Use RD 97/2014 together with ADR 2025
Royal Decree 97/2014 regulates dangerous goods road transport in Spanish territory. The BOE consolidated text reviewed here incorporates amendments published through 4 December 2024.
Article 2 applies ADR to domestic transport with the national provisions in Annex 1. Chapters II, IV, VI and VII also apply to international carriage within Spain. Chapter V, on safety advisers, concerns companies established in Spain within its scope; crossing the border alone does not establish every Spanish filing obligation.
Use ADR 2025 for the relevant goods classification, packaging or tank, marking, documentation and operating requirements. Identify each participant’s actual role under Chapter 1.4 and assess any exemption against its conditions.
Agree responsibilities before loading or unloading
Articles 34–40 address information, documentation and loading or unloading checks. The consignor provides information needed for vehicle selection; the carrier is responsible for the vehicle, equipment, markings and crew meeting the requirements for the load.
For a practical review, identify who consigns, carries, loads and unloads. Bring the consignment information, proposed transport document, packaging or tank details and site procedures. Compare those documents with what each party actually does.
Where unloading responsibility is transferred, check article 38 and the required communication and written evidence. Do not treat an informal commercial instruction as completion of that process.
Safety adviser and Spanish administrative procedures
ADR section 1.8.3 sets the safety adviser framework. Review the undertaking’s activities and the applicable exemptions; appointment is an assessment of the actual operation.
The Ministry’s GMP electronic procedure covers company registration and the attachment of advisers to activity addresses. It explains that company procedures must be completed by the company or an authorised representative. Confirm the competent administration and your establishment arrangements before making a filing.
DGSA offers dangerous goods advisory services in English for businesses operating in Spain. Describe where your company is established and the work undertaken at each Spanish location.
Check the actual route and travel date
The DGT restrictions page provides the current annual rules, amendments and RIMP information. DGT distinguishes orange-plate dangerous goods vehicles from the general goods category above 7,500 kg.
Catalonia, the Basque Country and Navarre have their own traffic authorities and restrictions. For a Catalan leg, see our current Catalonia guide. Check the dates, roads, tunnels, loading points and any proposed exemption for the complete itinerary.
To discuss your operation, send DGSA the goods information, quantities, packaging or tank, participating companies and journey details.
Discuss your operation in Spain
Tell us which goods, activities and transport stages are involved. We will discuss the scope of the advice or training you need.