Rules for Transporting Hazardous Cargo

Dangerous goods are substances that are either completely prohibited from transportation or require special permission for transport. Permission can be obtained if the owner and carrier have properly prepared documents, have access to specialized transport, have developed a detailed route, and the transport of dangerous goods is carried out by specially trained personnel.

The main priority is ensuring that substances are securely and safely loaded into special containers or vehicles. Only in such cases can there be confidence that dangerous goods will not be damaged in transit and will not cause harm to anyone.

General Provisions

1.1 These rules define the procedures and key requirements for ensuring the safety of road transportation of dangerous goods across the territory of Ukraine.
(Paragraph 1.1 of Section 1 as amended by Order No. 904 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs dated 19.09.2013)

1.2 The requirements of these rules are mandatory for all business entities, regardless of ownership forms, participating in the transportation of dangerous goods by road.
(Section 1 supplemented with a new paragraph 1.2 per Order No. 904 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs dated 19.09.2013)

1.3 International road transportation of dangerous goods is carried out in accordance with the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) and other international treaties of Ukraine.

1.4 Dangerous goods may be transported by road only if they comply with ADR requirements and these rules, and all conditions for their transportation are met.
(Paragraph 1.4 removed under Order No. 294 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs dated 08.07.2009)

1.5 Entities involved in the transportation of dangerous goods must take measures appropriate to the type and degree of danger to prevent accidents, and in the event of an incident, must implement actions to minimize the consequences of such incidents.

1.6 In these rules, terms are used in the following meanings:

• Bulk cargo – any solid, predominantly homogeneous material that is not a liquid or gas and is loaded without any packaging into a vehicle or container.
• High-risk dangerous goods – dangerous goods that could be misused for terrorist purposes, potentially causing mass casualties or significant destruction. The list of such goods is defined according to ADR.
• Cargo unit – any package, unpackaged item, or transport package.
• Loader – a legal or natural person responsible for loading dangerous goods into a vehicle or container.
• Responsible for filling – a legal or natural person filling dangerous goods into a tank or container.

Additional terms and provisions are defined in DSTU 4500-1:2008 “Dangerous Goods. Terms and Definitions,” approved by the State Consumer Standard of Ukraine.

1.7. The provisions of these Rules do not apply to:

1. a) Emergency transportation of dangerous goods carried out to save lives or protect the environment, provided that all necessary safety measures are taken and that the State Automobile Inspection of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine is informed about such transportation.
2. b) Transportation of machinery or mechanisms not listed in the table of dangerous goods (Table A, Chapter 3.2, Appendix A of the ADR) that contain dangerous goods in their internal or operational equipment.
   (Amended as per Order No. 613 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs dated 27.06.2006.)
3. c) Gases contained in the fuel tanks of the vehicle performing the transport, intended for propulsion or operation of any equipment on the vehicle (e.g., refrigeration units).
4. d) Gases contained in equipment used for the operation of the vehicle (e.g., fire extinguishers) and spare parts. These rules also do not apply to tires, even if transported as cargo.
   (Amended as per Order No. 904 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs dated 19.09.2013.)
5. e) Oxidizing and asphyxiating gases transported in containers or reservoirs, provided that the gas pressure at 20°C does not exceed 200 kPa (2 bar) and the gas remains entirely in a gaseous state during transport. This includes containers or reservoirs that are part of machinery or instruments.
   (Amended as per Order No. 374 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs dated 22.04.2014.)
6. f) Gases contained in food products (excluding food products classified under UN No. 1950) or beverages.
   (Amended as per Order No. 904 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs dated 19.09.2013.)
7. g) Liquid fuels contained in the fuel tanks of the vehicle performing the transport, intended for propulsion or operation of any equipment on the vehicle. The total capacity of built-in fuel tanks must not exceed 1,500 liters per transport unit, and the capacity of tanks on trailers must not exceed 500 liters. Portable fuel containers (e.g., jerry cans) may hold no more than 60 liters of fuel per transport unit. These limitations do not apply to rescue service vehicles.
8. h) Transportation of substances packaged in limited or exempted quantities, provided the requirements for their packaging and labeling outlined in Chapters 3.4 and 3.5 of Appendix A to the ADR are met. Transport of dangerous goods in limited quantities is subject to the requirements of paragraph 11.6 of Section 11 and paragraph 12.23 of Section 12 of these Rules.
   (Amended as per Order No. 904 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs dated 19.09.2013.)
9. i) Gases contained in sports balls.
   (Added as per Order No. 904 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs dated 19.09.2013.)
10. j) Gases (except Class 7 gases) contained in electric lamps, provided that in case of breakage, the effect of scattering is limited by the packaging.
    (Added as per Order No. 904 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs dated 19.09.2013.)
11. k) Lithium batteries installed on the vehicle performing the transport, intended for propulsion or operation of any equipment on the vehicle.
    (Added as per Order No. 904 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs dated 19.09.2013.)
12. l) Lithium batteries contained in equipment designed for use during transportation to ensure its functionality (e.g., portable computers).
    (Added as per Order No. 904 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs dated 19.09.2013.)
13. m) Other cargoes not subject to ADR provisions.
    (Added as per Order No. 904 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs dated 19.09.2013.)

1.8. Transportation of dangerous goods in packaging that does not exceed the maximum quantities per transport unit, as specified in Appendix 1 to these Rules, is subject to the requirements of the following sections of the Rules:

• Section 2: “Preparation of Dangerous Goods for Transportation.”
• Section 3: “Marking and Danger Signs on Cargo Units.”
  (Third paragraph of point 1.8, amended by Order No. 904 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs dated 19.09.2013.)
• Section 4: “Methods of Transporting Dangerous Goods,” points 4.3.8 and 4.3.9.
  (Fourth paragraph of point 1.8, amended by Order No. 904 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs dated 19.09.2013.)
• Section 5: “General Requirements for Transport Units and Their Equipment,” subsection (a) of point 5.2 (regardless of the date of registration of the vehicles).
• Section 7: “Preparation of Drivers and Other Individuals Whose Responsibilities Are Related to the Road Transport of Dangerous Goods,” subsection 7.2.
• Section 9: “Transport Documents,” subsections “a” and “d” of point 9.1, and point 9.2.
  (Seventh paragraph of point 1.8, amended by Order No. 613 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs dated 27.06.2006; amended again by Order No. 904 dated 19.09.2013.)
• Section 11: “Loading, Unloading, and Handling of Dangerous Goods,” except points 11.19–11.22.
  (Eighth paragraph of point 1.8, amended by Order No. 904 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs dated 19.09.2013.)
• Section 13: “Requirements for the Crew of Vehicles Transporting Dangerous Goods,” point 13.6.
• Section 14: “Monitoring of Vehicles Transporting Dangerous Goods.”
• Section 15: “Responsibilities of Transportation Participants in Ensuring the Safety of Road Transport of Dangerous Goods.”
• Section 16: “Control Over the Road Transport of Dangerous Goods.”

2. Preparation of Dangerous Goods for Transportation

2.1. Dangerous goods must be classified and assigned to one of the hazard classes (or subclasses) before transportation begins. Additionally, secondary hazards must be identified. For substances in hazard classes 3, 4.1 (excluding self-reactive substances), 4.2, 4.3, 5.1, 6.1, 8, and 9, the packaging group must also be determined. For explosive substances and items in Class 1, the compatibility group must also be defined.

The classification of dangerous goods must be documented in the product’s regulatory documents, safety data sheets, or transport documentation.
(Point 2.1 amended by Order No. 904 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs dated 19.09.2013.)

2.2. Based on specific designations and properties of substances or items listed in the table of dangerous goods (Table A, Chapter 3.2, Appendix A of the ADR), the following must be identified: the UN number, hazard class (or subclass), type of additional hazards, packaging group, and/or compatibility group.
(First paragraph of point 2.2 amended by Order No. 904 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs dated 19.09.2013.)

If a substance or item is not specifically listed by name in the table of dangerous goods (Table A, Chapter 3.2, Appendix A of the ADR), its hazard class (or subclass), additional hazards, packaging group, and/or compatibility group must be determined through classification testing and, if applicable, the priority hazard table.

The identification of goods (determining the UN number and transport name) must be carried out in accordance with the requirements of Part 2 of Appendix A to the ADR.
(Second paragraph of point 2.2 amended by Order No. 904 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs dated 19.09.2013.)

For dangerous goods in Class 1, desensitized explosives in Class 3 and Class 4.1, self-reactive substances in Class 4.1, organic peroxides in Class 5.2, and infectious substances in Class 6.2, these indicators must be determined by a competent authority. For other dangerous goods, the manufacturer of the product determines these indicators.
(Third paragraph of point 2.2, amended by Order No. 904 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs dated 19.09.2013.)

2.3. Items or substances must be packaged in accordance with the packaging instructions provided in subsections 4.1.4.1–4.1.4.3 of Appendix A to the ADR, taking into account general and specific requirements unless an alternative method of transportation is prescribed. Types of packaging, large packaging, or intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) that are not allowed under the packaging instructions must not be used for transporting specific substances or items, except in cases permitted under a temporary exemption approved by the ADR member states as per section 1.5.1 of Appendix A to the ADR.

Packaging not specified in the above-mentioned instructions may be used for domestic transportation with the approval of competent authorities, provided it complies with applicable standards.

2.4. Dangerous goods must be packed in containers, including IBCs and large packaging, that are sufficiently robust to withstand impacts and loads encountered during transportation, including transshipment and handling by manual or mechanical means. The packaging, including IBCs and large containers, must be constructed and sealed to prevent any leakage of contents under normal transport conditions caused by vibration, temperature changes, humidity, or pressure. There must be no residue of dangerous substances on the external surfaces of the packaging.

2.5. Different dangerous goods or dangerous goods combined with other goods may be packaged together in combined packaging if such combined packaging is permitted under the ADR provisions and complies with point 4.1.10 of Appendix A to the ADR, or subsection 1.1.4.2.1(b) of Appendix A to the ADR if the road transport is connected to sea or air transport.

2.6. Packaging, including IBCs and large containers used for dangerous goods, must meet the requirements of the ADR (standards).

2.7. Each unit of packaging, including IBCs and large containers (excluding inner packaging in combined packaging), must conform to a design type tested and approved in accordance with the requirements set out in Chapters 6.1–6.6 of Appendix A to the ADR and must bear appropriate markings.

2.8. Packaging must be inspected by the consignor prior to filling and presentation for transportation. It must be free from corrosion, contamination, and any damage. Reusable packaging showing signs of reduced strength must not be used for transport or must be restored to meet design type testing standards. Such packaging must bear proper markings in accordance with subsections 6.1.3.3–6.1.3.4 of Appendix A to the ADR.

2.9. Damaged or defective packaging, as well as dangerous goods that have leaked or spilled, may be transported in emergency packaging tested and marked in accordance with the requirements of point 6.1.5.1.11 of Appendix A to the ADR. Emergency packaging may only be used if the damage occurred during transportation.

2.10. Responsibility for the proper classification, marking of dangerous goods, labeling, and ensuring the suitability of packaging for the transportation of dangerous goods lies with the consignor.

3. Marking and Hazard Labels on Cargo Units

3.1. Each cargo unit containing dangerous goods must bear the UN number corresponding to its contents, preceded by the letters “UN.” For unpackaged items, the marking should be applied directly to the item, its support, transport-loading equipment, or a storage/launching device.

3.2. Each cargo unit containing Class 1 dangerous goods must also be marked with the transport name as specified in Section 3.1.2 of Appendix A to the ADR. For packaging containing explosive substances, the commercial name of the explosive must also be included.

3.3. Emergency packaging must additionally be marked with the word “EMERGENCY.”

3.4. For IBCs (Intermediate Bulk Containers) with a capacity of more than 450 liters and large containers, markings must be placed on two opposite sides.

3.5. Markings on cargo units must:
a) Be clearly visible and legible;
b) Be resistant to all weather conditions without significant quality degradation.

3.6. In addition to the markings specified in this section, cargo units and packaging must be marked in accordance with GOST 14192-77, carry warning markings as per DSTU GOST 31340:2009, and any other markings required by technical normative documents for the product.

3.7. In the transport of dangerous goods, the cargo unit must display hazard labels as indicated for these goods in the list of dangerous goods in Table A of Chapter 3.2 of Appendix A to the ADR.

3.8. Hazard labels must correspond in color, symbols, and overall design to the samples provided in Appendix 2 to these rules.

3.9. All hazard labels on cargo units must:
a) Be placed on one side, and for Class 1 goods, next to the transport name;
b) Be clear, visible, and able to withstand weather conditions without significant deterioration during the transport period. They must not be obscured by other markings;
c) Be placed adjacent to each other if multiple labels are required;
d) Be placed on a contrasting background or have a continuous or dashed outer border.

3.10. If a cargo unit has an irregular shape or small dimensions that do not allow proper placement of hazard labels, the labels may be applied via securely attached tags or other methods.

3.11. On IBCs with a capacity of more than 450 liters and large containers, hazard labels must be affixed to two opposite sides.

3.12. The handling mark “UP” must be applied on opposite sides of cargo units containing liquids or cooled liquefied gases in containers with invisible closures or ventilation openings, as well as on opposite sides of containers (without external packaging) equipped with ventilation openings.

3.13. If a cargo unit contains two or more dangerous goods, it must bear the corresponding hazard labels and markings for each type of cargo. Additional hazard labels are not required if the primary hazard label already indicates the dangerous property of the cargo.

3.14. Uncleaned packaging from dangerous goods must be marked and labeled with hazard signs the same way as when filled.

3.15. Transport packages must additionally be marked with the words “TRANSPORT PACKAGE.”

3.16. It is permissible not to apply markings, hazard labels, warning signs, or handling marks such as “UP” on transport packages if the labels and markings on the packaging or items inside are clearly visible externally. If only one marking or hazard label is required for different packages or items, it is sufficient to apply it once.

3.17. Packaging containing goods that are dangerous to the environment must display a warning label as per Appendix 3 to these rules. This warning label should be placed next to the marking. The environmental hazard warning label is not required on cargo units containing:

• No more than 5 liters of liquids dangerous to the environment;
• No more than 5 kilograms (net weight) of solids dangerous to the environment.

3.18. Hazard labels and environmental warning signs must have a square shape, rotated 45°, with a minimum size of 100 x 100 mm. The handling mark “UP” must have a rectangular shape with dimensions of 148 x 210 mm. The sizes of hazard labels, warning signs, and “UP” marks may be reduced based on the size of the cargo unit, provided they remain clearly visible.

3.19. For road transport of dangerous goods preceding or following maritime, rail, or air transport, cargo units may be marked and labeled with hazard signs in accordance with regulatory documents governing the transport of dangerous goods by those modes of transport.

4. Methods of Transporting Dangerous Goods

4.1. Permitted Transport Methods

Depending on the type, name, transportation hazard, and degree of danger, dangerous goods can be transported using the following methods:

• Cargo units (individual or formed into transport packages) in transport vehicles or containers.
• In bulk or loose form in tanks.
• As bulk cargo (loose) in transport vehicles or containers.

The authorized method of transport must be determined for dangerous goods.

4.2. Transporting in Large Containers

If a large container complies with the requirements applicable to the bodies of transport vehicles as outlined in this section and Section 6 of these Rules, specific requirements for the cargo platform of the transport vehicle on which such a container is loaded may not apply.

4.3. Transporting in Packaging

4.3.1. Only substances and items allowed by the ADR provisions for this method of transport can be transported in packaging, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), or large containers.

4.3.2. Packaging can be loaded (unless otherwise specified) into:

• Closed transport vehicles or closed containers.
• Covered transport vehicles or covered containers.
• Open transport vehicles or open containers.

4.3.3. Packaging made of moisture-sensitive materials, as well as packaging containing the following dangerous goods, must be transported in closed or covered transport vehicles or containers:

• Self-reactive substances (Class 4.1).
• Substances liable to spontaneous combustion (Class 4.2).
• Substances emitting flammable gases on contact with water (Class 4.3).
• Organic peroxides (Class 5.2).

4.3.4. Packaging and unpackaged items containing explosives (Class 1) must be transported exclusively in EX/II and EX/III vehicles. Trailers (except semi-trailers) meeting the requirements for EX/II or EX/III vehicles can be towed by vehicles that do not meet these requirements. The type of vehicle used depends on the quantity of cargo transported, which is limited according to the provisions of Section 4.3.6 of these Rules.

4.3.5. For loose or powdery substances and pyrotechnic articles of Class 1 (classification codes 1.1A, 1.1C, 1.1D, 1.1G, 1.3C, and 1.3G), and pyrotechnic articles in containers, the container floor must have a non-metallic surface or coating.

4.3.6. The total net mass of explosive substances transported on a single transport unit must not exceed the limits specified in Table 1 of these Rules.

4.4. Transporting Dangerous Substances or Items in Bulk

4.4.1. Dangerous substances or items can be transported in bulk in transport vehicles or containers if allowed by ADR provisions. Uncleaned empty packaging can also be transported in bulk.

4.4.2. Substances that may become liquid at temperatures encountered during transportation are not allowed to be transported in bulk.

4.4.3. Containers and vehicle bodies must be constructed to prevent the spillage of dangerous goods. They must be sealed to avoid the risk of contents escaping under normal transport conditions, which include vibration, air flow, temperature changes, humidity, or pressure.

4.4.4. Loading damaged vehicle bodies or containers is prohibited.

4.4.5. Bulk cargo must be evenly distributed across the container or vehicle body to prevent damage, overloading, or substance spillage due to movement.

4.4.6. Ventilation devices on containers and vehicle bodies must be kept clean and in working condition.

4.4.7. Bulk cargo must not interact dangerously with the material of the container, vehicle body, linings, or fittings.

4.4.8. Before loading, the internal and external surfaces of containers or vehicle bodies must be inspected and cleaned of any residues that could:

• React dangerously with the loaded substance.
• Damage the structural integrity of the container or vehicle body.
• Compromise the containment of the cargo.

4.4.9. No residues of dangerous goods should remain on the external surfaces of containers or vehicle bodies during transport.

4.5. Transporting in Tanks

4.5.1. Dangerous substances may be transported in fixed tanks (tank trucks), removable tanks, battery vehicles, portable tanks, tank containers, or multi-element gas containers only as permitted by ADR provisions.

4.5.2. Tanks should only be loaded with substances for which they are approved, and which do not react dangerously with the materials of the tank body, seals, or fittings.

4.5.3. Chemically unstable substances are allowed to be transported only if measures are taken to prevent hazardous decomposition, transformation, or polymerization during transportation.

4.5.4. The degree of filling of tanks must not exceed the limits outlined in Chapters 4.2–4.4 of Appendix A to the ADR.

4.5.5. If tank bodies lack partitions or baffles dividing them into compartments with a maximum capacity of 7,500 liters, they must be filled to either over 80% or less than 20% of their capacity.

4.5.6. The external surface temperature of tank bodies (except openings and insulation) during transportation should not exceed 70°C.

4.5.7. Portable tanks, tank containers, and multi-element gas containers must be secured against lateral or longitudinal impacts and overturning during transport.

4.5.8. Residues of dangerous goods on the external surface of loaded or empty tanks are not permitted.

4.5.9. Connecting pipelines and flexible hoses not permanently attached to the tank body must be empty during transport.

4.5.10. Substances capable of dangerous reactions must not be transported in adjacent compartments unless separated by a partition at least as thick as the tank walls.

4.5.11. Substances capable of dangerous reactions may be transported in the same tank if separated by an empty compartment.

4.5.12. Battery vehicles or multi-element gas containers must only carry a single gas.

4.5.13. Empty, uncleaned tanks are subject to the same transport conditions as when full.

4.5.14. Tank bodies, battery vehicle elements, and multi-element gas container components must be periodically inspected as specified in Table 2 of these Rules.

These provisions ensure the safe transport of dangerous goods via road, in compliance with international regulations and safety standards.

Table 2: Requirements for Periodic Testing of Tanks