Dangerous goods: NSW overview

To determine if a product is a dangerous good, you can

• check its label
• check its shipping or transport documents
• check the product's safety data sheet (previously called the materials safety data sheet)
• check with the manufacturer or supplier of the product
• check if the product is listed in the dangerous goods list in the ADG Code and is not excluded by a special provision detailed in column 7 of that list
• have the products tested to the classification criteria of the ADG Code or UN Manual

The EPA regulates the transport of dangerous goods

• by road
• by rail, through the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator that acts on behalf of the EPA

The EPA carries out regular audits of dangerous goods transport to ensure compliance with legislative requirements.

SafeWork NSW regulates activities prior to transport, including correct classification, packaging and labelling.

In NSW, dangerous goods transport is administered under the

• Dangerous Goods (Road and Rail Transport) Act 2008
• Dangerous Goods (Road and Rail Transport) Regulation 2014

The above legislation controls the transport of all dangerous goods except

• Class 1 (explosives), regulated under the Explosives Act 2003 and administered by Safework NSW
• Class 7 (radioactive substances), regulated under the Radiation Control Act 1990 and administered by the EPA

Dangerous goods are classified under the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code) and the United Nations Manual of Tests and Criteria (UN Manual).

The National Code of Practice for Chemicals of Security Concern contains practical tips for industry, including transporters, to assess and reduce their chemical security risks.

Other jurisdictions and agencies administering legislation for transporting dangerous goods

• Victoria: WorkSafe Victoria
• Queensland: Queensland Transport
• South Australia: SafeWork SA
• Western Australia: Department of Mines and Petroleum
• Northern Territory: NT WorkSafe
• Tasmania: Workplace Standards Tasmania
• Australian Capital Territory: WorkSafe ACT
• Road transport reform: NationalTransport Commission
• Air transport: Civil Aviation Safety Authority
• Marine transport: Australian Maritime Safety Authority

Dangerous goods sold online from e-commerce websites such as eBay and Gumtree must comply with the relevant legislation and the ADG Code. Very small amounts of dangerous goods in individual consignments are exempt, in accordance with Clause 6 (2) (a) of the Dangerous Goods (Road and Rail Transport) Regulation 2014 and table 1.1.1.2 of the ADG Code (Edition 7.5). 

The seller is responsible for ensuring dangerous goods are transported lawfully. Sellers consigning dangerous goods must ensure the goods are classified correctly.

• Ensure the goods are packaged correctly for transport.
• Ensure the goods are labelled correctly.
• Provide a dangerous goods transport document to the transporter.

Online sellers of dangerous goods must engage a courier/transport company that transports dangerous goods in accordance with the ADG Code.

Note that Australia Post prohibits the transport of a large number of articles or substances classified as dangerous goods. View the Dangerous and prohibited goods and packaging guide.