Dekra refers to changes in hazardous goods regulations effective January 1, 2025

As of January 1, 2025, updated hazardous goods regulations will come into effect. For example, new UN numbers for hazardous goods and new regulations for battery transport will be introduced. There will be transition periods for the first half of 2025, except for air transport: there, most new regulations must be implemented starting January 1, 2025.

(Stuttgart) The hazardous goods regulations are regularly updated to meet changing requirements and safety standards. For 2025, the new regulations for road (ADR), rail (RID), and inland waterway (ADN) transport will come into effect on January 1, but with a six-month transition period until June 30, 2025. During this time, companies have the opportunity to make the necessary adjustments. For certain circumstances, longer transition periods may also apply.

Particular attention is given to air transport: there are generally no transition periods, which means that companies transporting hazardous goods by air must implement the regulations immediately upon their entry into force on January 1, 2025. This often affects the entire logistics chain, as earlier implementation of the new regulations may also be required for other modes of transport to ensure consistency in hazardous goods transportation.

Key changes in 2025:

• The introduction of new UN numbers, i.e., the four-digit identification numbers for hazardous goods.
• New regulations for the transport of lithium and sodium batteries. These batteries pose a particular danger due to their potential fire risk. Therefore, more detailed requirements for packaging, labeling, and documentation will be established.
• New structures and regulations for the transport of electric vehicles.

Other areas affected

But other areas are also affected. For several years, efforts have been made to better align the specific requirements of waste disposal with the hazardous goods regulations. Adjustments will also be made in 2025. The amendment text for the German edition of the ADR 2025, for example, comprises 103 pages. Affected companies should therefore take early action to determine whether they are impacted by changes and whether transportation processes need to be adjusted. Not all changes involve tightening; some changes may also lead to easing.

Dekra Hazardous Goods Consulting

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