What regulations apply to the transport of dangerous goods?
November 15, 2022 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Anna Sontheimer
Dear lawyer specializing in transport and forwarding law,
I am reaching out to you as the managing director of a company that transports dangerous goods, as I am unsure about the regulations that apply to the transportation of these goods. In the past, we have had some issues with compliance with the regulations and want to ensure that we do not commit any violations in the future.
The current situation is as follows: We regularly transport dangerous goods such as chemicals and gases within Germany and also internationally. Although we strive to comply with all legal regulations, we are not certain that we are aware of and implementing all relevant regulations correctly.
My concerns are that by not complying with the regulations, we not only risk facing high fines but also endanger the safety of our employees and the environment. I want to ensure that we take all necessary measures to transport dangerous goods in a legally compliant manner.
Therefore, my question to you is: What specific regulations apply to the transport of dangerous goods? What regulations must we absolutely follow to avoid violations and ensure safety? Are there any specific training or certifications that our employees should complete?
Thank you in advance for your support and advice.
Sincerely,
Lukas Prestel
Dear Mr. Prestel,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the transportation of dangerous goods in your company. It is understandable that you are concerned about compliance with legal regulations and want to ensure that your employees and the environment are protected. I will be happy to provide you with an overview of the key regulations in transport and freight law for dangerous goods.
First and foremost, it is important to know that the transport of dangerous goods is subject to strict legal regulations, which are set out in the Hazardous Goods Transport Act (GGBefG) as well as in international agreements such as ADR (Europe) and RID (Rail). These regulations specify, among other things, which goods are considered dangerous, how they must be labeled and packaged, which documents are required, and how the transport should be carried out.
It is important that you and your employees familiarize yourselves with these regulations and adhere to them consistently. This includes training and certification of your employees involved in the transport of dangerous goods. There are specialized training programs that your employees should undergo to stay informed about current regulations and ensure that the transport is carried out in compliance with the law.
Some specific regulations that you must pay attention to include the labeling and packaging of goods, the preparation and carrying of required documents such as hazardous goods transport papers, compliance with specific regulations for transport by road, rail, water, or air, and ensuring the qualification of your employees.
It is advisable to conduct regular training and inspections to ensure that all regulations are being followed and no violations are being committed. If you have any uncertainties or questions, please feel free to contact me or another specialized lawyer in transport and freight law for further advice.
I hope this information is helpful to you and supports you in conducting the transportation of dangerous goods in your company in a legally compliant and safe manner.
Sincerely,
Anna Sontheimer
Lawyer specializing in transport and freight law
