The National Transport Commission launched the new edition of the Australian Dangerous Goods Code on 1 July 2018. The new edition contains changes aimed at reducing the burden on industry when transporting low-risk items and bringing the Code into line with new United Nations transport requirements.
When will the changes commence?
The Code is updated every two years, with a one year transition period for each edition.
From 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019, businesses involved in transporting dangerous goods can choose to comply with either Edition 7.5 or Edition 7.6. From 1 July 2019, businesses must comply with Edition 7.6. The relevant dates are summarised in the following table:
| Applicable edition of the Code by date | Does Edition 7.5 apply? | Does Edition 7.6 apply? |
| From 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019 (transition period) | Yes | Yes |
| From 1 July 2019 | No | Yes |
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Applicable edition of the Code by date Does Edition 7.5 apply? Does Edition 7.6 apply?
From 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019 (transition period) Yes Yes
From 1 July 2019 No Yes
What is being changed?
Some of the significant amendments include:
- exempting the transport of low-risk dangerous goods in limited quantities (such as household cleaning products, perfumes and cosmetics) from onerous labelling and marking requirements;
- incorporating the United Nations Excepted Quantity provisions
and adding a new column to the Dangerous Goods List, noting the
Excepted Quantity for each UN Number;
clarifying that mobile processing units (purpose-built vehicles used in mining operations) are exempt from the Code; and - exempting the transport of various flammable gases from certain provisions of Chapter 6.2 of the Code, as long as there is compliance with applicable international standards.
What should transport operators do before 1 July 2019?
During the transition period, transport operators who transport or store dangerous goods should obtain a copy of Edition 7.6 of the Code and:
- become familiar with the changes; and
- review their dangerous goods policies and procedures to ensure compliance with it.
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This publication is for information only and is not legal advice. You should obtain advice that is specific to your circumstances and not rely on this publication as legal advice. If there are any issues you would like us to advise you on arising from this publication, please contact Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers.