New ADR regulations – end of transition period
Updated rules on the transport of dangerous goods (ADR) have been in force since 1 January 2025, but the transition period ends at the beginning of July. This means that hauliers must now fully comply with the new requirements. What’s changing?
ADR documents only in the driver’s cab
According to the new guidelines, a complete set of ADR transport documents must be kept exclusively in the driver’s cab – it is no longer sufficient to place them elsewhere in the transport unit. This is an important change for consignors and freight forwarders who previously submitted documents collectively.
Training also for those transporting limited quantities (LQ)
Until now, drivers transporting dangerous goods in limited quantities (LQ) were often excluded from training programmes. From 1 July, drivers carrying even small quantities of dangerous goods (e.g. paints, aerosols or chemicals in small packages) must undergo ADR training. The new requirement aims to improve safety.
New UN numbers and requirements for batteries
Another change is the introduction of 11 new UN numbers, covering, among others, sodium-ion batteries, electric vehicles, and some fire extinguishing agents. In addition, requirements for packaging, labelling and transport documentation are being tightened, especially for materials posing a fire risk.
Changes in the transport of waste and asbestos
The updated ADR regulations also revise procedures for transporting hazardous waste, including asbestos. New packaging rules apply this year, as well as special instructions for transporting in bulk and in containers that comply with current standards.
More zero-emission zones in the Netherlands
From 1 July 2025, the city of Enschede joins the list of Dutch zero-emission zones (ZES), alongside Den Bosch, Groningen and Haarlem. What does this mean for transport companies?
- Euro 5 vans: permitted until the end of 2026
- Euro 6 vans: permitted until the end of 2027
- Euro 6 trucks: if they are no more than five years old on 1 January 2025 (eight years for tractors), they may enter the zones until the end of 2029
Delay surcharges at the port of Livorno
From 1 July, hauliers operating at the port of Livorno (Italy) will charge their customers an additional fee – the so-called “Port Fee”. This is the industry’s response to chronic delays and congestion at port terminals.
The fee will appear on invoices as a separate item, for example: “PORT FEE – loading and/or unloading in the port of Livorno”. This is yet another port – after Genoa, Naples, Venice and La Spezia – where hauliers have chosen to pass on the costs of downtime to customers.
A new player in transport enforcement – Czech INSID inspection
From 1 July 2025, a new independent Road Transport Inspectorate (INSID) will be launched in the Czech Republic. Its role will be to carry out more effective inspections of heavy goods vehicles, both on the road and at business premises.
A modern fleet of inspection vehicles enables:
- remote tachograph reading (DSRC)
- weighing vehicles in motion (WIM system)
- automatic violation analysis without stopping the truck
INSID operates independently of the police and customs authorities. It has the power to stop vehicles, issue administrative decisions, and impose fines of up to CZK 500,000 (approx. €20,200). For hauliers, this means greater transparency in data and documentation.
Romania postpones fines under the RO e-Transport system
Although fines for breaches of Romania’s transport monitoring system (RO e-Transport) were originally due to come into force on 1 July, they have now been postponed until the end of 2025.
According to the emergency decree issued by the Romanian Ministry of Finance on 24 April, transport companies have been granted additional time to adapt to the system’s requirements, including integration with internal IT infrastructure, recruitment of trained personnel, and resolution of technical issues.
The new rules temporarily suspend certain obligations under GEO Act No. 41/2022, including:
- use of ITU codes
- mandatory GPS monitoring
- requirements for tracking devices
The decision follows an appeal by the National Union of Road Hauliers in Romania (UNTRR), which highlighted numerous practical challenges – from API errors and instability in the mobile app to the lack of instructions in English. UNTRR also emphasised the operational costs, especially those arising from manual data entry outside standard working hours.
The ministry acknowledged that the system is not yet stable enough and that full implementation requires testing in real-world conditions. Another argument was Romania’s recent accession to the Schengen area and the increase in international traffic, which places an additional burden on operators.
