Latest update: 14/03/2024

Directive 2008/68/EC - inland transport of dangerous goods

The Directive lays down common rules for the safe and secure transport of dangerous goods within and between EU countries by road, rail or inland waterway

Objective

Directive 2008/68/EC of 24 September 2008 on the inland transport of dangerous goods of 24 September 2008 establishes a common regime for all aspects of the inland transport of dangerous goods, by road, rail, and inland waterway.

Definitions

Definitions are provided for the terms ‘ADR’, ‘RID’, ‘ADN’ (international agreements), ‘vehicle’, ‘wagon’, and ‘vessel’.

Contents

Transport of dangerous goods between Member States, and between Member States and third countries, must comply with the requirements indicated in the Annexes. In the event of an accident where a Member State considers the relevant safety provisions to be insufficient, the Member State must notify the Commission of the measures it proposes to take.
Provided that safety is not compromised, Member States may request derogations from the provisions of the Annexes for the transport of small quantities of certain dangerous goods, or where the transport occurs over a short distance or on rail transport on particular designated routes. Once authorised, derogations are valid for a period of six years. Member States can request an extension of the derogation.
This Directive does not apply to the transport of dangerous goods by the armed forces, by seagoing vessels on maritime waterways, or by ferries crossing an inland waterway.

Annexes

  • Annex I: Transport by road 

  • Annex II: Transport by rail

  • Annex III: Transport by inland waterway

 

Read the full text of the Directive

 

Further information: EU Commission Transport of dangerous goods