1. Extended review of mandatory emergency equipment
ADR 2025 reinforces and redefines part of the minimum equipment required in the vehicle. Key changes:
✔ Incorporation of gloves with greater chemical resistance: Gloves must comply with higher classes according to EN ISO 374, especially for corrosive substances such as sulphuric, nitric or phosphoric acids.
✔ Approved absorbent cloths: Minimum absorption capacity and resistance to corrosive substances are required.
✔ Fire extinguisher update
Labelling review
Minimum capacity according to the vehicle’s maximum authorised mass (MAM)
EXPIRY date verified (many companies fail here in inspections)
✔ Higher class EN ISO 20471 vests: Mandatory for driver and passenger.
✔ Mandatory ATEX torch: Must comply with category 1 or 2 depending on area of use.
✔ Reinforced wheel chocks: Depending on the size and MMA of the vehicle.
2. New driver training requirements.
ADR training is reinforced in three very specific areas:
✔ Training in chemical emergency management. Includes:
- response to exothermic reactions
- leaks in top valves
- overpressure feedback
✔ Reinforcement of safe driving in tunnels: Mandatory for transport through France and Belgium.
✔ New modules for digital documentation (e-ADR): Important for companies operating in France, where deployment will be stricter from 2026 onwards.
3. Changes to tank safety features.
Tanks for chemical liquids—especially corrosive ones—include new requirements:
✔ Reinforced leak testing. Increased requirements for:
bottom valves
top closure systems
corrosion-resistant seals
✔ Verification of minimum thicknesses in AISI-316L: Stricter standards for periodic and extraordinary inspections.
✔ New tolerances for top access: To reduce the risk of leaks due to overfilling.
✔ Update of ADR marking on tanks: Must reflect new tank categories and codes.
4. Mandatory incorporation of digital documentation (e-ADR)
ADR 2025 accelerates the use of digital documentation throughout the EU. What the 2025–2026 European framework requires:
✔ Approved transport documents in electronic format
✔ Immediate availability for checks
✔ Easy reading by FR/BE inspections
✔ Backups in the cab
France will be the strictest country, applying gradual penalties from 2026. Belgium will require interoperability with its federal platform.
5. Reinforced protocols in tunnels and sensitive areas.
France and Belgium have already notified the EU of the update to their ADR transport protocols:
🇫🇷 France — Updated TMD Regulation
Category C, D and E tunnels: reinforced controls.
Validation of routes required for certain UN numbers of corrosive liquids.
🇧🇪 Belgium — SPF Mobilité 2025
Restrictions on access to chemical zones (Antwerp, Liège).
New maximum weight controls on motorways.
Driver obligations in 2025:
✔ Check tunnel classification before setting off
✔ Have alternatives in case of closure/adverse weather conditions
✔ Avoid mountain passes when the product is temperature-sensitive
6. What a company must have ready before 1 January 2026
✔ Updated ADR checklist: Including the new requirements of Chapters 8.1 and 8.2.
✔ Review of tanks according to new criteria: AISI-316L stainless steel, valves, marking and thicknesses.
✔ Enhanced internal training: Including e-ADR modules.
✔ Updating of digital documentation: Approved systems, backups and protocols.
✔ Renewed equipment: Fire extinguishers, gloves, wheel chocks, ATEX torch, absorbents.
✔ Adapted operating procedures. Loading, unloading, stowage, tunnels, winter routes.
If you would like more information about the transport of dangerous goods or any of our services, please do not hesitate to contact us.