Transportation of Hazardous Materials: Avoid Penalties by Understanding the Regulations
August 3, 2026
The transport of dangerous goods involves hundreds of thousands of operations every day in Europe, across sectors ranging from chemicals to healthcare. Understanding the regulations protects people, the environment, and companies’ reputations.
What are the 9 classes of dangerous goods?
The international classification system distinguishes between 9 classes based on the nature of the hazard.
- Class 1: Explosive substances and articles (ammunition, fireworks, airbags)
- Class 2: Compressed, liquefied, or dissolved gases (LPG, medical oxygen, aerosols)
- Class 3: Flammable liquids (gasoline, industrial alcohols, solvents)
- Class 4 (4.1 / 4.2 / 4.3): Flammable solids or solids that react with water
- Class 5 (5.1 / 5.2): Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides
- Class 6 (6.1 / 6.2): Toxic and infectious substances (vaccines, biological samples)
- Class 7: Radioactive materials , regulated by the ASN
- Class 8: Corrosive substances (industrial acids, lead-acid batteries)
- Class 9: Miscellaneous Substances and Articles (lithium batteries, asbestos, dry ice)
MTI Express handles shipments in every class: construction and public works transportation for Classes 1 and 3, pharmaceutical transportation for Class 6.2, and industrial shipments for Classes 8 and 9.
What are the regulatory requirements for ADR transport that shippers must comply with?
The ADR agreement is not intended solely for the carrier: it sets forth specific obligations for each party in the supply chain, including the shipper. The shipper assumes liability as soon as it takes responsibility for loading the packages onto the vehicle.
- Check that the packages are suitable for transport and do not show any leaks or visible damage.
- Check that hazard labels and UN markings are present and compliant on each package.
- Follow the rules for securing, stowing, and separating incompatible materials.
- Verify that the orange markings and the vehicle's placards match the actual load.
- Make sure the vehicle shows no visible damage before loading.
- Comply with the authorized weight and volume limits and the handling instructions specific to each class.
In the event of an inspection, failure to comply with these obligations renders the shipper liable to the same extent as the carrier or the consignor.
How do you choose a qualified carrier for hazardous materials?
Given the complexity of regulations, it’s best to entrust your shipments to a single point of contact who is proficient in multiple modes of transport: the freight forwarder also assumes responsibility for ensuring the operation complies with regulations.
Best practices to expect from your logistics partner:
- In-house CIFMD safety advisor
- Drivers with up-to-date TMD training, including specializations in tanker trucks or specific classes
- Real-time traceability with proactive anomaly detection
- Integrated Customs Coordination for the Export and Import of Regulated Materials
- Multimodal coverage: road, air, and sea, depending on the traffic flow
MTI Express, a B2B freight forwarder, supports businesses in the following areas: transportation, logistics, and customs expertise, as well as proactive tracking across all modes of transport.
How do you arrange for the transport of hazardous materials?
To ship your dangerous goods, our team streamlines the process remotely to ensure fast and secure handling.
Steps to follow:
1. Submit your request: Go to our contact page and enter the dimensions, weight, and type of your fragile package.
2. Get your quote: Our experts will assess your specific needs and quickly provide you with a personalized, transparent quote.
3. Schedule the pickup: Once you’ve approved the quote, we’ll work with you to schedule the pickup date and time based on your availability.