What's new in ADR 2027?

This IRU Intelligence Briefing examines the key amendments to the Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR), entering into force on 1 January 2027, and their implications for the road transport supply chain.

The new provisions reflect evolving transport technologies, safety requirements and operational practices, with important developments affecting battery transport, alternative fuel vehicles and driver training.

Battery transport is a major area of change, with new provisions covering lithium and sodium-ion batteries installed in cargo transport units, hybrid batteries, and repaired or refurbished batteries.

Driver training is also evolving, with the introduction of remote training and e-learning options, offering greater flexibility while maintaining essential practical training requirements.

Vehicle safety requirements are being updated to reflect technological developments, particularly for electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, alongside new provisions for tyre pressure monitoring systems and electrical safety.

Further amendments address dangerous goods classification, exemptions, packaging, marking and labelling, transport documentation, waste transport, and the construction and testing of tanks and equipment.

The briefing provides a detailed examination of these regulatory developments, highlighting amended provisions and transitional measures to help operators, safety advisers and other industry stakeholders understand the changes and prepare for ADR 2027 compliance.