What is UN-approved packaging for dangerous goods?

UN-approved packaging is a container that has been tested and certified to meet the performance standards set by the United Nations for transporting dangerous goods. It carries a UN mark (a circle with "UN" inside) followed by a code indicating the packaging type, packing group suitability, gross mass, and country of approval. Most dangerous goods transported by road in the UK must be in UN-approved packaging.

What are limited quantities in ADR?

Limited quantities (LQ) allow small packages of certain dangerous goods to be transported with simplified requirements — no ADR certificate for the driver, no orange panels on the vehicle, and simplified documentation. Each inner package must not exceed the LQ limit for that substance (typically 1 litre or 1 kg for most Class 3 liquids), and each outer package must not exceed 30 kg gross mass. The outer package must bear the LQ diamond mark.

What should a driver check before accepting a dangerous goods consignment?

Before accepting a dangerous goods consignment, drivers should check: (1) packages bear the correct UN mark and are in good condition with no leaks or damage; (2) hazard labels are correct, legible, and match the transport document; (3) the dangerous goods note is present and correctly completed; (4) the load does not exceed the vehicle's ADR transport category limits; and (5) segregation requirements are met. If anything is wrong, drivers have the right to refuse the load.

What is the difference between limited quantities and excepted quantities?

Limited quantities (LQ) allow small packages of dangerous goods with simplified requirements including a specific LQ diamond mark on the outer package. Excepted quantities (EQ) allow even smaller amounts — typically 1 ml or 1 g per inner package and 100 ml or 100 g per outer package — with minimal requirements beyond correct labelling. EQ provisions are most relevant for laboratory samples, perfumes, and small cosmetic products.

What are ADR packing groups and how do they affect packaging?

ADR packing groups (PG I, II, III) indicate the degree of hazard of the substance. PG I is high danger and requires X-rated packaging, PG II is medium danger and requires Y-rated packaging, and PG III is low danger and requires Z-rated packaging. A package approved for a higher packing group can carry goods of a lower packing group, but not vice versa.

Do drivers need an ADR certificate to carry limited quantity dangerous goods?

No. Drivers do not need an ADR certificate to carry dangerous goods in limited quantities, provided all LQ conditions are met — correct inner package quantities, outer package not exceeding 30 kg, and the LQ diamond mark on the outer package. However, drivers should still be aware of basic emergency procedures for the classes carried, and the vehicle must not exceed the total LQ threshold for the class.

ADR Training

ADR Packaging Requirements UK: What Drivers and Operators Need to Know

10 May 20260 min readGS Driver TrainingUpdated: 10 May 2026

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