If you transport, store, or work with dangerous goods in NSW, you have almost certainly come across the term “ADG Code.” But what exactly is it, who does it apply to, and what does it actually require of NSW drivers, consignors, and businesses?
This guide explains the Australian Dangerous Goods Code in plain language — what it covers, how it is enforced in NSW, and why understanding it is essential for anyone in the transport and logistics industry.
What Is the ADG Code?
The Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code) is the national regulatory framework that governs the transport of dangerous goods by road and rail in Australia. It is published by the National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO) and is given legal force in NSW through the Dangerous Goods (Road and Rail Transport) Act 2008 and its associated regulations.
The ADG Code sets out requirements for classifying dangerous goods, packaging, labelling, marking, placarding, loading, segregation, documentation, and emergency response. In short: if it is dangerous and it is moving by road in NSW, the ADG Code tells you how it must be handled.
The current version is ADG Code 7.8, with ADG Code 7.9 updates progressively being incorporated into state and territory legislation.
Who Does the ADG Code Apply To?
The ADG Code applies to everyone in the dangerous goods transport chain in NSW — not just drivers. This includes:
- Drivers — who must hold a current Dangerous Goods Driver Licence (TLILIC0001) to drive a vehicle carrying a placard load of DG
- Consignors — businesses or individuals who prepare dangerous goods for transport, including classifying, packaging, labelling, and completing consignment notes
- Operators — the businesses that operate vehicles used to transport DG
- Packers — those who pack DG into containers or packages for transport
- Loaders — those who load DG onto vehicles
- Receivers — those who receive DG consignments
Under the Chain of Responsibility (COR) provisions of the Heavy Vehicle National Law, each of these parties carries legal liability for their role in the transport process. A breach by any party — not just the driver — can attract significant penalties.
How Is the ADG Code Structured?
The ADG Code is divided into chapters covering each major area of compliance. The key chapters NSW transport professionals need to know include:
Chapter 1 — Classification
How dangerous goods are classified into 9 classes and their divisions. This determines every other compliance obligation — placarding, labelling, licence requirements, and emergency response.
Chapter 3 — Packing
Requirements for approved packaging by class and packing group. Packaging must be rated and tested to the standards specified in the Code for the goods it contains.
Chapter 5 — Labelling and Marking
What labels must appear on packages, what information must be marked on the outside of packages, and how labels must be displayed.
Chapter 7 — Vehicles, Placarding, and Emergency Information Panels
Requirements for placarding vehicles carrying DG loads, including size, placement, and the Emergency Information Panel (EIP) requirements for placard loads.
Chapter 9 — Loading and Unloading
Requirements for how DG must be loaded onto and unloaded from vehicles, including segregation during loading.
Chapter 11 — Documentation
The dangerous goods consignment note requirements — what information it must contain, who must carry it, and how long it must be kept.
Chapter 13 — Emergency Response
Requirements for Emergency Procedure Guides (EPGs), emergency contacts, and what must happen in the event of a DG incident during transport.
ADG Code vs Work Health and Safety Laws: What’s the Difference?
The ADG Code governs the transport of dangerous goods by road. The Work Health and Safety Act (NSW) and the Dangerous Goods (General) Regulation govern the storage, handling, and use of dangerous goods at workplaces. They work alongside each other — a warehouse that receives DG must comply with WHS laws for storage, and the driver who delivers it must comply with the ADG Code during transport.
How Is the ADG Code Enforced in NSW?
In NSW, the ADG Code is enforced by:
- NSW EPA — responsible for licensing DG drivers and enforcing the Dangerous Goods (Road and Rail Transport) Act
- NHVR authorised officers — conduct roadside inspections checking vehicles, loads, documentation, and driver licences
- NSW Police — can conduct roadside checks and refer matters to NHVR or EPA
- Safe Work NSW — enforces workplace dangerous goods obligations
Enforcement actions range from on-the-spot infringement notices and vehicle defect notices to prosecution under the Act, with significant fines and COR liability for businesses.
How Does the ADG Code Relate to the DG Licence Course?
The TLILIC0001 Dangerous Goods Licence course at Kells Safety Centre (RTO 91528) is built around the ADG Code. The 2-day face-to-face training covers the classification system, placarding and EIP requirements, consignment note obligations, segregation rules, and emergency response — all drawn directly from the ADG Code chapters.
Understanding the ADG Code is not just about passing the course — it is what equips drivers and logistics professionals to make the right decisions in the field, whether they are checking a load, completing a consignment note, or responding to an incident on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get a copy of the ADG Code?
The ADG Code is published by the National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO) and is available on their website. NSW EPA also provides guidance documents on how the Code applies in NSW.
How often is the ADG Code updated?
The ADG Code is updated periodically — major revisions are numbered (7.7, 7.8, 7.9). Updates are made to align with changes to international dangerous goods transport standards (UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods). Businesses and drivers are expected to stay current with the applicable version in their state or territory.
Does the ADG Code apply to small quantities of dangerous goods?
The ADG Code applies to all transport of dangerous goods by road, but many of its more detailed requirements (placarding, consignment notes, EIPs) only apply at or above “placard load” thresholds. Below these quantities, the requirements are less prescriptive — but basic classification, labelling, and safe handling obligations still apply.
Is the ADG Code the same as the IMDG Code?
No. The ADG Code covers road and rail transport in Australia. The IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code) covers sea transport. The IATA DGR (Dangerous Goods Regulations) covers air transport. Each mode of transport has its own regulatory framework, though they share common classification systems (UN numbers and classes).
What happens if my business is not complying with the ADG Code?
Non-compliance with the ADG Code in NSW can result in infringement notices, vehicle defect notices, directions to cease operations, prosecution under the Dangerous Goods (Road and Rail Transport) Act 2008, and COR liability for businesses and individuals involved in the transport chain. Penalties can be substantial — particularly for businesses that have systemic compliance failures.
Want to understand your ADG Code obligations? The TLILIC0001 Dangerous Goods Licence course at Kells Safety Centre covers the full Code in a 2-day face-to-face format at Wetherill Park and Wollongong. Enrol in the DG Licence Course
Key Takeaways
- The ADG Code is the national standard governing dangerous goods transport by road and rail in Australia — given legal force in NSW by the Dangerous Goods (Road and Rail Transport) Act 2008
- It applies to everyone in the transport chain — drivers, consignors, operators, loaders, and receivers
- Key requirements include classification, packaging, labelling, placarding, consignment notes, segregation, and emergency response
- NSW enforcement is carried out by the EPA, NHVR, NSW Police, and Safe Work NSW
- The TLILIC0001 DG Licence course at Kells Safety Centre (RTO 91528) is built around the ADG Code
ADG Code Chapter-by-Chapter: What Each Section Means for Your Business
Understanding which chapters of the ADG Code apply to your role is the fastest way to identify your compliance obligations. Here is a practical summary of the most commonly referenced chapters for NSW road transport:
| Chapter | Topic | Who It Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Classification — 9 classes, UN numbers, packing groups | Consignors, drivers, warehouse operators |
| 3 | Packaging requirements — approved packaging types by UN number | Consignors, packers |
| 5 | Labelling and marking of packages | Consignors, packers |
| 7 | Vehicle placarding and Emergency Information Panels (EIP) | Drivers, operators |
| 9 | Loading, unloading, and segregation during transport | Loaders, drivers |
| 11 | Consignment notes — what they must contain and who keeps them | Consignors, operators, drivers |
| 13 | Emergency response — EPGs, emergency contacts, incident obligations | Drivers, operators, consignors |
ADG Code 7.8 vs 7.9 — What Changed?
ADG Code 7.9 is the current edition being progressively adopted across Australian states and territories. The key changes from 7.8 include updates to classification criteria for certain substances, amendments to packaging requirements for specific UN numbers, and alignment with the latest UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (the “Orange Book”).
NSW has adopted ADG Code 7.9 requirements. If you are using an older edition of the Code for classification, packaging, or consignment note preparation, you may not be compliant. The ADG Code 7.9 publication is available from Kells Safety Centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I download the ADG Code?
The ADG Code is published by the National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO) and is available for purchase as a printed or digital document. It is not available as a free download. Kells Safety Centre stocks the current ADG Code 7.9 in our safety equipment shop — contact us for availability.
Does the ADG Code apply to all quantities of dangerous goods?
The ADG Code applies to all transport of dangerous goods by road in Australia. However, many of the more detailed requirements — including placarding, Emergency Information Panels, consignment notes, and the need for a licensed DG driver — only apply at or above “placard load” threshold quantities set out in ADG Code Table 1.3. Below those thresholds, requirements are lighter but basic classification, labelling, and safe handling obligations still apply.
What is an Emergency Information Panel (EIP) and when is it required?
An Emergency Information Panel (EIP) is a document that must be carried in the cab of a vehicle transporting a placard load of dangerous goods. It provides emergency services with key information about the load — including the UN number, class, quantity, and emergency contact details. The EIP must be positioned so it can be read from outside the vehicle cab. EIP holders and guides are available from the Kells Safety Centre safety equipment shop.
What is an Emergency Procedure Guide (EPG)?
An Emergency Procedure Guide (EPG) is a document specific to the dangerous goods being transported. It gives the driver instructions on what to do in the event of a spill, leak, fire, or accident involving the specific DG class. The ADG Code requires the appropriate EPG to be carried for every class of dangerous goods on the vehicle. EPGs are typically provided as a set covering all 9 DG classes.
How does the ADG Code interact with the HVNL?
The Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and the ADG Code operate in parallel for dangerous goods transport in NSW. The ADG Code sets the standards for classification, packaging, labelling, and documentation. The HVNL imposes Chain of Responsibility obligations on everyone in the transport chain — meaning consignors, operators, loaders, and receivers all share legal liability for ADG Code compliance, not just the driver.
What happens if I transport dangerous goods without the correct documentation?
Transporting dangerous goods without a valid consignment note, without the relevant EPG, or without an EIP (where required) are all breaches of the Dangerous Goods (Road and Rail Transport) Act 2008 in NSW. Penalties range from on-the-spot infringement notices to prosecution. Under COR provisions, the consignor — not just the driver — can be held liable for documentation failures.
For regulatory guidance, refer to Safe Work NSW and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).
Kells Safety Centre (RTO 91528) delivers accredited dangerous goods and transport safety training in NSW — at Wetherill Park (Western Sydney) and Wollongong. View All Training Courses
