Procurement Glossary
Dangerous goods management: Safe procurement and transportation of dangerous goods
November 20, 2025
Dangerous goods management encompasses 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 to 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
- The ADR regulations govern the transportation of dangerous goods by road in Europe
- Incorrect classification can lead to fines of up to 25,000 euros and transportation bans
- Digital solutions reduce manual errors by up to 80% in the handling of dangerous goods
- Training courses for employees must be renewed every two years
Contents
What is dangerous goods management?
Dangerous goods management refers to the systematic planning, management and control of all activities relating to the handling of dangerous goods along the entire supply chain.
Core elements of dangerous goods management
The management of dangerous goods is based on four essential pillars that ensure safe handling:
- Classification and labeling according to UN numbers
- Documentation with Commercial Invoice and safety data sheets
- Packaging in accordance with dangerous goods regulations
- Transport in compliance with the transport insurance
Dangerous goods management vs. standard procurement
In contrast to regular procurement, dangerous goods management requires additional compliance measures and specialized suppliers. Packaging regulations are much stricter and transportation routes are often restricted.
Importance in Procurement
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 parties involved in the supply chain.
Supplier qualification
The selection of suitable suppliers is the foundation of successful dangerous goods management. Suppliers must have appropriate certifications and undergo regular audits:
- Examination of dangerous goods certifications
- Evaluation of the safety management systems
- Validation of transport capacities
Documentation management
Complete and correct documentation is legally binding. The CMR consignment note must contain all relevant dangerous goods information. Digital systems support the automatic generation of the 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. Customs clearance requires additional security checks.
Tacto Intelligence
Combines deep procurement knowledge with the most powerful AI agents for strong Procurement.
Important KPIs and targets for dangerous goods management
Measurable key figures enable the continuous improvement of dangerous goods processes and ensure adherence to safety and compliance standards.
Compliance key figures
Monitoring compliance with regulations is at the heart of dangerous goods management. Key indicators include the completeness of documentation and compliance with regulations:
- Compliance rate: proportion of compliant shipments (target value: >99%)
- Documentation error rate: Incorrect documents per 1000 consignments
- Audit success rate: external audits passed
Safety indicators
Safety KPIs measure the effectiveness of risk minimization. The number of incidents and their severity are critical metrics. Preventive measures are evaluated through training rates and certification levels.
Efficiency and cost ratios
Economic aspects of dangerous goods management are measured through cost analyses and process times. Integration with freight audit systems enables detailed cost transparency and optimization potential.
Risks, dependencies and countermeasures
Dangerous goods management involves specific risks that can be minimized through systematic risk analysis and preventive measures.
Compliance risks
Violations of dangerous goods regulations lead to considerable legal and financial consequences. Incomplete documentation or incorrect classification can result in transportation bans:
- Fines of up to 25,000 euros per violation
- Liability risks in the event of accidents
- Reputational damage due to security incidents
Supply chain dependencies
The limited number of qualified dangerous goods carriers creates dependencies and potential bottlenecks. The failure of individual service providers can affect the entire supply chain. Diversification of transport partners and 3PL solutions reduce these risks.
Technical security risks
Improper storage or transportation conditions can lead to accidents. Regular training, equipment maintenance and emergency plans are essential. Export control of dual-use goods requires additional safety 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 the safety data sheets and generates the necessary 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 shortens processing time by 40%.
- Automatic UN number assignment saves 2 hours per shipment
- Digital workflows eliminate media disruptions
- Compliance dashboard provides a 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 opening up new opportunities for more efficient processes.
Digitalization and AI integration
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the classification of dangerous goods 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 documentation chains and increases transparency in the supply chain. Smart contracts automate compliance checks and reduce manual sources of error. Integration with AEO status systems simplifies customs clearance.
Sustainability requirements
Environmental protection regulations are constantly being tightened, which places new demands on packaging and transportation. Green logistics concepts are becoming increasingly important, while at the same time safety standards must be adhered to.
Conclusion
Dangerous goods management is an indispensable part of modern procurement strategies, combining safety, compliance and efficiency. Digitalization opens up new opportunities for automation and risk minimization, while at the same time regulatory requirements are constantly increasing. Companies that invest in systematic dangerous goods processes and corresponding technologies at an early stage secure competitive advantages and minimize operational risks in the long term.
FAQ
What is dangerous goods management?
Dangerous goods management encompasses 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 the transportation of dangerous goods?
The mandatory documents include safety data sheets, dangerous goods declarations, corresponding waybills and transport documents. Depending on the mode of transport, additional documents such as tunnel restriction codes or stowage regulations may be required. Completeness is strictly checked during inspections.
How often do employees in the dangerous goods area need to be trained?
Dangerous goods training courses must be renewed every two years and must cover the relevant area of activity. In addition, refresher training is required in the event of changes to the regulations or new dangerous goods classes. Documentation of the training courses is required by law.
What are the costs of dangerous goods management?
The costs include training, certifications, special packaging, higher transportation costs and system implementation. Typically, the additional costs are 15-30% compared to standard transports, but vary greatly depending on the class of dangerous goods and transport volume.
.png)
.png)
.png)
