7. What is ADR's internal structure?

The ADR is not a text that can be read from cover to cover. It is a technical and pragmatic tool, in which the regulations are grouped by theme and by group of dangerous goods with the same characteristics. Given the complexity of the subject, even with this optimized structure, the text runs to almost 1,400 pages.

The key to entering the ADR is Chapter 3.2, which groups together in a single two-page table the complete list of specific requirements for each commodity, identified by its UN number. Once the UN number of a dangerous good has been determined, the table provides cross-references to the special provisions applicable to this good for its packaging, shipment, loading, unloading and transport, as well as to the chapters in which the provisions in question appear. In addition to these special provisions, the general provisions at the beginning of each chapter...