How are ADR Class 1 explosives transported?

Which substances does Class 1 cover?

Class 1 covers explosives used in mining and construction, detonators and caps, gunpowder, ammunition, fireworks and signal flares. The criterion for inclusion in the class is that the substance can produce gas through a chemical reaction at such a speed and temperature as to cause damage to its surroundings. ADR requires the classification of Class 1 substances to be approved by the competent authority; the consignor cannot classify them on its own.

What do divisions and compatibility groups mean?

One of thirteen letters from A to S is added to the division: the compatibility group. A classification code such as 1.1D or 1.4S determines which explosives may be placed in the same package and the same vehicle. For example, detonators in group B and explosives in group D cannot be carried in the same vehicle unless a special compartment is used. The full rules are in the mixed loading prohibitions entry.

What are the vehicle and quantity requirements?

Transport units carrying explosives are approved as EX/II or EX/III under ADR 9.3. EX/III, with its closed, thermally insulated and fire-resistant body, allows higher quantities. Under ADR 7.5.5.2, the net explosive mass for Division 1.1 is limited to 1,000 kg in an EX/II vehicle and 16,000 kg in an EX/III vehicle. The differences between vehicle types are explained in the FL, AT, EX/II and EX/III entry.

The exemption thresholds are also narrower than for other classes. Under ADR 1.1.3.6, Divisions 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 and 1.5 are in transport category 0 or 1; the exemption threshold is 0 or 20 kg of net explosive mass. Products 1.4B–1.4G and 1.6N are in category 2 (333 kg); for 1.4S in category 4, there is no quantity limit. For this reason, even small quantities are often transported under full ADR rules.

Why are a security plan and supervision mandatory?

Most explosives are on the list of high consequence dangerous goods in ADR 1.10. For these loads, the carrier, consignor and other parties prepare a written security plan: responsible persons, staff security training, vehicle tracking, rest and parking locations, incident reporting. The vehicle is not left unattended on the road and is not parked anywhere other than a secure depot or protected area.

What additional permits are required in Türkiye?

1. TMFB: The Regulation on the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (Tehlikeli Maddelerin Karayoluyla Taşınması Hakkında Yönetmelik) requires businesses handling Class 1 substances other than 1.4S to obtain a TMFB regardless of quantity.
2. Transport permit: Under Article 53 of the bylaw on non-monopoly explosives, a permit is obtained from the local police authority, or from the district gendarmerie where there is none, for every transport from a factory, customs or depot.
3. Import and transit: The permission of the Ministry of Interior (İçişleri Bakanlığı) is required before the transport permit.
4. Route and supervision: For transports exceeding 300 kg, the route to be followed and overnight stops are written on the permit; transport is carried out under the supervision of a person with knowledge and experience of the subject.
5. After delivery: The permit is handed to the police or gendarmerie unit at the destination within 48 hours after transport.

The bylaw also prohibits carrying dynamite, gunpowder and caps together in the same vehicle, except for certain short-distance depot transfers. In a convoy, at least 80 metres are left between vehicles, overnight stops are made outside settlements where possible on land with at least 200 metres of open space around it, and each vehicle carries at least two fire extinguishers.

Common mistakes

• Assuming 1.4S products are completely unregulated; labelling, packaging and documentation rules still apply.
• Loading detonators and explosives in the same compartment.
• Requesting the transport permit on the day of loading; for import and transit, ministry permission takes time.
• Not including tunnel restrictions in route planning.

How does Voltim Global support this?

In Voltim Global's dangerous goods (ADR) service, cargo from Class 1 to Class 9 is planned and transported with partners holding the required ADR certificates and vehicle approvals. For explosive shipments, the permit file, EX vehicle type and route must be finalised before the loading date; for import and transit, Ministry of Interior permission is also added to this timeline.

Published: 24.10.2026 · Voltim Global