What is ADR and which transports does it apply to?

ADR (Accord relatif au transport international des marchandises Dangereuses par Route) is the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road. It applies to international road transport of dangerous goods between the 50+ signatory countries, which include all EU member states plus many non-EU countries such as Russia, Turkey, and Morocco. Most EU member states have also adopted ADR as their domestic dangerous goods road transport legislation, so in practice ADR rules apply to both international and domestic road movements of dangerous goods within the EU. Exceptions: small quantities under the limited quantity (LQ) or excepted quantity (EQ) provisions, certain radioactive materials under national rules, and transport entirely within a single facility.

What is the 1,000-point threshold and how do I calculate it?

The 1,000-point threshold (ADR 1.1.3.6) is a simplified calculation that determines whether a mixed load of packaged dangerous goods requires full ADR compliance or can travel under a simplified regime. For each dangerous good in the load: calculate points = quantity (kg for solids, litres for liquids) ÷ multiplier. The multiplier is: 50 for Packing Group I (high danger), 333 for Packing Group II (medium), and 1,000 for Packing Group III (low danger). Sum the points for all dangerous goods in the load. If total ≤ 1,000 points: simplified rules apply — no orange panels, no ADR driver certificate required. Example: 50 kg of PG II liquid = 50 ÷ 333 = 0.15 points; 200 kg of PG III solid = 200 ÷ 1,000 = 0.2 points. Total = 0.35 points — well below threshold.

What documents are required for an ADR shipment?

The following documents are required in the vehicle cabin for every ADR shipment above the exemption thresholds: the Transport Document (DGD — Dangerous Goods Declaration) listing all dangerous goods with UN numbers, proper shipping names, class, packing group, and quantities; Written Instructions (emergency action cards) for every UN number in the load, in all languages of the countries on the route; the driver's ADR training certificate; and the vehicle ADR certificate (for vehicles requiring ADR type approval — mainly tanks and EX/II or EX/III vehicles). For Class 7 (radioactive) and some Class 1 (explosives) goods, additional authorisation documents may be required. Keep all documents accessible — inspectors check them at roadside controls.

Do I need an ADR driver certificate for every dangerous goods transport?

Not for every transport. The ADR driver certificate is required when the load exceeds the 1,000-point threshold (ADR 1.1.3.6), when the goods include Class 1 (explosives) or Class 7 (radioactive materials) in any quantity above excepted quantities, or when transporting dangerous goods in tanks. Below the 1,000-point threshold, the simplified regime applies and no ADR driver certificate is required — though all other basic requirements (correct packaging, labelling, transport document) still apply. The ADR driver certificate covers basic ADR plus optional class-specific endorsements for Class 1 and Class 7. Certificates are valid for 5 years and must be renewed before expiry — an expired certificate is treated as no certificate.

What are the segregation rules for mixed ADR loads?

ADR Chapter 7.5 and the Dangerous Goods List contain segregation provisions for mixed loads. The general principle: incompatible dangerous goods must not be carried in the same vehicle if they could react dangerously in the event of a spill or accident. Key forbidden combinations include: foodstuffs with toxic (Class 6.1) or infectious (Class 6.2) goods; oxidisers (Class 5.1) with flammable liquids (Class 3) or gases; and acids with bases unless adequately separated. For packaged goods, the distance or physical barrier requirement is less strict than for tanks, but incompatible packages must still be separated and cannot be stacked directly together. Check the specific Stowage and Segregation codes in the Dangerous Goods List for your UN numbers — some combinations have absolute prohibitions regardless of quantity.

Dangerous Goods by Road

ADR Road Transport Guide

ADR governs the international road transport of dangerous goods across 50+ countries. Getting it wrong is not just a fine — it is a criminal liability for driver, operator, and shipper.

ADR hazard classes

9 classes

Exemption threshold

1,000 points

Driver certificate

Mandatory

Countries covered

50+ signatory states

ADR Class Reference

Select a hazard class to see placard, requirements, and key restrictions

Flammable

Examples

Fuel, paint, solvents, alcohols

Packing groups

I, II, or III

Tunnel restriction

B, C, D, or E depending on quantity

Key requirement

Ignition sources prohibited in vehicle

1203

Orange panel example (tank vehicle): Kemler code top / UN number bottom. Packaged goods use plain orange panels.

ADR Compliance Guide

How to comply with ADR for road transport of dangerous goods

ADR compliance is a shared responsibility between the shipper, carrier, and driver. Each has legally defined obligations. Follow this sequence to ensure every shipment is fully compliant before the truck leaves.

Step 1

Classify the goods and identify the UN number

Every dangerous good must be assigned a UN number — a 4-digit code identifying the specific substance or article — and an ADR hazard class (1 through 9). Classification is the shipper's responsibility, not the carrier's. Use the ADR Dangerous Goods List (Chapter 3.2) to look up the substance: the list gives the UN number, class, packing group (I = high danger, II = medium, III = low), labels required, special provisions, and limited/excepted quantity allowances. For mixtures and preparations not listed individually, classification must be determined by a qualified person using Chapter 2 criteria. If in doubt, appoint a DGSA (Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser) — incorrect classification is one of the most common ADR violations.

Step 2

Select approved packaging and mark the packages correctly

ADR prescribes specific packaging standards for each class and packing group. Packaging must carry a UN approval mark showing it has been tested to the required standard — look for the circular UN symbol plus codes indicating the package type, performance level, and max gross mass. Labels: each package must carry the primary hazard label for its class, plus subsidiary risk labels if applicable. Orientation labels (THIS WAY UP) are required for liquids in any package larger than 120 ml. Marking on the package: UN number preceded by 'UN', proper shipping name, and the consignor's name and address. For limited quantity shipments, simplified rules apply but packages must still carry the LQ mark.

Step 3

Prepare the transport document and any special certificates

The ADR transport document (DGD — Dangerous Goods Declaration) must accompany every ADR shipment. Required fields: the UN number in the format 'UN XXXX', proper shipping name, class, packing group, total quantity, and the shipper's declaration: 'I hereby declare that the contents of this consignment are fully and accurately described above by the proper shipping name, and are classified, packaged, marked and labelled/placarded, and are in all respects in proper condition for transport according to applicable international and national governmental regulations.' For explosives (Class 1): an additional transport authorisation may be required. For radioactive materials (Class 7): a competent authority approval. For some Class 1 and Class 7: prior notification of the carrier.

Step 4

Verify vehicle equipment requirements

Every ADR vehicle — regardless of load size — must carry a standard equipment kit: at least one portable fire extinguisher rated 2 kg dry powder (or equivalent) for the cabin, and one or two larger extinguishers rated for the cargo type; wheel chocks; portable warning lights or fluorescent cones; a high-visibility vest for each crew member; an eye wash bottle; a face shield or protective goggles; gloves; a shovel (for solid substances); a drain cover; and a collection vessel. For certain goods: additional protective equipment may be required (full chemical suit, breathing apparatus). Check the Special Provisions for your UN number. The driver must carry and know how to use all equipment.

Step 5

Placard the vehicle with orange panels and hazard labels

ADR vehicles must display: orange rectangular panels (400 × 300 mm) at the front and rear of the vehicle. For tank vehicles or vehicles carrying a single UN number in bulk: the orange panels must also show the Kemler code (upper half, hazard identification number) and UN number (lower half). For packaged goods with multiple UN numbers: plain orange panels front and rear are sufficient. Hazard labels (diamond-shaped, 250 mm × 250 mm) must be affixed to both sides and the rear of the vehicle or tank. For mixed loads, all relevant hazard labels must be displayed. Labels must be clearly visible and not obscured by cargo or securing equipment.

Step 6

Verify driver ADR certificate and brief on emergency procedures

The vehicle driver must hold a valid ADR driver training certificate appropriate for the goods being carried. There are two categories: basic certificate (Class 1 and 7 excluded) and additional certificates for explosives and radioactive materials. Certificates are valid for 5 years and must be renewed by passing a refresher course before expiry. Before departure, brief the driver on: the specific goods being carried, the emergency action to take in case of incident (as described on the Written Instructions), and the route. The Written Instructions (emergency action card) for every UN number in the load must be in the cabin — in the languages understood by the driver and of every country on the route. These are the driver's primary reference in an emergency.

ADR Regulations

ADR key rules at a glance

Based on ADR 2025 (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road). Updated biennially. Check the current edition for your transport.

ADR classes

Class 1–9 hazard categories

Exemption threshold

1,000 points

Limited quantities exemption

Driver certificate

5-year validity

Renewal required before expiry

Orange panels

Front + rear

Mandatory on all ADR vehicles

The 1,000-point exemption

Simplified rules below threshold

ADR Chapter 1.1.3.6 allows simplified transport rules when the total dangerous goods quantity on a single vehicle falls below a calculated threshold of 1,000 points. Each UN number contributes points calculated as: quantity (kg or litres) divided by a multiplier based on packing group (PG I = 50, PG II = 333, PG III = 1,000). If the sum across all dangerous goods is under 1,000 points, the vehicle is exempt from: orange panel requirements, certain vehicle equipment requirements, and the ADR driver certificate. Basic labelling, packaging, and transport document requirements still apply. Note: Class 1, 2, 5.2, 6.2, and 7 goods have their own rules and may not benefit from this exemption.

Tunnel restriction codes

A through E — check per route

ADR assigns a tunnel restriction code (A, B, C, D, or E) to each dangerous good. Code A = no restriction; E = completely prohibited in tunnels. Each European tunnel operator publishes the tunnel category they apply — check before routing through mountain tunnels (Gotthard, Mont Blanc, Channel Tunnel etc.). The Channel Tunnel has its own Eurotunnel DG regulations that differ from standard ADR tunnel codes. Failing to check tunnel restrictions is a common violation — routing software that is not ADR-aware will not flag these restrictions automatically.

DGSA — Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser

Mandatory for regular ADR operations

Any company that carries, loads, unloads, or packages dangerous goods for transport (with certain exemptions) must appoint a qualified DGSA. The DGSA monitors ADR compliance, investigates incidents, prepares annual reports, and advises management. DGSAs hold a certificate of training valid for 5 years, renewed by examination. The DGSA is not personally liable for ADR violations — that liability remains with the company — but must ensure the company has adequate procedures. Appointing an external DGSA is permitted for companies where the volume of DG movements does not justify a full-time appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your next load, perfectly planned.

Start free. No credit card. No install.

Plan a Container Plan a Truck Load