Australian Dangerous Goods Code

The Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road & Rail (ADG Code) sets out the requirements for transporting dangerous goods by road or rail.

It is important that everyone involved in transporting dangerous goods understands their responsibilities to help prevent and reduce damage to people, property and the environment.

Operational advice

For operational advice, please direct questions to the competent authority in your state or territory. As the regulators, only they can authoritatively advise on operational issues such as labelling, packaging, quantities or placarding. Our role is limited to maintaining and updating the Code.

Download the code

Edition 7.8 is the latest edition of the ADG Code. It can be used from 1 April 2023 and is mandatory from 1 April 2024. The commencement date in some states may be later than 1 April 2023, please check with your competent authority.


Appendix C:  Emergency Action (Hazchem) Codes is published here as a stand-alone document. As part of the NTC’s agreement to use this information, Appendix C: cannot be printed or copied.


The dangerous goods list in Table 3.2.3 is also available to download here in excel.

Updates in edition 7.8

For a summary of the most important changes, read Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road & Rail: differences between edition 7.7 and edition 7.8 and the explanatory document.

This version of ADG 7.8 was published on 1 March 2023.

This version corrects the following formatting and minor typographical errors:

  • Formatting all pages to A4 size
  • Footer and page numbering added where missing
  • Correction of the commencement date in 1.1.1.7
  • 1.2.1 definition of ‘Limited quantities’, delete ‘see 1.2.1.2.6’ and replaced with ‘see Dangerous goods packed in limited quantities’
  • 2.0.1.1 – insert ‘Class 3: Flammable liquids’
  • Correction of Column 7 heading in Table 3.2.3 – dangerous goods list.

If you have discovered any errors or omissions in the code, please let us know at enquiries@ntc.gov.au.

Dangerous goods laws

The code is given legal force in each Australian state and territory by each jurisdiction’s dangerous goods transport lawsIt is important that the code is read in conjunction with these laws because they provide important information, including supply chain member duties, licence requirements and competent authority panel powers.

Model laws

The state and territory law are based on the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road or Rail model laws.

Exemptions, determinations and approvals

In very limited circumstances, individual competent authorities and the competent authority panel, can make decisions related to the transporting dangerous goods legislation, including exemptions, determinations, or approvals.

View the list of Competent Authority Panel decisions.

For more information

For technical advice please contact the regulator in your state or territory.

For information on transporting dangerous goods by air please contact the Civil Aviation Safety Authority on 131 757.

For information on transporting dangerous goods by sea please contact the Australian Maritime Safety Authority on +61 (2) 6279 5000.

For enquiries relating to the national dangerous goods transport legislative maintenance process and the national model laws, please email enquiries@ntc.gov.au.

Guidance and support material

Class labels

Class labels for dangerous goods based on UN Model Regulations are available to download below:


How to use:

  • The names of the individual label files match the label ‘Model Numbers’ in the Australian Dangerous Goods Code.
  • The labels are fully scalable Windows Metafiles that can be inserted into Word documents in the same way as other images.
  • The quality of label produced will depend on your printer. On some printers, the text may not properly align in the label.
  • The class labels were drawn to the largest size that will fit on an A4 page. When scaled to 100 per cent, they will produce a label with sides measuring approximately 147 mm, which fits no particular code requirement.
  • To get a 100 mm square label, they need to be scaled to 68 per cent.
  • For a 250 mm placard, scale to 170 per cent.
  • When printing the lithium battery mark, ensure the rectangle is 120mm wide and 110mm high (roughly 60% scale).

Australian and New Zealand Emergency Response Guide 2021

ANZ-ERG2021 is available free of charge. It may be reproduced without further permission only if the copy accurately reproduces the entire content (text, format and colours) of this document without modification. Modified copies are not approved emergency information satisfying obligations of the ADG code and associated legislation.

You can purchase A5 size hard copies of the ANZ-ERG2021 via the 'order a printed copy' link above. Payments can be made online with either a VISA or MasterCard. For alternate payment options or any other questions regarding the hard copy, please call Canprint Information Services directly on 1300 889 873 or email sales@infoservices.com.au.

Note: this document was amended on 18 October 2022 to correct a minor issue. Changes made to printed page 100 (page 102 in the PDF) - referenced guide numbers relating to UN numbers 3485, 3487 and 2880 have been corrected. 

Individual Emergency Procedure Guides (EPG)

Download a template to help create Emergency Procedure Guides for specific substances. If you choose to carry individual EPGs rather than the complete Australian New Zealand Emergency Response Guide, you must also carry the EPG for Vehicle Fire.