New dangerous goods guidelines will affect shippers and freight forwarders

In the world of hazardous substances, the end of the stormy year 2022 does not offer the usual welcome. With new regulations taking effect on January 1st, hazardous materials professionals will have to learn and adapt. The rules operate on a two-year cycle, so new road (ADR), rail (RID), maritime (IMDG) and air (ICAO Technical Guidelines) rules will replace the old versions next month.

For ADR, the transition period is six months, while for IMDG it is 12 months, but the ICAO/IATA regulations take effect immediately.

New versions give regulators the ability to clean up and change the text that may have caused confusion or ambiguity. So there are many small changes, such as new definitions, sometimes reclassification of products, and possibly some changes to the maximum amount of hazardous substances that can fit in one package.
Food flavoring operators will see UN 1169 phased out, shippers must use UN 1197 in the future – the correct shipping name will change to “Extracts, flavor liquid”.

One of the biggest changes to the ADR Road Regulations means that the Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA) legislation will cover many more shippers/carriers and carriers. There is no additional text in the ADR, but the transitional measure in the 2019 and 2021 editions of the publication has disappeared. Exceptions that have always existed, such as shippers participating only on an exceptional and limited basis, certain special rules, and under cargo limits, will remain in place, but many organizations will have to consider whether they should now be designated by the DGSA.

To become a DGSA in the UK three exams must be taken on the same day. There are usually four sessions per year, and exam preparation training is highly recommended, although not mandatory. Another option is to appoint an external consultant to the DGSA who can provide advice, monitor compliance and prepare an annual report. Both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages, and organizations must find a model that works for them – many use both to provide an internal resource and a backup or external opinion.

Lithium battery replacement

Not a year goes by without changes to the rather long and complicated lithium battery regulations. In recent years, there have been several cases where the blame is pointed at lithium batteries, although conclusive evidence of their involvement is sometimes difficult or impossible to prove. Felicity Ace sank in February 2022 en route from Germany to the United States when a fire broke out. There were 3,965 vehicles on the car stand, including 189 Bentleys, 85 Lamborghinis, and almost 2,000 Audis. In January 2020, a container of undeclared lithium batteries caught fire on the Cosco Pacific sailing between China and India.

One change to the lithium battery brand is removing the requirement to add a phone number for more information. , but senders can use their old tokens until December 31, 2026, so there’s no need to buy new ones for a while. In addition, Airspace added a requirement that shipments of lithium-ion batteries (UN 3 80) and lithium-ion batteries (UN 3090) must now withstand a 2 -hour stack test (1B). All of these changes may seem simple, but it is important that shippers of dangerous goods are fully aware of them. If the rules are not followed, deliveries will be interrupted, the goods will not reach the desired destination, satisfied customers and possible legal measures if the incident occurs. So the first step is to invest in new publications, talk to an expert or attend one of the many violence seminars that various organizations hold at this time of year.