European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR)

What is ADR (dangerous goods)?

ADR (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) is the set of harmonized rules that govern how dangerous goods are classified, packaged, labeled, documented, handled, and transported on roads across signatory countries. In short, ADR ensures that hazardous substances—such as flammable liquids, corrosives, gases, explosives, and lithium batteries—move safely and legally, reducing risks to people, property, and the environment.

How ADR Works in Road Transportation

ADR applies to the full lifecycle of a dangerous goods shipment, from classification to delivery:

• Classification and identification: Each substance or article is assigned a UN number, proper shipping name, hazard class (1–9), and, when applicable, a packing group (I–III) reflecting the degree of danger. Special provisions may refine requirements for specific items.

• Packaging and containment: Approved UN performance-tested packaging, IBCs, or tanks are used based on the product’s characteristics. Closure instructions and maximum fill ratios prevent leaks or pressure-related failures.

• Marking, labeling, and placarding: Packages bear UN numbers and hazard labels (pictograms). Transport units display required placards and/or orange plates to communicate hazards to responders and road authorities.

• Documentation: The ADR transport document lists the proper shipping name, UN number, hazard class, packing group, and any special details (such as tunnel restriction code). “Instructions in writing” must be carried in the cab for emergency response. These details must appear accurately on the consignment note (CMR/eCMR); learn more about eCMR and its benefits for ADR documentation.

• Vehicle and equipment: Vehicles carry specific equipment (e.g., fire extinguishers, wheel chocks, absorbents, and PPE). Certain equipment varies by load and vehicle type (packaged goods, bulk, or tank).

• Training: Drivers carrying dangerous goods above exemption thresholds need an ADR driver training certificate. Other staff (consignors, packers, loaders, and warehouse teams) require function-specific ADR training.

• Quantity thresholds and exemptions: Limited Quantities (LQ), Excepted Quantities (EQ), and small load thresholds (ADR 1.1.3.6) can reduce requirements when quantities are low and conditions are met.

• Operations and route planning: Mixed loading prohibitions, segregation rules, and load securing standards apply. On site, loading and unloading must follow a documented loading security protocol. Tunnel restriction codes must be checked against route constraints. National/local restrictions may impose additional conditions.

Industry Context for Logistics and Carriers

ADR is central to road freight operations involving chemicals, fuels, paints, aerosols, batteries, pharmaceuticals, and certain consumer goods. For logistics providers, ADR affects:

• Tendering and pricing (specialized vehicles, trained drivers, compliance checks)

• Network planning (route/tunnel restrictions, time windows, ferry connections)

• Hub operations (segregation in cross-docks, handling procedures, incident readiness)

• Data accuracy (correct UN numbers, labels, and documentation in TMS/WMS). Modern TMS and eCMR solutions can capture key ADR fields (UN number, packing group, consignment instructions) and share them with carriers.

• Compliance audits and insurer requirements

Failure to comply can result in fines, delays, refused loads, or, in the worst case, accidents with severe consequences. Misdeclaration or mishandling of dangerous goods often leads to claims; see practical ways to reduce disputes in road transport.

Key Benefits and Core Components

• Safety and risk reduction: Standardized packaging, labeling, and emergency procedures reduce incident severity and frequency.

• Legal compliance across borders: A common rulebook enables seamless international road transport among ADR signatories.

• Clear communication: UN numbers, hazard labels, and orange plates give first responders essential information at a glance.

• Predictable operations: Defined roles, training, and equipment simplify planning and audit readiness.

Core components you’ll encounter:

• Hazard classes 1–9, UN numbers, proper shipping names

• Packing groups I (high danger) to III (low danger)

• Limited Quantities (LQ) and Excepted Quantities (EQ)

• ADR transport document and instructions in writing

• Vehicle equipment, PPE, and fire extinguishers

• Placards, labels, and orange plates

• Mixed loading and segregation rules

• Tunnel restriction codes and routing controls

Real-World Example

A carrier is moving pallets of paint (UN 1263, Class 3, Packing Group II) from Lyon to Cologne. The consignor classifies the product and uses UN-approved cans and boxes. Each package is labeled with the Class 3 flammable liquid label and marked with UN 1263. The transport document lists UN 1263, PAINT, Class 3, PG II, along with any applicable tunnel code. The driver carries ADR instructions in writing, checks that fire extinguishers are in date, and ensures absorbent material and PPE are on board. If the total quantity exceeds small load thresholds, the vehicle must display orange plates, and the driver must hold a valid ADR certificate. The planner selects a route compatible with the tunnel restriction code and ensures no incompatible goods are loaded together. The load is secured to prevent movement and leaks during transit.

Conclusion

ADR (dangerous goods) provides a common, enforceable framework for moving hazardous materials safely by road. By standardizing classification, packaging, marking, documentation, training, and emergency readiness, ADR protects people and supply chains while enabling efficient cross-border logistics. For any carrier or shipper handling dangerous goods, ADR compliance is both a legal requirement and an operational best practice.