From 29 June to 3 July 2026, the ADR Expert Class 2026 took place in Schlüchtern, Germany. The activity was organised by the Bundesamt für Logistik und Mobilität, BALM, within the framework of the ECR EGTC ADR Expert Group.
This year's Expert Class brought together 18 enforcement staff from 10 countries: Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal and Romania. Over the course of the week, participants exchanged knowledge, practical experience and inspection practices related to the implementation and enforcement of ADR rules for the transport of dangerous goods by road.
The ADR Expert Class provides an important opportunity for enforcement staff from different European countries to discuss the practical application of ADR regulations. By bringing inspectors together in a dedicated training and exchange setting, the event supports a more coordinated understanding of dangerous goods transport rules and helps strengthen cooperation between national enforcement authorities.
Exchange of knowledge and practical experience
Throughout the programme, participants addressed both regulatory and practical enforcement questions. The Expert Class combined presentations, technical discussions, practical exercises and group-based case studies. This format allowed participants not only to receive information, but also to compare national approaches and discuss how ADR requirements are applied in real inspection situations.
A key element of the programme was the traditional ADR knowledge test. Participants were asked to answer 32 questions at the level required to become a safety adviser, requiring a thorough understanding of the regulations. Colleagues from Belgium and Portugal achieved the highest results in this year's test.
The programme also included practical case studies on classification issues related to renewable energy systems. Lithium batteries and other types of batteries, as well as equipment containing batteries, are increasingly relevant in daily roadside checks across different countries. Participants worked in groups to solve the case studies, encouraging exchange between enforcement staff from different national backgrounds. The results were presented with methodological approaches and step-by-step explanations of the relevant ADR provisions.
Focus on roadside checks and emerging inspection challenges
The Expert Class also addressed topics directly connected to roadside inspection practice. One of the subjects discussed was the over-classification of waste, which helped participants gain a better understanding of a specific practice within the sector.
These discussions and practical exercises formed the basis for an open exchange on the new checklist for roadside checks resulting from Delegated Directive EU-2025/1801. The discussion allowed participants to reflect on how control practices and inspection tools can support a more consistent application of ADR rules across countries.
The combination of regulatory knowledge and practical inspection experience was an important part of the Expert Class. Participants were able to examine not only what the rules require, but also how they can be applied in an operational roadside enforcement context.
Looking ahead: alternative propulsion technologies and ADR 2027
The programme also included a forward-looking focus on future developments in road transport and dangerous goods enforcement.
A dedicated presentation on "New Alternative Propulsion Technologies" was delivered by a speaker from Daimler Truck AG. This presentation provided participants with the opportunity to explore the construction standards outlined in Chapter 9 of the ADR, as well as future propulsion technologies. The technical and regulations-based approach of the presentation was highly appreciated by the participants.
This future-oriented perspective was further supported by a presentation on the main changes expected under ADR 2027, which will take effect on 1 January 2027. By including upcoming regulatory developments in the programme, the Expert Class helped participants remain informed about changes that will affect the enforcement of dangerous goods transport rules in the near future.
Strengthening cooperation through the ADR Expert Group
The ADR Expert Class 2026 once again confirmed the importance of cooperation between enforcement authorities in the field of dangerous goods transport. The exchange of knowledge between inspectors from different countries supports the coordinated application of European regulations and contributes to a more harmonised enforcement approach.
By bringing together enforcement staff and facilitating practical discussions on ADR regulations, roadside checks, classification issues, batteries, waste, alternative propulsion technologies and future regulatory changes, the Expert Class contributes to the objectives of ECR EGTC in the field of road transport enforcement.
The event underlined the value of shared expertise, technical knowledge and practical cooperation. It also demonstrated the importance of maintaining regular exchanges between inspectors who work with ADR enforcement in different national contexts.
The ADR Expert Class 2026 contributes to improved road safety, stronger compliance with ADR rules and a high level of protection for inspectors, the public and the environment across Europe.
ECR EGTC thanks all participants for their engagement and valuable contributions throughout the Expert Class.