ADR is a European Agreement concerning the international transport of dangerous goods by road. Türkiye became a party to this agreement in 2010, and it has been in effect since 2011.

ADR aims to ensure the safe transportation of dangerous goods by road by regulating:

• which substances are classified as dangerous,
• how products should be packaged,
• which vehicles are allowed to transport them,

who is authorized to carry out the transportation based on specific standards.

How to Carry Out ADR-Compliant Dangerous Goods Transport?

Dangerous goods transportation is not a matter to be taken lightly. An ADR-compliant transport process requires strict discipline, regulation, and training.

Steps for ADR-Compliant Transport:

1. Classification (UN Number and Hazard Class)
The transported material must be classified into one of the nine hazard classes. For example:

• Class 3: Flammable liquids
• Class 2: Gases
• Class 8: Corrosive substances

Each substance is assigned a unique UN number (e.g., UN1203 = Gasoline). Transportation cannot begin without this classification.

2. Packaging and Labelling
The materials must be transported in packaging that complies with ADR standards.

Packaging: Must be leak-proof, durable, and UN-certified.

Labels: The hazard class label and UN number must be clearly displayed on the container or tank.

3. Transport Vehicles (ADR-Compliant Vehicles)
Vehicles used in ADR transport must be equipped with:

• Fire extinguishers
• Portable lighting
• Leak-proof tanks or containers
• Warning signs (such as orange ADR panels)

4. SRC-5 Certificate (Driver Training)
Drivers transporting dangerous goods must hold an SRC-5 (ADR) certificate. To obtain this:

• Training must be completed from a Ministry-approved institution.
• The certification exam must be passed successfully.

Transport with an unqualified driver poses both legal and life-threatening risks.

5. Transport Documentation
The following documents are mandatory for ADR transport:

• ADR compliance certificate for the vehicle
• Transport documents for dangerous goods (including instructions, UN number, and hazard class)
• Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS)
• Driver’s ADR training certificates

6. Route and Parking Area Selection
Dangerous goods must be transported using routes away from residential areas. When necessary, designated secure parking areas — defined by the Ministry of Transport — should be used.

7. Inspection and Pre-Loading Checks
Personnel involved in loading must also be ADR-certified. Before transport, the vehicle, packaging, labelling, documentation, and equipment must be thoroughly checked.
If any requirement is missing, the transport must not proceed.

ADR-compliant dangerous goods transportation requires full control not only of the vehicle but of the entire process. This is one of the most critical and strictly regulated areas within the logistics sector, requiring discipline, training, and oversight. Any mistake can result not just in legal penalties, but also in serious harm to life and property.