Transport of dangerous goods

Transport subject to the regulations on transport of dangerous goods includes:

  • transport of various raw materials and products used at production plants and storage facilities for chemicals
  • transport of many ordinary consumer products, such as aerosols and paints
  • transport of chemicals for agriculture and forestry, such as fertilisers and plant protection products
  • transport of hazardous waste
  • transport of liquid fuels
  • transport of gases.

The page on the classification of the transport of dangerous goods includes more examples of dangerous goods and items, as well as their hazard classes and warning labels.

The purpose of the legislation on the transport of dangerous goods is to prevent and control the damage and dangers that the transport of dangerous goods may pose to people, property or the environment.

The tanks and packaging for dangerous goods must fulfil the technical requirements of the legislation and regulations on the transport of dangerous goods applicable to individual chemicals to ensure that their content does not pose a danger to people or the environment, even in the case of an accident. The Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) supervises the compliance of packaging and tanks used for transport and grants licences for inspection bodies that approve and inspect them.

The legislation, regulations and competence requirements applicable to the transport of dangerous goods are available on Traficom pages on the transport of dangerous goods.

The page on consumers and the transport of dangerous goods presents regulations on the transport of dangerous goods applicable to consumers.
 

Checklist for senders of dangerous goods and items (parcelled dangerous goods)

Identify the goods you are sending
Read the chemical’s transport information under section 14 of the safety data sheet. The transport of an item can also be dangerous, including batteries. If required, contact the manufacturer for more information.

If you are unsure, contact your company’s safety adviser for the transport of dangerous goods
Companies handling dangerous goods must appoint a safety adviser for the transport of dangerous goods.

Transport classification
As a rule, the sender must classify dangerous goods because it is responsible for the accuracy of the classification. Tukes confirms the classification of explosives and certain chemicals separately.

Verify whether the goods can be sent using the selected mode of transport
Transport regulations apply separately to each mode of transport. A substance that is permitted in road transport may be prohibited in air transport.

Package goods in accordance with hazard classes
Use packaging approved for transport with the UN type approval marking. Certain goods require a separate internal and external packaging.

Attach packaging labels
Attach the warning labels and other markings required for the goods, including the UN number.

Complete the transport documents
Enter the name and classification of dangerous goods, as well as other information required, in the transport documents. Verify the exact wording from regulations on the transport of dangerous goods under other documents for each mode of transport.

Mention dangerous goods in conjunction with the transport order
If a shipment contains hazardous goods, mention this in conjunction with the transport order.

Handing over the shipment and documents
Hand over the shipment and the transport documents required to the transporter (e.g. transport company, driver).

Frequently asked questions