In our TransporTrends series , we partner with the Kompetenznetz Logistik.NRW / LOG-IT Club e.V., we regularly provide updates on current topics, decisions, and trends in transportation and logistics law —today, we’ll discuss what the revised GGVSEB means for logistics companies, how responsibilities are distributed along the supply chain, and which hazardous materials processes companies should review now.
On August 31, 2026, the Federal Ministry of Transportation published a revised version of the Regulation on the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road, Rail, and Inland Waterways (Announcement of August 26, 2026, Federal Law Gazette 2026 I No. 242). The announcement consolidates the previous regulations and the amendments made in the interim into a single, official text of the ordinance. It does not establish a new legal framework, but it does make it easier for companies to apply the applicable dangerous goods regulations. Of particular relevance to logistics companies is that the regulation details the responsibilities of the individual parties involved throughout the transport chain.
Main Content
The differentiated allocation of obligations among the individual parties remains significant in practice. Separate provisions apply in particular to the consignor’s principal, the consignor, the carrier, the consignee, the shipper, the packer, the filler, the unloader, and the operators of certain tanks and containers. The GGVSEB also sets forth specific obligations for, among others, vehicle drivers, operators of tank cars, entities responsible for maintenance, and railway infrastructure operators.
Before placing an order, the shipper’s client must verify that the dangerous goods are properly classified and may be transported. In addition, the shipper must ensure that the required information is provided to the consignor in writing or electronically. This includes, among other things, information for the transport document as well as details regarding limited and exempt quantities. For road transport and inland waterway transport, additional information regarding temperature control may be required.
The shipper must inform the carrier about the dangerous goods, verify their classification and eligibility for transport, and ensure that only approved and suitable packaging, tanks, and other containers are used. In addition, the shipper must provide the required shipping documents and accompanying paperwork. A copy of the shipping document and
The required additional information and documentation must generally be retained for at least three months.
During unloading, there are specific requirements for inspection, cleaning, sealing, and labeling. Among other things, the unloader must verify that the correct goods are being unloaded and that any damage does not pose a hazard to the unloading process. After unloading, hazardous residues must be removed, and the necessary cleaning, degassing, or decontamination measures must be ensured.
Legal classification
The revised version incorporates the text of the notice published on August 18, 2023, as well as the amendments made by the Fifteenth Ordinance Amending Ordinances on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, dated June 19, 2025. Article 1 thereof entered into force on June 26, 2025, and Article 2 on January 1, 2026. Among other things, the amending ordinance implemented Delegated Directive (EU) 2025/149 and incorporated the 2025 editions of ADR, RID, and ADN into national law.
The GGVSEB supplements and specifies the allocation of responsibility under ADR, RID, and ADN for Germany. In addition, Section 410 of the German Commercial Code (HGB) requires the shipper to notify the carrier in writing and in a timely manner of the exact nature of the hazard and, if necessary, the precautionary measures to be taken. When storing dangerous goods, the depositor is subject to corresponding information, packaging, and labeling requirements under § 468(1) HGB.
Violations of numerous organizational, informational, monitoring, and documentation requirements may be punished as administrative offenses. These include, among other things, violations related to transport documents, packaging, and loading and unloading operations.
Practical Note / Recommended Action
- Logistics companies should map their hazardous materials processes to the roles defined in the GGVSEB and document responsibilities in writing.
- Shippers, consignors, and freight forwarders should review the data and documentation interfaces with senders, loaders, and carriers.
- Shippers, carriers, and warehouse operators should maintain verifiable records of inspections, training, labeling, and the retention of required documentation.
Companies should determine whether, in the course of individual operations, they assume multiple roles under dangerous goods regulations simultaneously and must therefore comply with multiple sets of obligations.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the author, Dr. Jan Hermeling, and the Transportation & Logistics Expert Team.