Transportation of dangerous goods. What are the regulations to be followed?

The transport of dangerous goods is a complex matter, involving compliance with regulations and standards that vary depending on the transport modality used, the type of goods and their destination. In Italy and in Europe and in the adhering countries, for example, reference is made to the reporting and packing procedures described by ADR, RID, ADN, IMDG and IATA regulations. Here are in detail what transport modality they refer to.

ADR: transport of dangerous goods by road
RID: transport of dangerous goods by rail
ADN: transport of dangerous goods by inland waterway
IMDG: transport of dangerous goods by sea
IATA: transport of dangerous goods by air

However, it is not enough to know the differences between these five regulations; you need to know which one to apply and be clear that there are different regulations regulating the transport of dangerous goods in other parts of the world. Certainly, the questions to be asked (and asked) are different. Let us try to answer some of the most common questions.

What is the regulation to follow?

When arranging a shipment of dangerous goods, the way the destination will be reached is the first and most fundamental decision to be considered and to be made. This depends on both the geographic area to be reached and the delivery time to be met. The type of modality chosen will have specific regulations to follow. But what happens when transportation is done in different modalities that have different regulations? We have collected a few examples by assuming some shipments leaving Italy.

LEAVE	1° SECTION	2° SECTION	3° SECTION	DESTINATION	REGULATION
Italy	Truck	Truck	Truck	Germany	ADR
Italy	Truck	Airplane	Truck	Germany	IATA*
Italy	Truck	Airplane	Truck	USA	IATA*
Italy	Truck	Vessel	Truck	Brazil	IMDG*

* See 1.1.4.2 ADR

It is clear how the combination of several modalities still requires preparation according to a specific regulation (which is usually the more restrictive one), see 1.1.4.2 ADR. In specific cases, it is also possible (not mandatory) to prepare the shipment by marking the package with reference to two different regulations, a practical example being the shipment of a commodity that for road transport can be packed in LQ while for air transport it must be prepared as a commodity in full regulation. There are other cases for which some goods are not classified as dangerous for the purpose of transportation by sea or air so, in these specific cases, the regulation to be followed will be that of road transport.

Precisely because of these specific cases, using compliant products and using a figure such as the DGSA consultant are key steps to be sure that you are shipping in full compliance.

Are the same regulations applied everywhere in the world?

Having a universal regulation for the shipment of dangerous goods is far from what the reality is. Different countries apply different regulations, although at least for some aspects and requirements, the differences are not that obvious.

Only IMDG and IATA are common and the same for the whole world, but for domestic transportation of dangerous goods there is a wide variety of regulations. For example, 49 CFR is applied in the US, TDG in Canada, NOMs in Mexico, and so on.

	ROAD	RAIL	INLAND WATERWAY	SEA	AIR
ADR	✓	X	X	X	X
RID	X	✓	X	X	X
ADN	X	X	✓	X	X
IMDG	X	X	X	✓	X
IATA	X	X	X	X	✓
49 CFR	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓*

* Applicable only in domestic territory

What if I have to ship overseas, for example to the USA?

In this case, except in special cases, it is sufficient to pack and report the shipment according to the correct regulation of the mode by which it is to be shipped. In few words, barring exceptions, it is sufficient to prepare the shipment in accordance with IMDG or IATA according to the case. This will allow the goods to arrive at their destination smoothly. It is important to remember that there are special cases where a commodity may not be classified as dangerous for transportation purposes according to IMDG or IATA so, in these specific cases, the regulation to be followed will be that of road transport. However, it is still best to consult the various applicable regulations and check with your advisor on the proper packing and reporting procedures for shipments.

I have logistics in the U.S., can this reuse the packaging with which it received the goods to carry out domestic transportation?

This issue is more complex than the previous one. If in the previous example it was a transport on U.S. soil as the final stage of a sea or air transport, in this case it is a new shipment that starts and ends on U.S. soil. This means that the regulation to be applied will be 49 CFR and therefore the packaging and labelling will have to comply with that regulation. Therefore, there is no single answer. When it comes to packaging everything depends on UN approval. Serpac's packaging is also certified for transport according to 49 CFR and is therefore suitable for this kind of situation as well. It should be remembered that reusing a package is only allowed if it is as good as new.

How then to orient oneself in choosing the correct outer packaging?

It is clear that you cannot act on your own, but you need to rely on someone who can guide you in making the right choice. At Serpac, we specialize in this: we develop and sell packaging, labels, plates, panels, and everything else needed for the compliant shipment of dangerous goods, their transport and handling. With our products your goods always arrive at their destination.

Ship safe, think Serpac!