Everything You Need to Know About the Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD) in European Road Transport
The Dangerous Goods Declaration, often abbreviated as DGD, is the cornerstone of international road transport involving hazardous materials. This declaration is not just an administrative document — it is a legal requirement and an essential component of safe, reliable, and compliant transport. Every company that ships dangerous goods — from chemical raw materials to batteries and aerosols — must complete this declaration accurately and in full.
What is the role of the Dangerous Goods Declaration?
The DGD serves as proof that the consignor is aware of the risks associated with the cargo and complies with the regulations set out in the ADR (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road). Errors in this documentation can not only cause delays but may also result in fines and potentially dangerous situations during transport.
Why is the DGD mandatory?
The transport of dangerous goods involves risks such as fire, explosion, or environmental contamination. Governments therefore impose strict regulations on the transport of these materials. The DGD provides carriers, authorities, and other parties involved with all the information they need to ensure safe handling and transport. Without this declaration, a carrier is not allowed to take the shipment. This prevents hazardous materials from being handled or transported incorrectly.
What information is included in a Dangerous Goods Declaration?
A DGD is more than just a checklist. The document contains detailed information about the nature and packaging of the dangerous goods, such as:
- UN number (unique identification number for each substance)
- Proper shipping name of the substance
- Class(es) of danger (for example, flammable, corrosive, toxic)
- Packaging group (I, II, or III – from most to least hazardous)
- Quantity and type of packaging
- Name and address of the consignor and consignee
- Special instructions or restrictions
Furthermore, the DGD must include a declaration by the consignor stating that the goods have been packed, labeled, and classified in accordance with the applicable ADR regulations. Any errors or omissions can lead to serious delays and penalties during inspections.
For which types of transport is a DGD required?
The DGD is mandatory for both international and domestic road transport of dangerous goods under the ADR agreement. This applies to nearly all shipments of hazardous materials between the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and the Ruhr region. Only small quantities under certain exemptions (Limited Quantities, often applicable to consumer products) may be excluded — but the regulations are strict. Even when transporting multiple types of hazardous goods together (mixed loads), a properly completed DGD is required.
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What are the consequences of an incorrect or missing DGD?
EASY Road Transport has observed in practice that a missing or incorrect Dangerous Goods Declaration is one of the main causes of delays at border crossings and inspections. It is not uncommon for vehicles carrying hazardous materials to be held until the documentation is corrected. In the worst cases, companies risk fines or, in cases of repeated violations, even exclusion from future shipments by major clients. In the UK, inspections have become even stricter since Brexit — there’s no avoiding the “paperwork.”
Who is responsible for a correct DGD?
The primary responsibility for correctly completing the Dangerous Goods Declaration always lies with the consignor (the shipper). This party is also responsible for proper packaging, labeling, and providing accurate Safety Data Sheets (SDS). The carrier, however, must verify that the DGD has been provided and has the right to refuse the shipment if the document is missing or incorrect.
This is how the process works at EASY Road Transport
EASY Road Transport acts as a freight forwarder with a keen eye for detail. We guide you through every step of the process — from quotation to delivery. This also means we ensure that all required documents, including the DGD, are submitted correctly and completely. While many freight forwarders limit their role to transport alone, we go the extra mile. If there’s any uncertainty about how to complete the DGD, we actively assist and explain exactly what needs to be provided and when.
Our experience shows that many delays can be prevented by carefully checking the DGD and all other ADR requirements in advance. In practice, this works as follows:
- Beforehand, we check the shipment information: we assess whether your transport falls under ADR, which UN numbers and packaging groups apply, and whether any additional requirements are in place.
- You receive clear instructions: we specify exactly which information we need from you for the DGD.
- Inspection upon receipt: as soon as we receive the DGD, we check it for completeness and accuracy. Any errors are reported immediately so you can correct them quickly and avoid delays.
- Preparing the transport: only once the DGD has been approved do we schedule the transport. This prevents surprises during inspections or at the border.
Frequently Asked Questions about DGD and ADR Transport
Can I have dangerous goods transported without a DGD if the driver is ADR certified?
No. Even if the driver holds an ADR certificate, a correct DGD is still mandatory. The certificate confirms that the driver knows how to handle hazardous materials safely, but the paperwork remains the responsibility of the consignor.
What if my shipment contains multiple hazardous materials?
You must include all relevant information for each hazardous substance on the DGD. In the case of combined shipments (mixed loads), the DGD can become quite complex. We recommend always keeping the Safety Data Sheets and transport advice readily available.
What about “Limited Quantities” (LQ)?
Some hazardous materials may be transported in limited quantities (Limited Quantities, LQ) without a full DGD. However, this is subject to strict regulations and applies only to specific substances and quantities. Note that even under LQ, labeling and packaging requirements often still apply. Don’t hesitate to ask us for advice if you’re unsure whether your shipment qualifies.
Do I need to provide the DGD in physical form, or is a digital version also allowed?
ADR regulations require a paper version of the DGD to be carried on board the vehicle. Digital copies are useful for administrative purposes but do not meet the legal requirement during transport. The paper DGD must always be easily accessible in the cab, for example in the folder containing the shipping documents.
Practical Tips for Completing a Dangerous Goods Declaration
- Always use the most up-to-date Safety Data Sheets (SDS): these contain the correct UN numbers and hazard classes.
- Pay attention to the correct naming: use the official shipping name as specified in the ADR.
- Specify the correct packaging material and type of packaging.
- Complete all information in English for international transport.
- Check combined shipments for overlapping or compounded risks.
- Ensure that the DGD is signed by an authorized person.
DGD and Brexit: What Should You Pay Extra Attention To?
Since Brexit, additional inspections apply to the transport of dangerous goods between the Netherlands and the UK. The British customs authorities do not accept any inaccuracies in the documentation. Transporting hazardous materials to England? Expect extra scrutiny and ensure your DGD is complete and error-free. An incomplete DGD will immediately result in delays, additional inspections, and potentially fines. EASY Road Transport has extensive experience with ADR transport to the UK and helps ensure your process runs smoothly.
EASY Road Transport – Your Partner for Safe and Compliant Transport
Every day, we ensure that shipments containing dangerous goods between the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and the Ruhr region arrive safely, quickly, and in full compliance with regulations. We have the experience and systems in place to thoroughly check DGD documentation and act swiftly. This way, you avoid surprises, fines, and delays. Our personal approach means you always have direct contact with a specialist — no automated systems or waiting lines.