The British Aerosol Manufacturers’ Association (BAMA) has published the 16th edition of its Transport Guide for Aerosols (2025), offering comprehensive and up-to-date guidance on the safe and legal transport of aerosol products classified as dangerous goods.
The guide aligns with international regulations and modal requirements for road, rail, sea, air and postal transport, while also addressing UK-specific exemptions and commercial practices. It serves as an essential reference for anyone involved in moving aerosols through the supply chain.
The updated edition reflects the latest regulatory framework based on the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (Orange Book), with adaptations for ICAO (air), IMO (sea), ADR/RID (road and rail) and the UK’s Carriage of Dangerous Goods (CDG) regulations.
Aerosols remain classified as Class 2 dangerous goods, subdivided into flammable (2.1), non-flammable (2.2) and toxic (2.3), each with specific criteria for classification and packaging.
The guide clarifies requirements for limited quantities — up to one litre (or 120 ml for toxic aerosols) — where relaxed rules apply, while larger consignments must meet full regulations, including UN-tested packaging, hazard labelling and full documentation.
Modal guidance covers road and rail transport under ADR/RID, including tunnel codes, exemptions and UK derogations; sea transport under the IMDG Code, with container packing certificates and strict stowage and segregation; and air transport under ICAO/IATA, with strict limits and packaging instructions such as Y203 and Y963, noting that some aerosols are prohibited from air shipment altogether.
Postal shipments are permitted only for toiletry and medicinal aerosols within the UK, and then only under very strict conditions.
The guide also addresses the handling of waste aerosols, which must be labelled as “Waste Aerosols” and comply with full ADR and IMDG requirements, with additional provisions for packaging and ventilation.
BAMA emphasises the importance of training, which is mandatory for all personnel involved in aerosol transport, particularly for air shipments and for companies required to appoint a Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA).
The updated edition also reinforces the need for robust site and transport security, especially when handling high-consequence goods.
The association says the updated guide reflects the evolving regulatory landscape and helps ensure that the UK aerosol industry continues to uphold the highest standards of safety, compliance and environmental responsibility.
BAMA updates transport guide for aerosols with new 2025 edition
