The transport of dangerous goods, especially chemical liquids, is a highly regulated process, and when it involves multiple modes of transport (road, sea and air), the demands are even greater. In addition to complying with ADR regulations, it is often necessary to have multimodal certification, such as the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code for maritime transport. In this post we explore when and how to obtain these certifications.
What is a multimodal certification?
A multimodal certification allows the safe transport of dangerous goods through different modes of transport (road, rail, sea and air), ensuring compliance with the specific requirements of each mode. This certification is essential when a shipment transits more than one mode of transport and is regulated by different international agreements:
- ADR (European Agreement for the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road).
- IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code).
- RID (Regulations concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail).
- IATA (International Air Transport Association Dangerous Goods Regulations).
When is it mandatory to use multimodal certification?
- International transport across borders and ports: If a tanker carrying dangerous chemicals leaves Spain and is to be loaded onto a ship or plane, additional certifications are required, such as IMDG for sea transport or IATA for air transport. For example, if Fernández Aedo is shipping chemicals through a port, it will need to comply with both regulations: ADR and IMDG.
- Containerised cargo movements: When transporting hazardous liquids in tank containers that will be transferred from land to sea, the regulations of both modes (ADR and IMDG) must be complied with. Containers must be correctly labelled according to both regulations, and documents must reflect the dual certification.
- Transport of specific hazardous substances: Certain dangerous goods, such as flammable liquids (Class 3) or toxic substances (Class 6), are more strictly regulated when transported by different modes. For example, flammable liquids transported by ship need to comply with stricter regulations than road regulations.
How to obtain multimodal certification?
To obtain multimodal certification, companies must follow several key steps:
- Specialised training: Operations and logistics staff must be trained in ADR, IMDG and IATA regulations. Some accredited entities in Spain offer specific courses for multimodal handling of dangerous goods.
- Assessment and documentation: It is necessary to carry out an assessment of the transported goods and their risks, ensuring that the packaging, labelling and documentation regulations for each means of transport are complied with.
- Inspections and audits: Vehicles and containers used for multimodal transport must undergo regular inspections to certify that they comply with international regulations, especially when it comes to tanks transporting hazardous liquids.
If you would like more information about dangerous goods transport or any of our services, please do not hesitate to contact us.