The TDG (Transport of Dangerous Goods) regulations aim to prevent risks to people, property, and the environment, complementing other regulations such as those protecting workers or consumers.
They are based on various international regulations, including the RID regulation (rail transport), the ADR agreement (road transport), the European ADN agreement (inland waterway transport), maritime codes and manuals for the transport of dangerous goods in packages and bulk (maritime transport), as well as the ICAO technical instructions for the safe air transport of dangerous goods (air transport).
Without prejudice to the general rules regarding market access or the rules generally applicable to the transport of goods, the transport of dangerous goods is authorized, provided that the conditions established in the decree of May 29, 2009, known as the "TMD decree," are respected. This decree applies to national or international transport of dangerous goods by road, rail, and inland waterways conducted in France, including loading and unloading operations, transfers between modes of transport, and stops required by transport circumstances.
The decree applies without prejudice to specific provisions for the transport of dangerous goods, particularly those set out in the Highway Code, regulations concerning seaports, transportable pressure equipment, and specific rules for certain types of dangerous goods, such as nuclear materials, explosives, hazardous waste, foodstuffs, or regulations related to volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.