The term hazardous material is applied to all substances and objects whose transport may represent a potential threat to the environment, humans, animal and public safety and order. The transportation of hazardous materials is therefore subject to various legal regulations depending on the mode of transport. The regulations concerning classification for the relevant mode of transport determine whether a substance or object is a hazardous material.
Differences are made between the following modes of transport.
- Road (ADR)
- Rail (RID)
- Inland waterway (AND)
- Ocean (IMDG Code)
- Air (IATA-DGR)