The ADR 1000-Point Rule. Understand it, calculate it, apply it correctly.
The so-called 1000-point rule under ADR 1.1.3.6 provides exemptions from certain ADR requirements for specific dangerous goods transports. The decisive factors are the specific substance entry, the transport category and the quantity carried.
The rule in 30 seconds
- Identify the UN number and the specific ADR data record
- Check the transport category of the substance
- Enter the relevant quantity for each item
- For mixed loads, apply the appropriate factor
- Calculate the total and check the transport requirements
What is the 1000-point rule under ADR 1.1.3.6?
ADR subsection 1.1.3.6 provides exemptions from certain requirements for the carriage of dangerous goods in packages, subject to specific conditions. The applicable transport categories and the quantities carried per transport unit determine whether these exemptions can be used.
The basic principle: the transport category and the relevant quantity as defined by ADR are determined for each dangerous good. If all dangerous goods belong to the same transport category, the maximum quantity under 1.1.3.6.3 applies. If dangerous goods belonging to different transport categories are carried together, the relevant quantities are multiplied by the prescribed factors and added together in accordance with 1.1.3.6.4. The total must not exceed 1000.
A points calculation can also provide guidance when only one dangerous good is carried. However, the applicable quantity limits and other ADR conditions remain decisive. The 1000-point rule exempts the transport from certain requirements—not from all dangerous goods obligations.
Applying ADR 1.1.3.6 does not mean that a transport falls completely outside dangerous goods law. Certain requirements are eased, while others continue to apply.
What categories are there?
ADR 1.1.3.6.3 distinguishes transport categories 0 to 4. The decisive factor is not simply the hazard class, but the assignment of the specific substance or article in ADR.
| Transport category | Basic principle | Maximum total quantity per transport unit* | Factor for mixed loads |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | For these substances, the exemption under 1.1.3.6 is generally not available. | 0 | no standard application as a points factor |
| 1 | Substances with a low quantity threshold. | 20; 50 for certain specified substances | generally × 50; × 20 for expressly specified special cases |
| 2 | Medium quantity threshold. | 333 | × 3 |
| 3 | Common category with the familiar 1000 threshold. | 1000 | × 1 |
| 4 | For goods listed in category 4, this table does not specify a fixed maximum quantity. | unlimited for the purposes of this table* | no addition using a category 1-to-3 factor |
* The specific entry in ADR 1.1.3.6.3, including footnotes and substance assignment, always remains decisive.
How are the ADR 1000 points calculated?
For a mixed load, the relevant quantities in the transport categories are multiplied by the factors specified in ADR 1.1.3.6.4. The resulting values are then added together.
The total value must not exceed 1000 if the exemption under this mixed-load calculation is to be used.
Kilograms or litres? It depends on the dangerous goods.
For the application of ADR 1.1.3.6, the same unit of quantity does not apply to all goods. ADR distinguishes, among other things, solids, different types of gases, articles and liquids.
The relevant quantity should therefore not simply be taken from the gross or shipping weight. What matters is the total quantity defined in ADR for the relevant type of dangerous goods.
The BOXLAB calculator accepts quantities with up to two decimal places, allowing decimal quantities to be represented accurately.
For solids and certain gases, the net mass in kg is often relevant; for liquids, the quantity contained in litres. The exact wording of ADR always remains decisive.
How a simple mixed-load calculation works.
This example only illustrates the calculation logic. The actual substance assignment must always be determined using the specific ADR data record.
| Item | Quantity | Transport category | Factor | Calculated value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Example substance A | 10.00 | 2 | 3 | 30 |
| Example substance B | 5.00 | 3 | 1 | 5 |
Mathematically, the value is below 1000. Whether the exemption can actually be used for the specific transport also depends on the substance assignment, packaging, documentation and other conditions.
An exemption does not mean “no requirements”.
Where the conditions are met, ADR 1.1.3.6 exempts certain provisions from application. Other dangerous goods requirements continue to apply.
Possible exemptions
- certain vehicle marking and equipment requirements may not apply
- certain driver-related ADR requirements may be eased
- the exact scope depends on the specific case
Still check
- approved packaging and package marking
- transport document and required information
- training, load securing and other requirements
- at least one suitable 2 kg fire extinguisher
- special provisions and substance-specific additional conditions
When ADR 1.1.3.6 is applied, at least one suitable portable fire extinguisher with a minimum capacity of 2 kg of dry powder or an equivalent extinguishing agent must be carried.
1000 points, LQ and other exemptions are different concepts.
Different ADR exemptions have their own conditions. They should not be mixed up either conceptually or in practice.
ADR 1.1.3.6
Exemption related to the quantities carried per transport unit and the transport categories.
Limited Quantities (LQ)
A separate concept with its own substance- and packaging-related quantity limits and marking rules.
Other exemptions
ADR contains additional special provisions, each with its own conditions and limits.
The points total alone does not answer every dangerous goods question.
A substance may also be subject to special provisions. These can contain conditions, exemptions, packaging rules or additional marking requirements.
For this reason, the new BOXLAB calculator displays stored marking-relevant special provisions as a separate additional layer. The 1000-point calculation therefore remains clearly separated from supplementary substance-specific requirements.
Where calculations can quickly go wrong in practice.
Looking only at the hazard class
The transport category depends on the specific substance entry, not simply on the class.
Selecting the wrong substance variant
A UN number can have several data records with different characteristics.
Using the wrong quantity
The relevant quantity depends on the type of dangerous goods and ADR 1.1.3.6.3.
Assuming below 1000 = ADR-free
The exemption applies only to certain provisions; other requirements continue to apply.
Mixing up LQ and the 1000-point rule
The two provisions follow different logic and have different conditions.
Overlooking special provisions
The calculated points total does not replace the review of substance-specific additional requirements.
Frequently asked questions about the ADR 1000-point rule
What is the ADR 1000-point rule?
How are the 1000 points calculated?
Are 1000 points the same as 1000 kg of dangerous goods?
What quantity must be used for the calculation?
Do all ADR requirements cease to apply below 1000 points?
Is a fire extinguisher required below 1000 points?
Is the 1000-point rule the same as Limited Quantities (LQ)?
What role do special provisions play?
Understood the rule? Now calculate the specific transport.
Select the UN number, check the ADR data record and calculate the transport points.