Transport Documents for Dangerous Goods: What You Need under ADR, IMDG and IATA

In short: The documents required depend on the mode of transport: in road transport (ADR) mainly the transport document and written instructions, in sea transport (IMDG Code) the Dangerous Goods Declaration and, for containers, the packing certificate, and in air transport (IATA DGR) the Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods.

Overview: documents by mode of transport

The most important documents at a glance:

Road (ADR): transport document (Chapter 5.4.1), written instructions for the driver (5.4.3), where applicable approvals and certificates, such as the driver’s ADR training certificate
Sea (IMDG Code): Dangerous Goods Declaration, for containers and vehicles also the container/vehicle packing certificate (often as a combined form), and the carrier’s dangerous goods manifest or stowage plan
Air (IATA DGR): Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods, air waybill with the prescribed entries and, on the carrier’s side, the acceptance checklist and information to the pilot

Required particulars in the transport document (ADR)

The transport document under ADR contains, among other things:

Name and address of the consignor and consignee
UN number (prefixed with “UN”) and proper shipping name, with technical name where applicable
Class and label model, packing group
Tunnel restriction code in brackets, where prescribed
Number and description of the packages and the total quantity per substance or article
Special entries that ADR requires for certain substances or consignments

Individual carriers or modes of transport additionally require an emergency contact.

Written instructions

In road transport the driver must carry written instructions to be followed in the event of an accident or emergency. They must be in a language every driver can read and understand and must be within easy reach in the cab.

Who is responsible for what?

The consignor prepares the transport document or declaration and hands it to the carrier. The carrier checks that the documents are present and apparently complete and carries them during transport. The consignee checks the particulars on receipt and uses them for safe storage and disposal.

Retention, inspections and penalties

Consignors and carriers generally have to retain copies of the documents for three months. Authorities check transport documents at roadside inspections, at premises and in ports. Violations can be fined; in serious cases the transport can be prohibited.

Frequently asked questions about transport documents

Which documents must be carried in the vehicle?

Under ADR mainly the transport document and written instructions as well as the driver’s ADR training certificate. Depending on the load, approvals may be added.

How long must transport documents be retained?

Consignors and carriers generally keep copies for at least three months. The applicable regulation and national requirements are decisive.

Can I keep transport documents digitally?

ADR generally permits electronic procedures. In practice the document must be presentable in readable form at inspections; for air and sea transport the carrier’s acceptance is decisive.

What is the difference between the DGD and the transport document?

The DGD is the shipper’s declaration in air and sea transport, the transport document is the corresponding document in road transport under ADR. Both contain comparable dangerous goods information.

Prepare transport documents correctly and quickly: with eDGD from NMMN you create dangerous goods documents for road, sea and air online. Try it free for 30 days. Questions about the legal basis? Our seminars provide the practical knowledge you need.

All information without guarantee. The current versions of ADR, the IMDG Code and the IATA DGR are authoritative.