ADR 2027 requirements for the transport of dangerous goods

ADR 2027: main compliance requirements

For 2027 planning, distinguish the standing ADR requirements from the amendments scheduled for January 1, 2027. The 2027 amendment package is presented as draft amendments for acceptance under Article 14 of ADR; its scheduled entry into force should not be confused with confirmation of final legal adoption. (ECE/TRANS/WP.15/274, Secretariat note.)

1. Check exemptions and special provisions first

Before applying the full requirements, check whether the consignment qualifies for:

• A product-specific exemption under a special provision assigned in Table A, column (6).
• Limited quantities under Chapter 3.4.
• Excepted quantities under Chapter 3.5.
• The packaged-load exemption under 1.1.3.6, using the transport category in Table A, column (15), and the applicable quantity calculation. (ADR 1.1.3.4.1–1.1.3.4.3 and 1.1.3.6.1–1.1.3.6.2, Volume I, page 9.)

An exemption does not necessarily remove all obligations. For example, 1.1.3.6 removes specified requirements—including Chapter 5.3 signaling and written instructions—but retains transport documentation and specified training, fire-extinguisher, and operational requirements. (ADR 1.1.3.6.2, Volume I, page 9.)

2. Classify the goods and use suitable containment

The consignor must ensure that the goods are correctly classified and authorized for transport, use approved and suitable packagings, IBCs, large packagings, or tanks bearing the prescribed marks, and comply with dispatch restrictions. (ADR 1.4.2.1.1(a), (c), and (d), Volume I, page 39.)

3. Provide the required documents and vehicle signaling

Where the full requirements apply, the cab must carry the dangerous goods transport documents, written instructions, and photographic identification for each crew member. Driver training certificates, vehicle approval certificates, and competent-authority approvals must also be carried where required. Placards and orange plates must comply with Chapter 5.3. (ADR 8.1.2.1–8.1.3, Volume II, page 641.)

4. Train personnel and maintain records

Personnel must receive general-awareness, function-specific, and safety training appropriate to their responsibilities, with periodic refresher training and employer-held records. Personnel who have not yet completed the required training may perform those functions only under direct supervision. (ADR 1.3.1–1.3.3, Volume I, page 37.)

5. Carry the required firefighting equipment

For transport subject to the full equipment requirements, the minimum total extinguisher capacity depends on the transport unit’s maximum permissible mass: 4 kg up to 3.5 tonnes, 8 kg above 3.5 up to 7.5 tonnes, and 12 kg above 7.5 tonnes, with at least two extinguishers and the individual capacities specified in the ADR table. Reduced-load transport has separate provisions. (ADR 8.1.4.1, Volume II, page 641.)

6. Secure the load

Dangerous goods packages and unpackaged dangerous articles must be restrained against movements that could change their orientation or damage them. Other cargo must also be secured to prevent damage or release of the dangerous goods. (ADR 7.5.7.1, Volume II, page 627.)

7. Apply security requirements where triggered

Carriers, consignors, and other relevant participants handling high-consequence dangerous goods must adopt and effectively implement a security plan meeting ADR requirements. (ADR 1.10.3.2.1–1.10.3.2.2, Volume I, page 97.)

8. Check tunnel restrictions before dispatch

Tunnel restrictions depend on the code in Table A, column (15); for mixed loads, the most restrictive applicable code governs the load. Exemptions must be considered, but limited-quantity transport requiring the prescribed vehicle marking can still be restricted in category E tunnels. (ADR 8.6.3.1–8.6.4, Volume II, page 657.)

Specific 2027 changes to prepare for

The scheduled amendment package includes these operational changes:

• Training records: clarification that “personnel” includes anyone performing equivalent functions, with recordkeeping obligations extending to the persons concerned unless the relevant ADR participant retains those records. (ECE/TRANS/WP.15/274, amendments to ADR 1.3.2–1.3.3, page 4.)
• Written instructions: a proposed transition allows instructions complying with the requirements applicable through December 31, 2026, to remain in use through December 31, 2027, even if they do not meet the new requirements. (ECE/TRANS/WP.15/274, proposed ADR 1.6.1.58, page 5.)
• Battery-vehicles and MEGCs: proposed pre-filling checks cover approval for the gas, element supports, restraint systems, and the main connection’s suitability and condition. This is a sector-specific requirement, not a requirement for every dangerous goods load. (ECE/TRANS/WP.15/274/Corr.1, item 5, proposed ADR 4.3.3.2.5, page 1.)

Sources

• ADR 1.1.3.4; 1.1.3.6 - Chapitre 1.1 - Exemptions - 2412006_F_ECE_TRANS_352_Vol.I_WEB.pdf, page 9
• ADR 1.4.2.1.1 - Chapitre 1.4 - Consignor obligations - 2412006_F_ECE_TRANS_352_Vol.I_WEB.pdf, page 39
• ADR 8.1.2–8.1.4.1 - Chapitre 8.1 - Documents, signaling, and firefighting equipment - 2412010_F_ECE_TRANS_352_Vol.II_WEB.pdf, page 641
• ADR 1.3.1–1.3.3 - Chapitre 1.3 - Personnel training and records - 2412006_F_ECE_TRANS_352_Vol.I_WEB.pdf, page 37
• ADR 7.5.7.1 - Chapitre 7.5 - Load securing - 2412010_F_ECE_TRANS_352_Vol.II_WEB.pdf, page 627
• ADR 1.10.3.2 - Chapitre 1.10 - Security plans - 2412006_F_ECE_TRANS_352_Vol.I_WEB.pdf, page 97
• ADR 8.6.3–8.6.4 - Chapitre 8.6 - Tunnel restrictions - 2412010_F_ECE_TRANS_352_Vol.II_WEB.pdf, page 657
• Secretariat note on draft amendments scheduled for 2027 - ECE-TRANS-WP15-274F.pdf
• 1.3.2; 1.3.3 - Chapitre 1.3 - Proposed training and recordkeeping amendments - ECE-TRANS-WP15-274F.pdf, page 4
• 1.6.1.58 - Chapitre 1.6 - Proposed written-instruction transition - ECE-TRANS-WP15-274F.pdf, page 5
• 4.3.3.2.5 - Chapitre 4.3 - Proposed pre-filling checks for battery-vehicles and MEGCs - ECE-TRANS-WP15-274c1f.pdf, page 1