What is the ADR regulation?

The ADR or the European Agreement on the international carriage of dangerous goods by road is a European agreement signed by several countries in Geneva on 30 September 1957 to regulate the carriage of dangerous goods by road.

ADR regulation timeline

The ADR was drafted in line with United Nations recommendations.

In addition to most European countries, many Asian and North African countries have also signed the agreement.

The latest published revision came into force in 2023 and biannual reviews are planned for odd-numbered years.

The agreement regulates packaging, transportation, documentation and other aspects associated with the carriage of dangerous goods by road, including their loading, unloading and storage, whether the goods are carried between several countries or within one country.

An important aspect is determining the obligations and responsibilities of each of those involved in the operations to try and avoid harm to people and property and protect the environment.

The regulation includes a detailed list with headings for most goods considered dangerous (with codes established by the UN) and the regulatory requirements that are applied to each case. The regulation affects those who are directly involved in transportation as well as the manufacturers of elements and materials related to the carriage, packaging and handling of dangerous goods. The ADR is updated biannually.

The latest publication is the ADR 2023, which came into force on 1 January of said year, being mandatory from 30 June of said year.