New Dangerous Goods Code scheduled

New Australian Dangerous Goods Code 7th Edition (ADG7) regulations are scheduled to take effect from 1 January 2008 following unanimous approval by Transport Ministers.

The 6th Edition of the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG6) will continue to apply until 31 December 2008; allowing a one-year transitional overlap between editions of the code for training and education.

National Transport Commission (NTC) chief executive Nick Dimopoulos said the new code reduces the cost and complexity of compliance for business. The new code more closely aligns with United Nations (UN) Model Regulations for the transport of dangerous goods across all modes, while retaining Australian-specific provisions.

"The benefits of alignment with international air and sea requirements include less re-labelling and re-packaging of exports and imports," Dimopoulos said.

"Australia's intermodal freight operators will also get a single set of dangerous goods regulations, covering both road and rail transport, for the first time."

Placard load limits for dangerous goods licensing and insurance remain largely the same as under ADG6. The minimum insurance coverage is now $5 million for each placarded trailer, which accommodates trailers in vehicle combinations owned and insured by different companies.

For more information, fact sheet Summary of Key Changes in the Australian Dangerous Goods Code 7th Edition is available on the NTC website.