As we step into 2025, significant updates to chemical transport and labelling regulations are taking effect. For businesses handling dangerous goods, staying informed is essential to maintain compliance and ensure safety. As always, the changes will vary in relevance to every shipper but here’s a brief overview of some of the key regulatory updates across the Road, Sea and Air Regulations.
Road – ADR 2025 Revisions
The European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) has introduced its biennial update for 2025. ADR 2025 applies from 1st January 2025, although there is a 6-month transitional period until full implementation.
Key changes include:
- New battery classifications:
New UN numbers and packing instructions have been introduced for sodium-ion batteries, including UN3551 (Sodium-ion batteries), UN3552 (Sodium-ion batteries with/contained in equipment), and UN3558 (Sodium-ion battery-powered vehicles). These updates apply across all transport modes and should be reviewed if you plan to use/ship sodium-ion batteries. - Lithium battery State of Charge changes:
The 30% state of charge limit for shipping lithium-ion batteries (UN 3480) has expand to include batteries packed with equipment and battery-powered vehicles. This applies to sea and air, and will be mandatory from January 1, 2026. - Documentation changes:
From July 2025, vehicles carrying ADR loads must have dangerous goods documents in the driver’s cab, rather than attached to packages as is common practice. Shippers must ensure drivers receive a copy of these documents for every consignment, along with other required paperwork, such as written instructions. - Mandatory LQ Driver training:
Changes to ADR 3.4 – drivers transporting dangerous goods in limited quantities will be required to hold a training certificate. Previously, training for vehicle crews handling limited quantities was not explicitly mandated, but the new regulation under ADR 8.2.3 clarifies this requirement for all personnel involved in such transport. - New UN Numbers:
The regulations now include 11 new UN Numbers, covering items like lithium-ion battery-powered vehicles (UN3556), fire suppressant devices (UN0514), and Disilane (UN3353). If you handle batteries or fire extinguishers, review the new UN numbers to see if they apply to your operations.
Sea – IMDG Code Updates (42-24 Amendment)
The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, which governs the safe transport of hazardous materials by sea, implemented the 42-24 Amendment in 2024. The amendments are optional throughout 2025 but will become mandatory from 2026 onwards.
Key changes include:
- Mandatory declaration of Charcoal as dangerous goods:
Starting in 2025, all charcoal shipments must be declared as Dangerous Goods, with new documentation, treatment, and packing rules. Charcoal must be treated, kept below 40°C at packing, and follow updated stowage requirements, including height limits and spacing in containers. Bulk transport remains prohibited. - Classification updates:
The amendment introduces new entries for organic peroxides and provides clearer exemptions for marine pollutants. - Dangerous Goods List (DGL) revisions:
There has been over 60 revisions to the Dangerous Goods List. - Labelling:
New labelling requirements have been introduced for smoke-producing substances, highlighting potential corrosive or toxic inhalation hazards. - New UN Numbers:
The amendment introduces several new UN Numbers to address emerging technologies and materials. These include entries for fire suppressant devices, sodium-ion batteries, and lithium/sodium battery-powered vehicles, such as the newly introduced UN 3556 for lithium-ion battery-powered vehicles.
Air – IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) 66th Edition
Air transport regulations have been updated with the release of the IATA DGR 66th Edition. Effective 1st January 2025
Key changes include:
- Classifications:
The monkey pox virus (“mpox”) is now classified as category A when in culture form only. - Packing:
The 75 kPa exception to the 95 kPa pressure differential for liquids has been extended to cover liquids in Class 9. Additionally, the revised Packing Instruction 952 now includes provisions for vehicles powered by lithium-ion, lithium-metal, and sodium-ion batteries. - UN Numbers:
New UN numbers for sodium-ion batteries. - Battery classifications & labelling:
(Changes as per ADR), and the ‘lithium ion battery mark’ now covers sodium-ion batteries and has been renamed as the ‘battery mark’ for all modes of transport. A similar change of name for the Class 9 lithium battery hazard label, which will become the lithium battery and sodium ion battery hazard label. - Definitions:
Expanded definitions for explosives, flammable solids, and fire suppressant devices.
The summary provided offers a general overview, and we recommend reviewing each area in greater detail. If any of the identified changes impact your processes or procedures, it’s important to update them accordingly.
For assistance, our qualified DGSA is here to help— Call us on 0113 203 1942 or Email: dgsa@hibiscus-plc.com
How Hibiscus Can Help
Navigating these regulatory updates can be complex, but Hibiscus is here to assist. Whether you need fully compliant GHS labels, IMDG placards, or IATA/ADR-approved labelling solutions, we’ve got you covered.
We also supply label printers and materials tailored to meet BS5609 standards, ensuring durable and regulation-compliant results. Regulations are evolving to ensure greater safety, and your business must keep up. Review your procedures, update training for your team, and ensure your labels and documentation are fully compliant.
Contact us today:
📞 0113 242 4272 📧 enquiries@hibiscus-plc.com
