Articles Dangereux de Route (ADR)

ADR establishes standardized rules for classifying, packaging, labeling, documenting, and handling hazardous materials transported by road across Europe. It applies to domestic and international movements and is especially relevant where road transport forms part of a multimodal supply chain. ADR is updated regularly to reflect technological advances, new substances, and safety lessons learned. ADR was first adopted in 1957 under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) to harmonize the safe transport of dangerous goods by road between European countries. It entered into force in 1968 and has since expanded beyond Europe, with several non-European states also becoming contracting parties. The agreement is revised on a biennial cycle, ensuring consistent safety standards and alignment with other international dangerous goods regimes such as RID, IMDG Code, and ICAO Technical Instructions.