As Europe strengthens its regulatory framework for road transport safety, dangerous goods (“DG”) in road freight—especially electric bikes, e-scooters, lithium batteries, energy-storage systems and powered devices—are becoming a core compliance topic for shippers, freight forwarders and cross-border e-commerce.

      1. What is ADR and Why It Matters in Europe?

ADR (The European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) governs the handling, packing, marking, documentation and transport conditions of dangerous goods by road across Europe.

For all cross-border trucking inside the EU/EEA and the UK, ADR compliance is mandatory.

If your shipment contains hazardous materials—even partially—failure to comply can result in:

•   Refused pick-up

•   Fines from local authorities

•   Truck detention or return

•   Delayed delivery, high extra costs

•   Insurance rejection in case of loss or damage

      2. ADR Dangerous Goods Classification (9 Classes)

ADR divides dangerous goods into nine classes, based on the type of hazard:

Among all categories, Class 9 is currently the most relevant for cross-border e-commerce and general freight—largely because lithium batteries, energy-storage systems, electric tools and e-mobility equipment all fall under Class 9.

      3. Focus: Lithium Batteries & E-Mobility Products (Class 9)

Lithium batteries and battery-powered equipment are now among the most heavily regulated dangerous goods in Europe due to fire risks, thermal runaway, and high energy density.

      3.1 Common UN Numbers in European Road Transport

      3.2 New European Trend:

Electric bikes, scooters, e-tools increasingly classified as UN3556

Starting 2024–2025, many carriers (DHL, DPD, UPS, FedEx, road freight operators) require:

Electric mobility devices / powered personal transporters to use UN3556 – Lithium batteries contained in equipment, vehicles / devices instead of UN3171 or UN3481.

This means:

• New labelling

• New documentation

• Different acceptance standards

• Stricter safety handling

      4. When Are Lithium Batteries Exempt From Full ADR? (Small Battery Exemptions)

ADR provides exemptions for small lithium batteries IF the shipment meets Special Provision 188 (SP188):

To qualify, each battery must be:

• ≤ 100 Wh for lithium-ion

• ≤ 2 g lithium content for lithium-metal

• Must pass UN38.3 testing

• Must be short-circuit-protected

• Must be properly packed

• Must have compliant labels

If all conditions are met, the shipment becomes “Excepted Lithium Batteries”, allowing:

• No Class 9 placard on the truck

• Simplified documentation

• Lower transport restrictions

BUT many European truck carriers set stricter rules than ADR.

For example:

• Some reject ANY standalone lithium batteries

• Some only accept “contained in equipment”

• Some require MSDS and test reports even when exempt

• Some ban ADR DG to certain countries (e.g., Nordics, islands, UK)

Always check carrier-specific restrictions before shipping.

     5. Key Transport Requirements for Dangerous Goods in European Road Freight

      5.1 Packaging Requirements

All DG must meet ADR Part 4 & 6 requirements:

• UN-certified packaging (for fully regulated DG)

• Inner protection preventing movement / short circuit

• No leakage

• Impact-resistant outer packaging

• Proper overpack labelling if applied

• For lithium batteries: terminals insulated + no damage allowed

      5.2 Labelling Requirements

Packages must include:

• The correct UN number (e.g., UN3481)

• Class hazard label (Class 9 battery label if applicable)

• Proper shipping name (e.g. “Lithium Ion Batteries Contained in Equipment”)

• Handling labels for lithium batteries

Cartons must NOT display:

• Incorrect or contradictory labels

• Old UN3171 or UN3481 labels when the carrier requires UN3556

      5.3 Documentation Requirements

Typical required DG documentation includes:

• ADR Dangerous Goods Transport Document

• MSDS (Safety Data Sheet)

• UN38.3 test summary

• Battery manufacturer test report

• Cargo description matching labels and invoice

      5.4 Carrier Restrictions (Important!)

Many European groupage / LTL carriers do NOT accept ADR dangerous goods, especially:

• Nordic lanes (Sweden, Norway, Finland)

• UK

• Certain island regions

• All parcel networks (UPS/DPD/DHL small package)

• 
  

Platforms like 德豪卡派 Teknihall Trucking will indicate:

• Whether a lane supports dangerous goods

• What type of DG is accepted

• Whether additional documents are required

      6. Electric Vehicles, E-Mobility & Powered Devices

(The Most Complex Category Today)

      6.1 What Products Fall Into This Category?

• Electric bicycles (E-Bike)

• Electric scooters

• Hoverboards

• E-Motorcycles

• Electric tools & machinery

• Garden equipment (lawnmowers, trimmers, etc.)

• Cleaning machines / industrial scrubbers

• Robots & automated equipment

• Any “powered device” containing a rechargeable battery

• 
  

      6.2 Key Requirements

To transport in Europe, the product must:

• Use batteries conforming to UN38.3

• Have MSDS + battery test documents

• Use UN3556 (in many cases)

• Ensure battery is installed inside device

• Battery must be switched off, protected, non-damaged

• No visible swelling, no leakage, no cracks

If the battery is removable:

• Many carriers require battery removed + shipped separately

• Some refuse detachable batteries entirely

      6.3 Bigger Battery Packs (Energy Storage / ESS)

These fall under UN3480, the strictest category:

• Requires full ADR compliance

• Requires UN packaging

• Requires experienced DG carriers

• Cannot move through groupage or standard LTL networks

      7. What Shippers Must Do Before Booking European “卡派”

Checklist for Dangerous Goods Compliance

(1) Identify DG Classification

• Confirm UN Number

• Confirm ADR class

• Confirm if SP188 exemption applies

(2) Ensure Documentation Is Complete

• MSDS

• UN38.3 test summary

• Battery manufacturer certificate

• Packing list & invoice description alignment

(3) Prepare Packaging

• UN-approved packaging if needed

• Battery isolation

• Inner cushioning

(4) Confirm Lane & Carrier Acceptance

• Not all European carriers accept DG

• Some lanes have full bans

• Some only accept Class 9 with special conditions

(5) Label Correctly

• Hazard labels

• UN number

• Lithium battery label

• Overpack markings if needed

• 
  

(6) Declare accurately

Never declare battery goods as “general cargo”—European carriers cross-check and may impose penalties, return freight, or blacklist accounts.

      8. Summary: What Matters Most for European Dangerous Goods Road Transport

• ADR governs all road DG in Europe

• Class 9 (lithium batteries & powered devices) is the most common DG in modern logistics

• SP188 exemption exists, but carriers may impose stricter rules

• Many European lanes prohibit DG or limit DG categories

• Electric mobility products (E-Bike, scooter, ESS) increasingly use UN3556

• Proper packaging, documents and labelling are mandatory

• Booking a DG-capable carrier is essential—NOT all truckers can transport DG

• Platforms like Teknihall Trucking help match DG-compatible carriers and manage compliance