Hazardous Goods (ADR) Transport Regulations

The ADR (Accord Dangereux Routier) is the European agreement governing the international transport of dangerous goods by road. It sets uniform regulations to ensure hazardous materials can move across borders safely and freely, provided that the goods, vehicles, and drivers all comply with its rules. ADR has been in force since 1968 (administered by the UNECE) and is updated every two years to reflect technological and safety advancements. The agreement is implemented through national laws in each signatory country and is strictly enforced by authorities.

Under ADR, Annex A details requirements for classifying dangerous goods, proper packaging, labeling/placarding, and certification of such goods, while Annex B covers vehicle specifications and operational rules for transporting hazardous cargo. For example, substances are classified into hazard classes (flammable, toxic, corrosive, etc.) and must be packaged in approved containers with appropriate hazard labels. Vehicles may need special equipment (like leak-proof tanks or ventilation) and are subject to inspection and certification. Additionally, drivers transporting dangerous goods must undergo special training and hold an ADR certificate, with only limited exemptions for very small quantities. They must carry proper documentation detailing the cargo’s identity and hazards, and emergency response information in case of an accident. Overall, ADR’s standardized regulations (followed by most European and many neighboring countries) ensure a high level of safety in hazardous materials transport and facilitate international road shipments by harmonizing rules across jurisdictions.