Lawyer for Dangerous Goods Law

Dangerous Goods Law – The Invisible Yet Crucial Part of Your Business

As a business owner, you know that dangerous goods are not limited to trucks or trains. They are often right at your doorstep—in the form of batteries and accumulators, chemical substances, or industrial waste. Dangerous goods regulations are ever-present and can affect your business in many ways.

The Complex World of Dangerous Goods Law
The carriage of dangerous goods is governed by the German Dangerous Goods Transport Act (GGBefG), the Ordinance on the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road, Rail and Inland Waterways (GGVSEB), as well as international agreements such as ADR, RID, and ADN.

But what do these rules mean for your day-to-day operations? Every step—from classification to packaging, labelling, and transport—carries the risk of costly mistakes.

Key Legal Aspects of Dangerous Goods Transport

Responsibility within the supply chain: Who is liable for the transport, storage, and handling of dangerous goods?
Classification: Proper categorisation of goods into the correct classes and subclasses.
Transport documentation: Legally compliant transport documents.
Packaging: Lawful and safe packaging for transport.
Loading and transport: Secure loading and handling.
Labelling and hazard signage: Correct marking and labelling of goods for transport.
Waste law: Hazardous waste is also classified as dangerous goods and subject to waste legislation.

Legal Relief Options in Dangerous Goods Law

There are simplifications that may apply and help reduce regulatory complexity:

Exemptions: Certain provisions may not apply under defined conditions.
Special provisions: Specific rules for certain types of dangerous goods.
1000-point rule: A point-based system that may limit the scope of applicable regulations.

Mistakes with Serious Consequences

Failure to comply with dangerous goods regulations can lead to:

Fines and penalties that strain your business financially
Liability risks, including personal liability for managing directors
Reputational damage and operational disruptions that harm your long-term business prospects

How We Support Your Business
Our law firm, specialised in dangerous goods law, helps you minimise these risks with:

Process optimisation: We help align your internal processes with legal requirements
Liability prevention: We work to reduce potential risks of liability
Defence in administrative and criminal proceedings: We defend your interests and seek the best possible outcome

Let’s identify your specific challenges and opportunities together. We then develop strategies tailored to the legal needs of your business.

Secure your business success in the dangerous goods sector – with confidence and compliance.

Your contact person

Lawyer Inés Jakob
& Certified Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser

Get in touch for a no-obligation initial consultation:

Call us on:

Tel.: +49 911 25300065

Or send us an email at:

info@anwaltskanzlei-jakob.com

We welcome your enquiry and are happy to assist!

What are dangerous goods?
Dangerous goods are substances and articles whose transport is either prohibited or permitted only under specific conditions laid down in international regulations such as the ADR, RID, ADN, IMDG Code, ICAO-TI, or IATA-DGR.
Which legal provisions apply to the transport of dangerous goods in Germany?
The national and cross-border transport of dangerous goods by road, rail, and inland waterways is governed by the Ordinance on the National and International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road, Rail and Inland Waterways (GGVSEB).
For maritime transport, the relevant regulation is the Ordinance on the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Sea (GGVSee).
Are there exemptions or simplifications in dangerous goods law?
Yes, dangerous goods may be transported under simplified conditions in the following cases:
Exemptions under specific regulatory provisions
Transport in excepted quantities
Transport in limited quantities
Transport under the so-called 1000-point rule
What are the areas of responsibility in dangerous goods law?
All parties involved in the transport of dangerous goods—including preparation and follow-up—have distinct tasks and legal obligations. The following roles carry specific responsibilities:
Consignor’s principal
Consignor
Packer
Loader
Carrier
Filler
Driver
Unloader
Consignee
Where can I find details on the transport of dangerous goods by road?
The detailed regulations on packaging, marking, labelling, and related requirements are set out in the ADR (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road).
When is an ADR training certificate required?
Drivers of vehicles transporting dangerous goods must hold a valid ADR training certificate if they carry out any of the following types of transport:
Transport in tank vehicles
Transport in bulk
Transport of labelled quantities exceeding 1,000 ADR points
Transport of non-exempt radioactive materials (Class 7, excluding UN 2908–UN 2911)
Transport of labelled quantities of Class 1 dangerous goods (explosives)
Where can I find details on the transport of dangerous goods by rail?
The detailed regulations on packaging, marking, labelling, and related requirements for the transport of dangerous goods by rail are set out in the RID (Regulations concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail).
Where can I find details on the transport of dangerous goods by inland waterway?
The detailed regulations on packaging, marking, labelling, and related requirements for the transport of dangerous goods by inland waterways are set out in the ADN (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Inland Waterways).
Where can I find details on the transport of dangerous goods by sea?
The detailed regulations on packaging, marking, labelling, and related requirements for the maritime transport of dangerous goods are set out in the IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code).
Where can I find details on the transport of dangerous goods by air?
The detailed regulations on packaging, marking, labelling, and related requirements for the air transport of dangerous goods are set out in the ICAO-TI (Technical Instructions of the International Civil Aviation Organization for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air) and the IATA-DGR (International Air Transport Association – Dangerous Goods Regulations).
What are the duties of a Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA)?
The Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA) advises company management and monitors compliance with dangerous goods regulations within the organisation.
They are responsible for maintaining records, preparing an annual report, and, in the event of an incident, compiling an accident report. The DGSA also organises employee training and instruction on the handling and transport of dangerous goods.
Who is responsible for compliance with dangerous goods regulations?
Company management is always responsible for activities within the business that fall under one or more duty areas defined by dangerous goods regulations. Under certain conditions, specific responsibilities may be delegated to an authorised person within the company.
When is training in dangerous goods law required?
All employees whose work involves the transport of dangerous goods—including packaging, loading, and related activities—must receive training on the specific requirements relevant to their duties and areas of responsibility.
Are batteries or accumulators classified as dangerous goods?
All batteries and accumulators—whether shipped individually, packaged together, or installed in equipment—are considered dangerous goods under the relevant regulations. As such, specific requirements apply to the marking and labelling of packaging.
Under certain conditions, and if labelling and marking requirements are met, transport may be permitted under simplified provisions. The applicable rules vary depending on the mode of transport (e.g. road or air) and must be observed accordingly.
What are the consequences of violating dangerous goods regulations?
During roadside inspections or checks at company premises, violations of dangerous goods regulations may result in fines—this also applies to deficiencies in load securing.
In cases of serious or repeated breaches, a company's reliability may be called into question, putting the continuation of the business at risk. This also applies to other permits or authorisations that require a high level of corporate reliability.
In the event of an accident, companies may face severe criminal proceedings and civil liability claims.