What are the legal requirements for the transportation of dangerous goods?
January 13, 2023 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Leonie Maier
Dear lawyer specializing in transport and freight law,
I am reaching out to you as the managing director of a company that transports dangerous goods, as I am unsure about the legal requirements that need to be met in this process.
The current situation is as follows: Our company specializes in the transport of chemicals, and we work with various freight forwarders who carry out the transports for us. However, there have been an increasing number of incidents reported recently, involving accidents or dangerous situations. As a result, I, as the managing director, have become very concerned. We not only want to protect the reputation of our company but also ensure that the transports are conducted in compliance with the law and safely.
The current state of affairs is characterized by uncertainty and lack of clarity regarding the legal requirements for the transport of dangerous goods. I am aware that there are laws and regulations that precisely govern how dangerous goods should be transported, but I lack the precise knowledge and expertise to fully understand and implement these regulations.
Therefore, my question to you is: Could you please explain in detail the legal requirements for the transport of dangerous goods and how we can ensure that our transports meet these requirements? Are there specific permits or training sessions that our drivers or freight forwarders need? What safety precautions are legally required, and how can we ensure that they are being followed?
I thank you in advance for your support and look forward to your expertise on this matter.
Sincerely,
Norbert Brandes
Dear Mr. Brandes,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the legal requirements for the transport of dangerous goods. As the managing director of a company specializing in the transport of chemicals, it is indeed important to be aware of and comply with all legal regulations and safety standards to prevent accidents or hazardous situations and ensure the legal compliance of the transports.
First and foremost, it is important to mention that the transport of dangerous goods in Germany and the EU is subject to strict rules to ensure the safety of humans, animals, and the environment. The main legal frameworks for the transport of dangerous goods are the ADR (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) and the Dangerous Goods Transport Regulation for Road, Rail, and Inland Waterway Transport (GGVSEB).
According to these regulations, dangerous goods transporters must have special permits and training to transport dangerous goods. Drivers must have specific training in handling dangerous goods and attend regular training sessions to keep their knowledge up to date. The logistics companies you work with must also be certified and meet the legal requirements.
Furthermore, certain safety measures are legally required, such as proper labeling of dangerous goods, the use of special packaging and containers, compliance with transportation regulations, and regular maintenance of transport vehicles. It is important for you as the managing director to ensure that all these safety measures are followed and that your employees are adequately trained and informed.
To ensure that your transports comply with legal requirements, I recommend conducting regular safety audits to identify and address any potential weaknesses. Additionally, you should maintain close contact with your logistics partners and ensure that they also comply with all legal regulations.
I hope this information helps you and supports you in ensuring the safety and legal compliance of your transports. If you have any further questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact me.
Best regards,
Leonie Maier
Transport and Logistics Law Attorney
