ADR 2025 Agreement – ​​6 important changes to the regulations on the transport of dangerous goods

The Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) is a comprehensive legal act whose provisions are amended every two years. The ADR agreement, effective from 2025, has been published in the Journal of Laws. The transition period has now passed, and carriers must comply with the new requirements from July 1st of this year. Which ones exactly? We’ve examined six changes that we believe are most important from the perspective of TSL companies.

What is an ADR Agreement?

The ADR Agreement is a legal act containing provisions governing the international road transport of dangerous goods (ADR), including fuels, chemicals, flammable materials, toxic, corrosive, and radioactive substances, and many others. This document was drawn up in Geneva on September 30, 1957. Poland ratified it in 1975. The ADR Agreement consists of:

The ADR agreement classifies dangerous goods, specifies how to pack, mark, and label them, establishes requirements for ADR transport fleets, and clarifies the responsibilities of carriers and drivers. Compliance with the regulations applies not only to companies transporting dangerous goods, but also to shippers and recipients of such cargo, as well as other entities handling hazardous materials, such as logistics companies and warehouses.

The provisions of the Agreement are updated every two years, and the act is published in the Journal of Laws. Currently, the latest version of the ADR 2025 Agreement is in force, with which carriers must comply from July 1 of this year. What has changed?

  1. ADR transport documentation in the driver’s cabin

One of the most important changes in ADR 2025 is the requirement to have transport documents in the driver’s cabin for all shipments of dangerous goods. The driver must be provided with complete documentation by the consignor or shipper. Previously, transport documents were simply supposed to be located on the “transport unit,” which in practice often meant attaching them directly to shipments or, in the case of tankers, storing them in tubes attached to the tank container. Drivers should also carry the necessary certificates and ADR training certificate in the cab. The new regulations aim to streamline inspection procedures and improve overall transport safety.

  1. 11 new UN numbers

In 2025, the list of dangerous goods was expanded with 11 new UN numbers, reflecting the emergence of modern technologies, solutions, and chemical compounds on the market. New entries include vehicles powered by lithium-ion, lithium metal, and sodium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, the chemical disilane, fire extinguishing agent dispensers, and gallium contained in industrial products. Specific regulations related to the new entries have been updated. Due to the increased risk of fire or short circuit, packaging, labeling, and documentation requirements for the transport of lithium and sodium-ion batteries have been tightened.

  1. Asbestos waste permitted for bulk transport

Significant changes have been made to the list of hazardous wastes permitted for bulk transport, meaning unpackaged items. For example, as of July 1, 2025, waste containing asbestos, for example, may be transported in bulk, and more specifically in properly prepared container bags. The requirements in this regard are very stringent. Furthermore, the rules for bulk transport of molten aluminum have been regulated. The new regulations apply to both tanks and vehicles, as well as drivers.

  1. AT and FL vehicles with hydrogen fuel cells

Perhaps the biggest changes concern the powertrains in AT and FL vehicles. The ADR 2025 agreement allows the transport of dangerous goods in electric FL vehicles and hydrogen FL and AT vehicles, provided that specific technical requirements are met. For example, a Class FL vehicle must be equipped with a charging socket with a thermal sensor that limits or interrupts power supply if it overheats. Before the amendment, a hydrogen fuel cell truck could not transport hazardous materials, nor could electric tankers or lithium battery-powered vehicles.

  1. Mandatory training also for transport in limited quantities (LQ)

Before July 1, 2025, drivers transporting dangerous goods in limited quantities (LQ), such as small amounts of paint or chemicals in small packages, were not required to complete ADR training. In fact, they were exempt from many obligations under the ADR Agreement. Under current regulations, ADR training is also mandatory for transporting LQs. The new regulations aim to raise awareness and improve safety.

  1. Private individuals exempt from the full rigors of ADR

The amendment eased regulations on the transport of hazardous waste by private individuals. They can now transport hazardous waste to collection points without complying with all the requirements of the ADR Agreement.

Revolution or perhaps… evolution? The TSL industry is reacting.

Changes to the ADR 2025 regulations, effective July 1 of this year, have forced not only carriers providing dangerous goods transport services but also other entities handling such cargo to quickly adapt to the new regulations. A few weeks after the regulations came into force, it can be concluded that experienced transport companies have managed to prepare their fleets and train their crews to meet the new ADR requirements without any significant problems. The regulations, updated every two years, seem to be a natural response to market developments, such as the dynamic growth in the use of electric and hydrogen vehicles in heavy transport and the emergence of new types of batteries and chemical substances. Furthermore, the amendment aims to expedite inspections, improve road safety, and ensure a clear understanding of the regulations.