Australian Dangerous Goods Code

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.

The code is given legal force in each Australian state and territory by each jurisdiction’s dangerous goods transport laws. It 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 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.

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

• el_temp mark
• enviro mark
• Model No 1
• Model No 1.4
• Model No 1.5
• Model No 1.6 
• Model No 2.1
• Model No 2.1a
• Model No 2.1s
• Model No 2.2
• Model No 2.2a
• Model No 2.3
• Model No 2.5z
• Model No 3
• Model No 3a
• Model No 4.1
• Model No 4.2
• Model No 4.3
• Model No 4.3a
• Model No 5.1s
• Model No 5.1z
• Model No 5.2B
• Model No 5.2Ba
• Model No 6.1
• Model No 6.2
• Model No 7A
• Model No 7B
• Model No 7C
• Model No 7D
• Model No 7E
• Model No 8
• Model No 9
• Model No 10
• Orientation Arrows 1
• Orientation Arrows 2
• Asphyxiant Warning Label
• Fumigation Sign
• Limited Quantity - Air
• Limited Quantity - Road and Rail
• Lithium Battery Mark
• Model No 9a

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).