The ADR (Accord Dangereux Routier) and IMO (International Maritime Organization) regulations are two key frameworks used for the classification and transportation of dangerous goods. ADR, signed in 1957, governs the international transport of hazardous materials by road, primarily within Europe, though some other countries also adopt its rules. IMO, on the other hand, is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating the maritime transport of dangerous goods through the IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) Code, which has been in place since 1965.
Both systems use the UN classification for dangerous goods but cater to different modes of transport—ADR for road shipments and IMO for sea shipments.
| Aspect | ADR (Accord Dangereux Routier) | IMO (International Maritime Organization) |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road | International Maritime Organization regulations for maritime transport of dangerous goods |
| Mode of Transport | Road transport (mainly in Europe) | Sea transport (global) |
| Regulations Source | United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) | International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code |
| Applicability | Mainly within Europe, but some non-European countries also follow ADR rules | Global regulations for maritime shipping |
| Labeling & Classification | Uses UN classifications but has specific requirements for packaging, documentation, and vehicle equipment | Uses UN classifications but has stricter rules for marine transport, including stowage and segregation |
Classification of Dangerous Goods under ADR and IMO (IMDG Code)
Both ADR and IMO follow the United Nations (UN) classifications for dangerous goods, but there may be differences in specific requirements.
| Class | ADR (Road Transport) | IMO (IMDG Code – Sea Transport) |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Explosives | Explosives |
| Class 2 | Gases (flammable, non-flammable, toxic) | Gases (flammable, non-flammable, toxic) |
| Class 3 | Flammable liquids | Flammable liquids |
| Class 4.1 | Flammable solids | Flammable solids |
| Class 4.2 | Substances liable to spontaneous combustion | Substances liable to spontaneous combustion |
| Class 4.3 | Substances which emit flammable gases when in contact with water | Substances which emit flammable gases when in contact with water |
| Class 5.1 | Oxidizing substances | Oxidizing substances |
| Class 5.2 | Organic peroxides | Organic peroxides |
| Class 6.1 | Toxic substances | Toxic substances |
| Class 6.2 | Infectious substances | Infectious substances |
| Class 7 | Radioactive material | Radioactive material |
| Class 8 | Corrosive substances | Corrosive substances |
| Class 9 | Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles | Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles |
Differences Between ADR and IMO Classifications
While the classification numbers are the same, there are key differences in how ADR and IMO regulate dangerous goods:
- Packaging & Labeling
- ADR has road-specific requirements, such as vehicle markings and driver safety equipment.
- IMO (IMDG Code) has additional packaging requirements due to maritime risks like leaks, spills, and exposure to seawater.
- Segregation Rules
- IMO has stricter segregation rules because certain dangerous goods cannot be stored near each other on a ship.
- ADR has fewer segregation requirements because road transport allows for easier separation.
- Documentation
- ADR requires a Transport Document and instructions in writing for drivers.
- IMO requires a Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD) and a stowage plan to prevent chemical reactions on board.
- Fire and Safety Precautions
- ADR requires vehicles to carry fire extinguishers and special driver training.
- IMO has emergency response procedures specific to maritime hazards.
- Applicability
- ADR mainly applies to Europe (though some countries outside Europe follow it).
- IMO (IMDG Code) is global, applying to all sea shipments.