The recommendations have been developed by the United Nations (UN) Economic and Social Council’s Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods in light of technical progress, the advent of new substances and materials, the exigencies of modern transport systems, and above all, the requirement to ensure the safety of people, property, and the environment. The recommendations cover the following principles:

• Classification and definition of classes
• Listing the principal dangerous goods
• General packing requirements
• Testing procedures
• Marking, labelling or placarding
• Transport documents