The Delegated Directive (EU) 2025/1801 has applied since 2 November 2025, with full mandatory implementation from 24 June 2026. It replaces divergent national checklists with one inspection standard used by enforcement authorities in every member state, so a carrier now faces the same evaluation criteria at any roadside stop within the EU.
Findings are graded into three categories. Category I covers high-risk faults such as substance leaks, missing transport documentation or a driver without a valid ADR training certificate, and leads to immediate vehicle stoppage. Category II requires on-the-spot correction, covering items such as defective fire extinguishers or incorrect markings. Category III covers formal deficiencies that can be corrected later without significant safety impact.
Responsibility now extends across the whole supply chain, from shippers and dispatchers to tank operators and consignees. Vehicles must carry the transport document stating the UN number and hazard class, written instructions in the driver's language, the vehicle approval certificate where required and safety data sheets; orange placards with the UN number and hazard identification number must be displayed front and rear.