ADR 2025: Updates on the regulation of the transport of dangerous goods

2025-02-07

ADR

Acualidad del sector

Transportation of dangerous goods: What is ADR?
Key Regulatory Changes

The ADR 2025 updates on the regulation of the transport of dangerous goods came into effect on January 1, 2025, with a six-month transition period before becoming mandatory in all signatory countries. Compliance with the latest requirements is essential for both transport operators and specialized trainers in hazardous materials.

This article highlights the key changes introduced in ADR 2025, including new entries in the classification of dangerous goods, modifications to existing entries, expansion of subcategories, and new packaging instructions.

Transportation of dangerous goods: What is ADR?

The European agreement concerning the international carriage of dangerous goods by road (ADR) is an international treaty that establishes regulations for the safe transport of hazardous materials by road. This agreement, drafted in accordance with the recommendations of the United Nations (UN), has been signed by most European countries as well as several nations in Asia and North Africa.

The regulation includes a detailed list of classifications for most dangerous goods, coded according to a numbering system established by the UN, along with the applicable regulatory requirements for each case. These rules affect not only those directly involved in transport but also manufacturers of transport-related components, packaging, and handling materials for hazardous goods.

The ADR is structured into two volumes:

Volume 1: General provisions and regulations related to hazardous materials and substances, including key aspects such as packaging and labeling.
Volume 2: Rules for transport equipment and operations, with a focus on vehicle construction, equipment, and operational procedures for transporting dangerous goods.
Read more: REACH-EN-FORCE-11: Key Errors in Safety Data Sheets

Key Regulatory Changes

Listed below are the main changes to the ADR regulations for the transport of dangerous goods - take a look!

1. New Entries in the Classification of Dangerous Goods

ADR 2025 introduces 10 new UN numbers for hazardous substances and materials, updating the classification and labeling of these goods. Some of the most notable updates include:

UN 0514 & UN 3559: Extinguishing agent dispersal devices containing pyrotechnic substances for dispersing extinguishing agents, without including other hazardous materials.
UN 3551 & UN 3552: Sodium-ion batteries with organic electrolyte, either loose or installed in equipment.
UN 3553: Disilane, a flammable chemical compound.
UN 3554: Gallium contained in manufactured objects.
UN 3555: Sodium salt of trifluoromethyltetrazole in acetone, with a minimum of 68% acetone by mass.

2. Transport of Electric Vehicles and Batteries

The use of electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles in the transport of dangerous and flammable goods is expanding. The new Special Provision 404 states that vehicles equipped with sodium-ion batteries will be exempt from other restrictions if they are completely and verifiably short-circuited.

Additionally, new UN numbers have been introduced to classify electric vehicles based on their battery type:

UN 3556: Vehicle with a lithium-ion battery.
UN 3557: Vehicle with a lithium-metal battery.
UN 3558: Vehicle with a sodium-ion battery.

Previous provisions have been expanded to include sodium-ion batteries in existing regulations.

3. Modifications to Existing Entries

ADR 2025 also introduces classification adjustments for certain hazardous materials. A key example is UN 1010, where a stabilized mixture of butadienes and hydrocarbons is now classified as hazardous if it contains more than 20% butadienes, instead of the previous 40% threshold.

Have you already heard that ECHA adds 5 SVHC substances to the candidate List? Find out now!

4. Expansion of Subcategories

The "S" and "T" subdivisions, previously applicable only to hazardous substances, now also include objects containing these substances. This change affects categories such as toxic flammable (TF) and corrosive (TC) materials, enabling more precise classification of certain dangerous goods.

5. New Packaging Instructions

ADR 2025 introduces new packaging requirements to ensure safe transport of various hazardous materials:

P303 (UN 3555): Plastic drums (1H1) with a non-removable lid, maximum 250 liters. Lead content is prohibited.
P912 (UN 3556, 3557, 3558): Vehicles with batteries must be packed in rigid containers that prevent activation. Vehicles ≥30 kg may use cages, pallets, or remain unpackaged if properly secured.
P620 (UN 2814, 2900): Rules for coolants such as dry ice, which pose an asphyxiation risk.
P650 (UN 3373): Packaging must withstand 1.2-meter drops and an internal pressure of 95 kPa without leaks.
P803 (UN 2028): Packaging must meet performance level group II requirements.
P902 (UN 3268, 3559): Extinguishing agent dispersal devices (UN 3559) cannot be transported unpackaged.
P903, P910, LP904, LP905 (UN 3480, 3481, 3551, 3552): Expanded to sodium-ion batteries. Insulation materials must be non-combustible.
LP903 (Large batteries and cells): Rigid packaging required for cells >500 g or batteries >12 kg. Plastic bags alone are not permitted as protective packaging.

6. Handling Asbestos-Contaminated Waste

The new Special Provision 678 regulates the transport of waste containing free asbestos (UN 2212 and 2590), allowing it to be transported only from the point of origin to a final disposal center.

Strict measures are established to prevent the release of asbestos fibers, including double-layer containment bags with airtight sealing. Bulk transport is also permitted, provided the bags meet strength requirements and cargo compartments are made of rigid metal, ensuring safe transit.

Learn more about the new updates to the PIC Regulation.

7. New Provisions for Bulk Transport of Dangerous Goods

ADR 2025 introduces significant changes to bulk transport regulations, including the authorization of uncleaned empty containers and packaging, provided the transport method is approved for the original substance.

Additional specific regulations include:

AP11: Regulates the bulk transport of molten aluminum, setting manufacturing and inspection standards for transport tanks, fire protection requirements, and specialized driver training.
AP12: Allows the bulk transport of asbestos fiber waste in heavy-duty containment bags with airtight zipper systems.

Complementary new safety measures include:

CV29: Requires certain packages to be stored upright (peroxides).
CV38: Sharp edges in cargo compartments are prohibited, with strict unloading protocols to prevent bag rupture.

ADR 2025 to transport of dangerous goods: Implementation and Compliance

ADR regulations define training and responsibilities, making it crucial for carriers, shippers, and trainers to comply with the latest updates. This agreement is renewed every two years (odd years) to adapt to new safety standards.

Currently, around 54 countries participate in this agreement, which sets international safety requirements for transporting dangerous goods.

Simplified Compliance with eQgest

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