Transport of Dangerous Goods

To ensure consistency between regulatory systems throughout the world, the United Nations (UN) established a sub-committee dedicated to forming appropriate harmonization regulations for the transport of dangerous goods. This harmonization occurs in the UN Sub-Committee of Experts (SCE) on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (TDG). The UN SCE TDG considers proposed changes to the UN Model Recommendations for the Transport of Dangerous Goods (UN Model Regulations), which is used by many countries as the basis for their TDG regulations.

The UN SCE TDG meets twice per year in Geneva, Switzerland, to consider proposals from governmental delegations and non-governmental organizations. The Sub-Committee is tasked with maintaining and approving amendments to the UN Model Regulations. The UN Model Regulations are amended every two years and serve as a basis for harmonized international and domestic dangerous goods transport regulations. The 23rd edition of the UN Model Regulations was published in 2023, and the 24th edition will be published in 2025.

In 2005, the World Coatings Council was granted non-governmental organization status by the UN to attend and participate in the UN SCE TDG meetings. Since then, the World Coatings Council has been proactively engaged in UN efforts to harmonize the Model Regulations to ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness for cross-border and multi-modal shipments of paint and allied products. At the UN SCE TDG meetings, the World Coatings Council submits proposals, records discussions, and advocates on behalf of the international paint and coatings industry. Participation in the World Coatings Council’s delegation to the UN SCE TDG is open to those participating companies or member trade associations of the Council.

Resources:

UN Model Recommendations for TDG Rev. 23 (2023)

International TDG Meetings & Events

UN SCE TDG Meeting Documents