.avif)
Einkaufslexikon
Dangerous goods management: Safe procurement and transportation of dangerous goods
November 20, 2025
Dangerous goods management includes all measures for the safe procurement, storage and transportation of dangerous goods in the supply chain. This systematic approach ensures compliance with legal regulations and minimizes risks for people and the environment. Find out below what dangerous goods management means, which process steps are required and how you can successfully minimize risks.
Key facts
- Dangerous goods management is required by law for all companies that procure or transport dangerous goods
- Die ADR regulations regulate the transport of dangerous goods by road in Europe
- Incorrect classification can result in fines of up to 25,000 euros and transport bans
- Digital solutions reduce manual errors by up to 80% when handling dangerous goods
- Training courses for employees must be renewed every two years
Inhalt
What is dangerous goods management?
Dangerous goods management means the systematic planning, management and control of all activities involving the handling of dangerous goods along the entire supply chain.
Key elements of dangerous goods management
The management of dangerous goods is based on four key pillars that ensure safe processing:
- Classification and marking according to UN numbers
- documentation with Commercial Invoice and safety data sheets
- Packaging in accordance with dangerous goods regulations
- Transport in compliance with Transport insurance
Dangerous goods management vs. standard procurement
In contrast to regular procurement, dangerous goods management requires additional compliance measures and specialized suppliers. Die packaging instructions are significantly stricter and transport routes are often restricted.
Importance in purchasing
For purchasing organizations, effective dangerous goods management means risk minimization, cost control and compliance security. Integration into existing procurement processes requires specialized systems and trained personnel.
Process steps and responsibilities
The successful implementation of dangerous goods management requires structured processes and clear responsibilities between all participants in the supply chain.
Supplier qualification
The selection of suitable suppliers forms the basis for successful dangerous goods management. Suppliers must have appropriate certifications and undergo regular audits:
- Review of dangerous goods certifications
- Assessment of safety management systems
- Validation of transport capacities
documentation management
Complete and correct documentation is legally mandatory. The CMR bill of lading must include all relevant dangerous goods information. Digital systems support the automatic generation of required documents.
Transport planning and monitoring
Route planning takes into account dangerous goods restrictions and safety requirements. Modern tracking systems enable real-time monitoring and rapid response in the event of incidents. Die customs requires additional safety checks.
Important KPIs and targets for dangerous goods management
Measurable indicators enable continuous improvement of dangerous goods processes and ensure compliance with safety and compliance standards.
Compliance metrics
Monitoring regulatory compliance is at the heart of dangerous goods management. Key indicators include the completeness of documentation and compliance with regulations:
- Compliance rate: Proportion of rule-compliant shipments (target value: > 99%)
- Documentation error rate: Defective papers per 1000 shipments
- Audit success rate: passed external audits
safety indicators
Safety indicators measure the effectiveness of minimizing risks. The number of incidents and their severity are critical measures. Preventive measures are assessed through training quotas and certification levels.
Efficiency and cost indicators
Economic aspects of dangerous goods management are measured through cost analyses and process times. Integration with Freight Audit Systems enable detailed cost transparency and optimization potential.
Risks, dependencies and countermeasures
Dangerous goods management entails specific risks that can be minimized through systematic risk analysis and preventive measures.
Compliance risks
Violations of dangerous goods regulations lead to significant legal and financial consequences. Incomplete documentation or incorrect classification may result in transport bans:
- Fines of up to 25,000 euros per infringement
- Liability risks in case of accidents
- Reputational damage due to security incidents
Supply chain dependencies
The limited number of qualified dangerous goods carriers creates dependencies and potential bottlenecks. Failures by individual service providers can affect the entire supply chain. diversification of transport partners and 3PL-Solutions reduce these risks.
Technical safety risks
Improper storage or transportation conditions may result in accidents. Regular training, equipment maintenance and emergency plans are essential. Die export control Dual-use goods require additional security measures.
.avif)
practical example
A chemical company implements a digital dangerous goods management system for the procurement of solvents. The system automatically classifies incoming materials based on safety data sheets and generates the required transport documents. Through integration with the ERP system, orders are automatically checked for dangerous goods compatibility and appropriate carriers are selected. The implementation reduces documentation errors by 75% and reduces processing time by 40%.
- Automatic UN number assignment saves 2 hours per shipment
- Digital workflows eliminate media breaks
- Compliance dashboard provides real-time overview of all shipments
Trends & developments in dangerous goods management
Technological innovations and stricter regulations are shaping the future of dangerous goods management and open up new opportunities for more efficient processes.
Digitalization and AI integration
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing dangerous goods classification through automatic recognition and categorization. Machine learning algorithms analyze safety data sheets and suggest optimal transport routes:
- Automated UN number assignment
- Predictive analytics for risk assessment
- Intelligent route optimization
Blockchain for transparency
Blockchain technology creates immutable chains of documentation and increases transparency in the supply chain. Smart contracts automate compliance checks and reduce manual sources of error. The integration with AEO status Systems simplify customs procedures.
sustainability requirements
Environmental protection regulations are constantly being tightened, which places new demands on packaging and transportation. Green logistics concepts are gaining in importance, while safety standards must be met at the same time.
conclusion
Dangerous goods management is an indispensable part of modern procurement strategies that combines safety, compliance and efficiency. Digitalization opens up new opportunities for automation and risk minimization, while regulatory requirements are constantly increasing. Companies that invest in systematic dangerous goods processes and corresponding technologies at an early stage secure competitive advantages and sustainably minimize operational risks.
FAQ
What is dangerous goods management?
Dangerous goods management comprises all systematic measures for the safe procurement, storage and transportation of dangerous goods. It includes classification, documentation, packaging and transportation in compliance with legal regulations such as ADR, IMDG or IATA-DGR.
What documents are required for transporting dangerous goods?
Mandatory documents include safety data sheets, dangerous goods declarations, corresponding bills of lading and transport documents. Depending on the mode of transport, additional documents such as tunnel restriction codes or traffic regulations are required. The completeness is strictly checked during checks.
How often do employees have to be trained in the dangerous goods sector?
Dangerous goods training courses must be renewed every two years and must cover the respective area of activity. In addition, refresher training is required in the event of changes in regulations or new dangerous goods classes. Documentation of training courses is required by law.
What are the costs of managing dangerous goods?
Costs include training, certification, specialized packaging, higher transportation costs, and system implementation. The additional costs are typically 15-30% compared to standard transport, but vary greatly depending on the dangerous goods class and transport volume.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
