ADR exemption

What is ADR exemption?

The term ADR stands for 'Accord européen relatif au transport international des marchandises Dangereuses par Route'. When you transport dangerous goods by road you will have to deal with this. Several substances have been labelled as hazardous in a European agreement. To transport hazardous goods, in some cases you need ADR certification for your lighting, such as LED work lights. But not in all cases. For an overview of hazardous substances, I refer you to the term ADR. It is also possible to get ADR exemption for your transport. This is the case in several situations.

When do you have ADR exemption?

Private transport

A fairly logical exemption is the one for private transport where the hazardous substances are packaged for retail and intended for personal consumption. When it comes to fuels, however, you still face additional restrictions. Namely, you may carry a maximum of 240 litres of fuel in refillable containers. Each canister can hold a maximum of 60 litres of fuel. You also have to take various measures to prevent leakage.

ADR exemption linked to the company's main process

You are also exempt from ADR if you transport hazardous substances that are secondary to the main business activity. Some examples could be delivering to a construction site or transporting in connection with repair, maintenance or supervision. As with private transport, there are limits on this. The hazardous substances may contain a maximum of 450 litres per package. For these substances, too, measures must be taken to prevent leakage. What is important to know is that the ADR exemption does not apply to transport intended for own supply or internal or external distribution.

ADR exemption for the transport of gases

Some gases are exempt from ADR. These are gases of groups A and O, as long as the pressure at 20 ºC does not exceed 2 bar and the gases are not liquid or highly refrigerated liquid. This exemption also applies to gases used to propel the vehicle, or when used as fuel. When the gases are used in food or drinks, you are also exempt from ADR.

Exemption for liquid fuels

Fixed fuel tanks may hold up to 1,500 litres for propulsion. A tank on a 12V semi-trailer may hold up to 500 litres and portable tanks may hold up to 60 litres. However, it is important that you actually use this fuel to power the vehicle. When you transport vehicles, the fuel in the tank of that vehicle may also simply be transported with an ADR exemption.