Compliance Guide
ADR Dangerous Goods Transport by Road in Europe: Rules & Requirements 2026
Guide to ADR regulations for dangerous goods road freight in Europe: classes, documentation, driver training, vehicle marking, and exemptions.
1. What is ADR?
ADR stands for "Accord européen relatif au transport international des marchandises Dangereuses par Route" — the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road. It was adopted in Geneva in 1957 and is updated every two years. ADR applies to all international road transport of dangerous goods between signatory countries (all EU states plus the UK, Switzerland, Norway, Turkey, and others). It classifies dangerous goods into 9 classes, sets packaging standards, mandates vehicle and driver requirements, and specifies the documentation that must accompany every shipment.
2. ADR Classes Overview
Class 1: Explosives. Class 2: Gases (flammable, non-flammable, toxic). Class 3: Flammable liquids (paints, solvents, perfumes). Class 4: Flammable solids, spontaneously combustible, dangerous when wet. Class 5: Oxidising substances and organic peroxides. Class 6: Toxic and infectious substances. Class 7: Radioactive material. Class 8: Corrosive substances (acids, batteries). Class 9: Miscellaneous dangerous goods (lithium batteries, environmentally hazardous). Each class has sub-divisions and specific UN numbers. The UN number (4-digit code) uniquely identifies the substance and determines packaging, labelling, and transport requirements.
3. Required Documentation
Every ADR shipment must carry: (1) ADR transport document stating the UN number, proper shipping name, class, packing group, quantity, and sender/carrier/consignee details. (2) Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the substance. (3) Written instructions (instructions in writing) — a standardised emergency procedure card that must be in language(s) understood by the driver and in the languages of the transit and destination countries. (4) If applicable, a certificate of approval for the vehicle and driver ADR training certificate. The CMR consignment note must also reference the ADR classification in Box 10 and Box 14.
4. Limited Quantities & Exemptions
ADR provides exemptions for small quantities. The "limited quantities" (LQ) regime allows dangerous goods packed in small inner packages (below substance-specific thresholds) to be transported with reduced documentation — no ADR transport document required, but packages must be marked with the LQ diamond and the shipment must not exceed 8 tonnes gross per transport unit. The "excepted quantities" regime is even more relaxed. Additionally, the 1,000-point rule (sub-section 1.1.3.6) exempts loads below a calculated threshold from most ADR requirements. Always verify the applicable exemption with the specific UN numbers involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ADR in road freight?
ADR is the European Agreement for the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road. It sets the rules for transporting hazardous materials by truck across Europe, covering classification, packaging, labelling, documentation, driver training, and vehicle requirements. It applies to all signatory countries including all EU states, the UK, and Switzerland.
Do I need a special vehicle for ADR transport?
It depends on the ADR class and quantity. For limited quantities (LQ), standard vehicles can be used. For full ADR loads or high-risk classes (explosives, radioactive), specialised vehicles with ADR-approved equipment, fire extinguishers, and orange plates are required. The vehicle must have a valid ADR certificate of approval.
What ADR training do drivers need?
All drivers carrying dangerous goods above the limited quantity threshold must hold a valid ADR driver training certificate. The basic certificate covers all classes except Class 1 (explosives) and Class 7 (radioactive), which require additional specialisation courses. The certificate is valid for 5 years and must be renewed with a refresher course.
Can lithium batteries be shipped by road under ADR?
Yes — lithium batteries fall under ADR Class 9, UN 3480 (lithium ion) or UN 3090 (lithium metal). Small quantities in devices (UN 3481/3091) often qualify for limited quantity exemptions. Larger shipments require full ADR documentation, Section II packing, and the lithium battery handling mark. Damaged or defective batteries have additional restrictions.