Since the beginning of this year, the UK has adopted the latest amendments to the ADR (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) regulations. These updates are essential to aligning with international safety standards and reflecting emerging technologies and materials.
This year, several critical changes are happening, impacting documentation, driver training, the handling of new battery types, and stricter requirements for waste, including asbestos and charcoal. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key updates of hazardous goods transport regulations and what your business needs to do to prepare.
1. New documentation requirements: From packages to the driver’s cab
One of the most practical, yet disruptive, changes in ADR 2025 involves how documentation must be carried. The new driver’s cab mandate means that all dangerous goods documentation must now be located in the driver’s cab of the vehicle, not affixed to packages or containers.
The impact this hazardous goods transport regulation will have is significant. It will require operational changes for shippers, who previously attached documents to consignments. Drivers must now carry a complete set of documentation per consignment.
2. Mandatory training for limited quantities (LQ) carriers
Historically, drivers carrying dangerous goods in limited quantities (ADR 3.4) had no formal training requirement. The new hazardous goods transport regulations mean that by July 2025:
- Training Certificates are required – All drivers and vehicle crew involved in the carriage of LQ dangerous goods must now hold a training certificate under ADR 8.2.3.
This will mean that businesses must ensure all drivers receive formal training and certification, aligning with the responsibilities expected of those transporting full ADR loads.
3. New UN numbers and packaging rules
The 2025 ADR update introduces 11 new UN numbers, reflecting the rise of battery-powered technologies and safety innovations:
Sodium-Ion batteries:
- UN 3551 – Sodium-ion batteries
- UN 3552 – Contained in / packed with equipment
- UN 3558 – Vehicle, sodium-ion battery powered
- New packing instructions accompany these listings.
Lithium-Ion batteries and Electric vehicles:
- UN 3556 – Vehicle, lithium-ion battery powered
- UN 3480 – Now with expanded state of charge (SOC) restrictions (see below)
Other items:
- UN 0514 – Fire suppressant dispersing devices
- UN 3353 – Disilane
4. Expanded state of charge restrictions for lithium-ion batteries
Previously, standalone lithium-ion batteries (UN 3480) could only be transported with a SOC of 30% or less. This hazardous goods transport regulation now extends further. Applying to batteries packed with equipment and to vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries. There’s some more time for your business to adhere to this update with it becoming mandatory from January 2026, but recommended from the start of this year.
This will mean that shippers must adopt new SOC monitoring and control procedures earlier than before, impacting logistics and warehousing operations.
5. Dangerous goods declaration for charcoal
Another key hazardous goods transport regulation that has been updated involves charcoal, which is officially recognised as a dangerous good. Due to this, it now requires proper classification, packaging and documentation. Shippers must also update processes to include this material under DG protocols.
6. Stricter regulations for asbestos waste transport
The most extensive changes relate to asbestos-contaminated waste, detailed under Special Provision 678 and related packaging, transport, and documentation requirements. The key changes here include:
- Only direct transport from the site of generation to a final disposal facility
- No intermediate storage, unloading, or transfer allowed
- Waste must be classified into specific categories (e.g., contaminated soil, construction debris)
- Special containment: Dual-layer “container-bags” with airtight zippers; bulk transport compartments must have rigid metal walls
- Weight limit: Max 7 tonnes per bag
- Sharp edges are prohibited in cargo areas to prevent bag rupture (CV38)
The new documentation requirements means that asbestos must be stated as “Carriage under special provision 678” and it must also include a technical data sheet for bags, unloading procedures (if applicable).
7. New special and bulk transport provisions
There have been 13 new provisions added, including:
- SP678: Asbestos waste (as detailed above)
- Additional updates to over 30 existing provisions
Bulk transport specifics:
- Uncleaned empty containers may now be carried in bulk if authorised for the original substance
- AP11: For molten aluminum – includes fire safety and tank inspection rules
- AP12: Bulk carriage of asbestos fiber waste using airtight containment systems
8. Lithium and sodium battery marking unification
The “Lithium Battery Mark” will now become the “Battery Mark”, applying to both lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. Businesses must update labelling practices to reflect this expanded scope.
For businesses involved in the transport, storage, or handling of hazardous goods, now is the time to review operations, update training records, ensure documentation compliance, and assess supply chain readiness.
At Kings Transport, we offer specialist hazardous goods services backed by trained professionals, ADR-ready fleets, and years of trusted experience. Whether you’re transporting lithium batteries, asbestos waste, or palletised dangerous goods across the UK or Europe, working with certified partners can make compliance simpler and safer. Get in touch with us to learn more about our hazardous goods services.
Key hazardous goods transport regulation FAQs
Q: Does every driver now need ADR training, even for LQ loads?
A: Yes, under ADR 8.2.3, drivers transporting limited quantities of dangerous goods must now hold a training certificate.
Q: Can I still attach documents to packages?
A: No. As of July 2025, dangerous goods documentation must be in the driver’s cab, not on packages or pallets.
Q: Are sodium-ion batteries treated the same as lithium-ion?
A: Not exactly. While sodium-ion batteries now have similar UN numbers and packaging requirements, they are classified separately and have distinct handling instructions.
Q: When does the 30% SOC limit become mandatory for lithium-ion batteries in equipment/vehicles?
A: It is recommended starting 1 January 2025 and becomes mandatory on 1 January 2026.
Q: Do I need new packaging for asbestos waste?
A: Yes. New dual-liner “container-bags” with airtight zippers are now required. Specific documentation and compartment requirements also apply.
Q: What’s the penalty for non-compliance?
A: Non-compliance can result in shipment delays, fines, or even rejection at borders. Documentation, training, and packaging must meet the 2025 standards by the applicable deadlines.
Q: Who can help with compliant hazardous goods transport?
At The Kings Group, we offer fully ADR-compliant hazardous goods transport, bringing 45 years of experience, Palletline membership, and sector-specific expertise across public health, retail, and more. Get in touch with us to learn more about our hazardous goods services.
