Dangerous Goods Regulations UK: Road, Rail, Air & Sea Guide

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Dangerous goods are items or substances that can harm people, property or the environment if mishandled in transport—think fuels and solvents, industrial gases, lithium batteries, paints, pesticides or infectious samples. Moving them lawfully means classifying what you have, using the right packaging, marking and documents, and making sure trained people carry them by road, rail, sea or air.

This guide explains the UK framework and modal rules (CDG with ADR/RID, IMDG, ICAO/IATA), and the practical steps to comply—classification, packaging, labels and placards, documents, training and DGSA, exemptions, operational controls, GB/NI nuances, enforcement and a simple checklist to use before you ship.

What counts as dangerous goods in the UK

In UK transport law, dangerous goods are substances or articles assigned to one of the UN hazard classes (1–9) for carriage. They span explosives; gases; flammable liquids; flammable solids, spontaneously combustible and water‑reactive substances; oxidisers and organic peroxides; toxic and infectious substances; radioactive materials; corrosives; and Class 9 miscellaneous (for example lithium batteries, asbestos). Common items like paints, solvents and pesticides often qualify.

How UK dangerous goods law works: core regulations, modal rules and competent authorities

The UK applies the UN Model Regulations through mode‑specific rules. In Great Britain, the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009 (CDG) give legal effect to ADR (road) and RID (rail). Sea transport follows the IMDG Code, with handling and storage in ports governed by the Dangerous Goods in Harbour Areas Regulations 2016. Air transport follows the ICAO Technical Instructions; industry implements them via the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. Modal rules are periodically updated (typically every two years; IATA annually), so keep procedures current.

  • Primary regulators/guidance: HSE (CDG road/rail), CAA (air), harbour authorities under DGHAR (sea/ports), and VCA for UN packaging, tanks and pressure receptacles approvals.

Road (ADR/CDG): scope and key requirements

In Great Britain, road carriage is governed by ADR as implemented by the UK CDG 2009 Regulations. It sets rules for classification, packaging, loading/unloading, documentation and operations for consignors, carriers, loaders, packers and fillers. ADR is updated every two years, so keep procedures, training and vehicle equipment aligned to the current edition.

  • Transport document: with UN number, proper name, class and PG.
  • UN packaging: use performance-tested packagings and closures per ADR.
  • Vehicles: mark/placard vehicles; carry required equipment.
  • Training: ADR training for all; drivers need ADR certificate.
  • Governance: appoint a DGSA; use LQ/EQ when permitted.

Rail (RID/CDG): scope and key requirements

Rail carriage of dangerous goods is governed by RID (COTIF Appendix C). In Great Britain, RID is applied through the CDG 2009 Regulations. Duties mirror other modes: classify and pack correctly, use RID‑approved tanks/wagons, mark/placard, issue a compliant transport document, ensure RID training for all involved, and appoint a DGSA where the business consigns or transports dangerous goods.

Sea (IMDG and harbour areas): scope and key requirements

Sea carriage follows the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code; within UK ports and terminals the Dangerous Goods in Harbour Areas Regulations 2016 (DGHAR) control handling and carriage in harbour areas. IMDG adds marine‑specific rules on identifying marine pollutants, stowage, segregation and loading of cargo transport units (CTUs) from acceptance through terminal transfer to loading.

  • Marking/placarding: Mark and label packages; placard CTUs; apply marine pollutant marks where required by IMDG.
  • Packaging and stowage: Use UN performance‑tested packaging, IBCs or tanks permitted by IMDG; meet segregation and stowage tables.

Air (ICAO/IATA): scope and key requirements

Air carriage in the UK follows the ICAO Technical Instructions, applied industry‑wide via the annually updated IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. The Civil Aviation Authority oversees compliance. Air rules are stringent, with strict quantity limits and passenger‑versus‑cargo aircraft distinctions.

  • Classification: UN number and proper shipping name per entry.
  • Packaging: Comply with IATA packing instruction and quantity limits.
  • Marking/labelling/docs: Apply required labels/marks and provide required air transport documentation.
  • Variations: Check State/Operator variations; confirm passenger vs cargo acceptability.

Classification essentials: UN numbers, hazard classes and packing groups

Under UK dangerous goods regulations, classification is step one. Each substance or article gets a four‑digit UN number and Proper Shipping Name, a hazard class (1–9, with divisions) and, where applicable, a Packing Group (I–III) for degree of danger. Classification sets the required marks, labels, packaging level, documents and quantity limits under ADR, RID, IMDG and ICAO/IATA. Concentration can alter PG—for example, sulphuric acid stays Class 8 but may move from PG II to PG III when diluted.

  • UN number/PSN: Use exactly as listed; they drive transport documents and package/CTU marking.
  • Packing Group: I most dangerous, II medium, III least; written in Roman numerals.

Packaging and containment: UN packaging, tanks and pressure receptacles

Across all modes, packages must meet UN performance‑tested design types to the assigned packing instruction and Packing Group in ADR/RID, IMDG and ICAO/IATA. In the UK, the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) approves UN packaging designs, tanks, pressure receptacles and bulk containers (e.g., BK1/BK2). Keep approvals current—UN design type approvals require 5‑year revalidation—and ensure periodic inspection, correct closures, legible UN markings and retention of approval/inspection certificates.

Marking, labelling and placarding across modes

Marking, labelling and placarding are the visual backbone of compliance. Under the dangerous goods regulations UK duty holders must show accurate hazards from package to transport unit: the correct class labels, Proper Shipping Name and UN number where required, durable handling marks (e.g. marine pollutant), and matching placards on vehicles, wagons and CTUs.

  • Road/Rail: ADR/RID require package labels and vehicle/wagon or tank placards.
  • Sea/Air: IMDG and ICAO/IATA set package labels; IMDG also uses CTU placards.

Documentation by mode (DGN, shipper’s declaration, transport document)

Documentation proves classification and packing. Under UK dangerous goods regulations, the required form depends on mode, must state key particulars and, where needed, bear the shipper’s certification. Ensure entries match package marks and the current ADR/RID, IMDG and IATA editions.

  • Road/Rail: ADR/RID transport document with UN number, Proper Shipping Name, class, Packing Group and quantity.
  • Sea: Dangerous Goods Note (Multimodal) per IMDG; identify marine pollutants if applicable.
  • Air: Shipper’s Declaration per ICAO/IATA; signed; observe packing limits.

Training and certification by role

Competence is non‑negotiable. Under ADR (applied by the UK CDG Regulations), any person involved in the carriage of dangerous goods must be trained, and drivers need ADR driver training with a valid certificate issued on behalf of the competent authority. Keep training aligned to modal update cycles (IATA annually; ADR/RID/IMDG typically every two years).

  • Drivers (road): ADR driver training and certificate covering the classes carried.
  • Consignors/packers/loaders: Function‑specific training to the current ADR/RID/IMDG/ICAO‑IATA rules for tasks performed.
  • Air shippers/agents/acceptance staff: Role‑based ICAO/IATA training; observe operator/state variations.
  • Sea (CTU packers/ship planners/terminal staff): IMDG function‑specific training, including marine pollutant considerations.
  • Rail operators/wagon staff: Training aligned to RID duties and documentation.

Do you need a Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA)?

If your business consigns, carries, packs, loads or unloads dangerous goods by road or rail in the UK, you generally must appoint a DGSA under the CDG/ADR framework. HSENI is clear: operators must appoint a “dangerous goods safety adviser” to navigate the prescriptive legal requirements—failure to do so risks prohibitions and prosecution during enforcement checks.

Limited quantities, excepted quantities and small load thresholds: when and how to use them

Used correctly, these reliefs cut cost without cutting safety. Limited quantities (LQ) and Excepted quantities (EQ) let certain dangerous goods in small inner packs move with simplified packaging and marking, while ADR/RID small load thresholds give operational relaxations for road/rail. Eligibility, limits and conditions are mode‑specific—check current ADR/RID, IMDG and IATA entries, use the correct LQ/EQ marks, and meet all packing, closure and documentation requirements.

Operational controls: segregation, stowage, vehicle equipment and emergency instructions

Under UK dangerous goods regulations, operational controls cover separation, stowage, securing, onboard equipment and incident response. They flow from ADR/RID, IMDG and ICAO/IATA; harbour operations also follow the Dangerous Goods in Harbour Areas Regulations (DGHAR).

  • Segregation: Keep incompatible classes apart per modal segregation tables; never load prohibited combinations.
  • Stowage and securing: Pack/secure CTUs so nothing shifts or leaks; observe IMDG stowage.
  • Vehicle/CTU equipment and emergencies: Carry ADR‑required fire‑fighting/misc equipment and clear emergency procedures.

GB and Northern Ireland: alignment and differences post-Brexit

Post‑Brexit, within the dangerous goods regulations UK framework, GB and NI still apply the international modal regimes, keeping rules largely aligned. GB implements ADR/RID via CDG 2009; NI via the 2010 NI Regulations. DGHAR 2016 covers England, Scotland and Wales; NI harbour areas are under separate NI law. Regulators differ (HSE vs HSENI/PSNI).

Enforcement, inspections and penalties in the UK

Enforcement in the UK is active. HSE (GB) and HSENI/PSNI (NI) conduct road and site checks under CDG/ADR and RID, harbour authorities enforce DGHAR in ports, and the CAA polices air shipments. Inspections can lead to immediate prohibition, detention or rejection of loads and prosecution. GOV.UK warns penalties can include unlimited fines and up to 2 years’ imprisonment for serious non‑compliance.

Step-by-step compliance checklist for UK shippers

Use this quick, mode‑agnostic checklist to move from product to compliant shipment under the dangerous goods regulations UK framework. Adapt details to ADR/RID (road/rail), IMDG (sea) and ICAO/IATA (air), and keep to the current editions. Record each decision and retain approvals, inspection and training evidence.

  1. Classify: Determine UN number, Proper Shipping Name, class/division and Packing Group; note subsidiary risks and marine pollutant/air acceptability.
  2. Confirm modal rules: Check the relevant entry, packing instructions and quantity limits; include State/Operator variations for air.
  3. Assess reliefs: Verify eligibility for Limited Quantities, Excepted Quantities or ADR/RID small loads; apply the correct marks/conditions.
  4. Select packaging/containment: Use UN performance‑tested packaging/IBCs/tanks; apply closures correctly; keep VCA approvals and revalidation current.
  5. Prepare and mark: Segregate incompatibles; secure cargo; apply required marks/labels; placard vehicles/CTUs; add marine pollutant marks if required.
  6. Complete documents: Issue ADR/RID transport document, IMDG Dangerous Goods Note, or ICAO/IATA Shipper’s Declaration as applicable; ensure consistency.
  7. Verify competence: Ensure function‑specific training; ADR driver certificate where needed; appoint a DGSA if your activities require it.
  8. Equip and brief: Carry ADR‑required equipment and emergency instructions; follow DGHAR controls in UK harbour areas.
  9. Final check: Inspect against modal checklists and approvals; retain records for inspection.

Key takeaways

UK compliance is straightforward when you work the sequence: classify, choose approved packaging, mark and placard correctly, complete the right documents, train your people, and appoint a DGSA if required. Inspectors are active—use current ADR/RID, IMDG and ICAO/IATA.

  • Start with classification: UN number, name, class, PG.
  • Use approved containment: UN‑tested packs, tanks, pressure receptacles.
  • Align marks and docs: Labels, placards and entries must match.

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