News Details

On February 10, 2026, China notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of a draft national standard titled Rules for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road (GB XXXXX, Parts 1–7) for public consultation. Comments on the proposal are accepted until Aril 11, 2025. The proposed framework signals a major regulatory shift toward technical alignment with the Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR 2025).  

The draft consolidates classification, packaging, consignment, loading, unloading, and transport operations into a unified compliance chain. If adopted, the standard will significantly increase technical obligations for shippers, carriers, and chemical manufacturers operating in China. 

Key Regulatory Developments 

The draft standard introduces a structured, ADR-style system that integrates seven technical parts into one framework. Unlike the previous fragmented approach relying on multiple sectoral rules, the draft standard centralizes compliance into a single national technical regime. 

Major changes include: 

• Full lifecycle control from dangerous goods classification to transport conditions. 

• Explicit quantity-based exemptions modelled on ADR Chapter 1.1.3. 

• Introduction of a “high-risk dangerous goods” control mechanism similar to ADR security provisions. 

• Detailed vehicle equipment requirements for emergency preparedness. 

• Strengthened documentation and carriage obligations. 

This shift reflects China’s broader move from administrative oversight toward a more technical, rule-based regulatory framework. 

Seven-Part Structure: Systematic Compliance Framework 

The draft standard is divided into: 

• Part 1 – General Provisions 

• Part 2 – Classification 

• Part 3 – Dangerous Goods List and Special Provisions 

• Part 4 – Packing and Tank Provisions 

• Part 5 – Consignment Procedures 

• Part 6 – Loading and Unloading Requirements 

• Part 7 – Conditions of Carriage and Operational Controls 

The structure mirrors the architecture of ADR Volumes I and II, meaning that non-compliance at any stage - classification, packaging, marking, documentation, loading, or transport - may invalidate the entire shipment. 

Quantity-Based Exemptions: Limited but Conditional 

The draft incorporates ADR-style limited exemptions, including: 

• Limited Quantity and Excepted Quantity provisions 

• Specific Special Provision exemptions 

• Limited diesel carriage (60 litres per receptacle, maximum 240 litres) 

• Dry ice exemptions 

• Vehicle-mounted oxygen cylinders 

• Law enforcement transfer scenarios 

However, these exemptions apply primarily to: 

• Transport enterprise qualifications 

• Vehicle licensing requirements 

• Driver certification 

Technical obligations such as labelling, marking, packaging standards, and safety data documentation remain applicable. This indicates that exemptions reduce administrative burden but do not eliminate safety compliance requirements. 

Introduction of High-Risk Dangerous Goods Controls 

One of the most consequential additions is the classification of “high-risk dangerous goods,” conceptually aligned with ADR security provisions. The draft defines high-risk goods as substances capable of causing mass casualties or severe societal disruption. Threshold quantities are specified, including: 

• Most Class 1 explosives 

• Toxic gases (Class 2.3) - zero threshold 

• Flammable liquids Packing Group I and II - 3,000 litres 

• Toxic substances Packing Group I (Class 6.1) - zero threshold 

• Category A infectious substances (Class 6.2) - zero threshold 

Shipments exceeding these limits may trigger enhanced security and operational controls. While the draft does not explicitly mandate security plans, its structure suggests future implementing measures requiring formal risk management documentation. 

Vehicle Equipment and Emergency Preparedness Requirements 

Part 7 introduces highly detailed equipment requirements similar to ADR 8.1.5, including: 

• Fire extinguishers based on gross vehicle weight 

• Wheel chocks with minimum height equal to one-quarter of tire diameter 

• High-visibility clothing compliant with national standard GB 20653 

• Explosion-proof portable lighting 

• Chemical-resistant gloves 

• Self-priming respirators for toxic gas and toxic substance carriage 

These requirements are incorporated directly into a national standard, enabling technical enforcement rather than discretionary interpretation. 

Strengthened Documentation and Carriage Obligations 

Drivers must carry: 

• Road transport operation certificates 

• Dangerous goods transport waybills 

• Emergency response information cards 

• Driver qualification certificates 

Additional permits are required for the transport of: 

• Highly toxic substances 

• Civil explosives 

• Fireworks 

• Radioactive materials 

This approach combines ADR-style technical alignment with China’s administrative licensing framework. 

Parking and Supervision Controls 

Where certain special provisions apply, vehicles must park only in: 

• Enclosed factory premises 

• Guarded parking areas 

• Designated hazardous materials parking facilities 

• Remote open areas meeting safety criteria 

Parking in public lots is prohibited for specified high-risk shipments, reinforcing transport security controls. 

Compliance Impact for Chemical and Logistics Companies 

If adopted, the draft standard will have substantial compliance implications for: 

Chemical manufacturers may face: 

• Increased responsibility for accurate classification under Part 2 

• Higher liability exposure for misclassification 

• Need to assess whether products fall within high-risk thresholds 

Logistics providers may need to invest in: 

• Upgraded vehicle equipment investments 

• Expanded driver training, including tank operations and specialized cargo handling 

• More stringent documentation management 

Export-oriented enterprises face: 

• Greater regulatory harmonization with ADR markets 

• Reduced technical divergence in cross-border multimodal transport 

Regulatory Outlook 

The draft standard represents a significant step in the modernization of China’s dangerous goods road transport regime. By aligning more closely with the Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR 2025 edition), China is moving toward a technically integrated, internationally compatible safety system. 

Stakeholders in the chemical, energy, pharmaceutical, and logistics sectors should closely monitor the consultation process and begin gap assessments against ADR-aligned operational standards.