed medical dry items and protein supplements
Carry original packaging plus a signed prescription or clinician’s letter, pharmacy label, product fact panel and purchase receipt; declare items at security and keep prescriber contact details accessible.
Required paperwork and labeling
Prescribed dry medications: original prescription with patient name, drug generic and brand names, dose/strength, prescribing clinician’s phone number; pharmacy dispensing label matching traveler name; if compound prepared by a compounding pharmacy, an accompanying label describing ingredients and concentration.
Infant formula (dry): sealed manufacturer packaging preferred; if opened, retain the box/tin and bring the child’s passport or birth certificate for age verification when requested; a short note from the pediatrician stating the child’s need for formula reduces inspection friction.
Protein supplements and sports nutrition: keep the Supplement Facts panel, complete ingredient list, and purchase receipt; elite athletes should carry a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) or a negative analysis certificate if the product is for competition use.
Checkpoint treatment, thresholds and country rules
US (TSA): dry items over 12 oz (approximately 350 mL) are subject to separate screening and possible additional testing; infant formula and medically necessary dry medications are exempt from 3-1-1 limits but must be declared and presented for inspection. EU/UK/Canada/Australia: many checkpoints use a ~350 mL/350 g threshold for separate inspection of dry goods; medical items allowed with proper documentation but customs/import rules for supplements vary by destination.
Practical steps: translate prescriptions into the destination language, keep items in carry-on for immediate presentation, request a private inspection if confidentiality is needed, do not mix medicated items with general supplements, and verify both airline carriage rules and destination customs rules for restricted substances. For refrigerated transport check airline policies and storage options; see are there any problems with hotpoint freezers.
Risks and enforcement: undeclared controlled ingredients or supplies that conflict with national drug or food import lists can be seized and could trigger fines or criminal charges; consult national regulator and airline before travel for items containing stimulants, anabolic agents or prescription-only compounds.
