Dangerous goods 30/1863: Transport and document jet fuel in accordance with ADR

The orange warning sign with the combination 30/1863 is encountered in road transport on tankers for jet fuel, i.e. Jet A, Jet A-1 and kerosene for civil aviation. The upper number 30 is the danger number according to Section 5.3.2.3 ADR and describes a flammable liquid substance with a flash point between 23 and 60 degrees Celsius. The lower number 1863 is the UN number for fuel for jet aircraft according to UN Model Regulations and ADR 2025. Anyone who transports, packs, loads, unloads the substance or is involved in the supply chain as a shipper, shipper or carrier is subject to the ADR obligations and, if applicable, the obligations according to the Dangerous Goods Commissioner Ordinance (GbV) of February 25, 2011 in the currently valid version. Violations will be prosecuted under administrative offense law in accordance with Section 10 of the GGBefG; gross violations may result in fines in the five-digit range per incident.

This article explains the meaning of the marking 30/1863, the ADR classification of UN 1863 in class 3 with packing group III, the central obligations of the sender, carrier and recipient, the requirements for ordering a Dangerous goods officers according to § 1 GbV and the audit-proof documentation in the CIVAC workspace. CIVAC is a compliance platform and officer-as-a-service with EU data residency. Licence the workspace for your internal representatives, or have our representatives order it.

The orange warning sign according to Section 5.3.2 ADR contains the danger number at the top and the UN number at the bottom. The danger number 30 means: 3 = flammable liquid substance, 0 = no additional danger of significance. This means that the classification differs from substances with double numbers such as 33 (highly flammable, flash point below 23 degrees) or 336 (highly flammable and toxic). The UN number 1863 is in the list of UN model regulations for fuel for jet aircraft, i.e. kerosene-like fuels for civil aviation. In practical transport, these are in particular Jet A, Jet A-1, JP-8 (for military applications with special regulations) and comparable fuels with specifications according to ASTM D1655 or DEF STAN 91-091. It is important to differentiate it from UN 1202 (gas oil, diesel fuel, heating oil, light) and UN 1268 (petroleum distillates), which have similar properties but have different UN numbers and sometimes different packaging groups.

UN 1863 falls under Class 3 ADR (flammable liquid substances). The assignment to the packaging group is based on flash point and start of boiling according to Section 2.2.3 ADR. Jet fuel typically falls into packing group III (flash point between 23 and 60 degrees Celsius with an initial boiling point above 35 degrees). This means that simplified packaging requirements apply compared to packaging group II, but the obligations from Table A in Chapter 3.2 ADR remain fully applicable. The permitted tank codes, special regulations and accompanying regulations are stored there in columns and stored in the CIVAC workspace as structured substance master data. Others run compliance like a filing cabinet. We run it like software. If you want to read the board correctly in everyday life, you should also keep an eye on the packaging group column in Table A, because the packaging, tank code and, in some cases, quantity exemptions depend on it. Incorrect panels or incorrectly filled transport documents lead to complaints more often than the actual substance because the controls check the labels at first glance. Consistent master data maintenance in the workspace prevents precisely such formal errors.

According to Section 1.4.2.1 ADR, the sender is the central figure in the supply chain and is responsible for the correct classification, packaging, labelling and documentation. Before each transport of UN 1863, six points must be dealt with: Firstly, the classification as UN 1863 with packing group III. Secondly, the selection of ADR-compliant packaging, tanks or large packaging materials with valid type approval. Thirdly, the marking and labelling in accordance with Section 5.2 ADR with the danger label number 3 (flame) and, if applicable, environmental hazard. Fourth, the transport document with the mandatory information according to Section 5.4.1 ADR, including UN number, official name, class, packing group and quantity. Fünftens die Schriftlichen Weisungen für den Fahrzeugführer nach Abschnitt 5.4.3 ADR.

Der sechste Punkt ist die ADR-Schulung der beteiligten Personen nach Kapitel 1.3 ADR. Each person involved in the transport must be trained according to their responsibilities and tasks. The training must be documented, refreshed periodically and presented to the responsible authorities upon request. In the CIVAC workspace, training certificates are stored for each employee with module, date, training provider and refresher period. During supervisory inspections, evidence can be filtered and exported within seconds. The auditor calls, the evidence is ready. The appointment certificate, signed, filed, verifiable. For UN 1863, the provisions of Chapter 3.3 ADR (special provisions) and Chapter 3.4 ADR (exemptions for limited quantities) also apply, which rarely apply to jet fuel due to the typical tank load quantities, but become relevant when sampling for quality tests. The multilateral agreements according to Section 1.5.1 ADR can also allow for selective relief, provided they apply between the contracting states concerned and the conditions are strictly adhered to.

Jet fuel is usually transported in tanks. The regulations in parts 4 (use of packaging and tanks), 6 (construction and testing of packaging and tanks) and 9 (requirements for vehicles) ADR are relevant. Tank codes permitted for UN 1863 are shown in Table A column 12, typical codes such as LGBF describe tank type, minimum calculation pressure, bottom openings and pressure relief. Tank vehicles with a total capacity of more than 1,000 liters are subject to special requirements for labelling with orange panels at the front and rear as well as placards with danger label number 3 on both long sides and at the rear in accordance with Section 5.3.1 ADR. In addition, the vehicle must be equipped with fire extinguishers, warning triangle, high-visibility vest, personal protective equipment, an eyewash bottle and a collection container in accordance with Chapter 8 ADR.

Vehicle drivers require a valid ADR certificate in accordance with Section 8.2 ADR, which covers the respective classes and the tank specialization. The training takes place before the 5-year validity period expires. With UN 1863 as a class 3 flammable substance, the regulations on grounding during loading and unloading, the prohibition of spark sources and the separation of ignition sources must be observed. In the CIVAC workspace, tank approvals, inspection periods, ADR certificates and vehicle equipment are managed as structured data objects with a reminder function. This allows recurring inspections, tank inspections and refresher training to be planned in good time. You can find an overview of other representative roles at CIVAC Roles. Missed inspection intervals not only lead to fines, but also to loss of insurance coverage in the event of damage, because insurers regularly require proof of timely inspections. In practice, the recurring inspection of tanks in accordance with Section 6.8.2.4 ADR must be documented every 6 years and the interim inspection every 3 years, including expert confirmation and inspection date on the tank plate.

The transport document for UN 1863 contains at least the following information in accordance with Section 5.4.1.1 ADR: UN 1863, FUEL FOR JET AIRCRAFT, 3, III, number and description of the packages, total quantity in liters or kilograms, name and address of the sender and recipient. The order is binding. Special regulation 640 must also be observed in the transport document, which requires a specification for UN 1863 in certain situations if multi-component materials are used. For domestic transport, additional regulations according to GGVSEB may apply, for example regarding the choice of road or weekend driving bans.

The written instructions for the vehicle driver in accordance with Section 5.4.3 ADR are carried in the languages ​​of the sender and the countries of transit. They contain instructions for action in the event of an accident or emergency, a list of dangerous goods carried, information about additional equipment and measures to protect staff. In the CIVAC workspace, transport documents and written instructions are maintained as templates with versions and automatic language variants, so that the correct language versions are available for deliveries to neighboring countries without manual translation. Audit-proof, documented, ADR-proof. For multimodal transport (road, rail, sea), the IMDG code requirements, the RID regulations and the ICAO/IATA specifications are also compared with each other so that accompanying documents can be transferred seamlessly at the interfaces. In practice, multimodal transport with UN 1863 is typical in the bunkering business, when tankers at airport locations are supplied by tankers or pipeline connections and the documentation must be clear at each interface. The appointment certificate, signed, filed, verifiable. The workspace documents the sender, recipient, carrier, shipper and, if necessary, packer for each shipment, each with a clear role assignment, which reduces the burden of proof in the event of questions from the supervisory authority or in the event of a liability dispute.

According to Section 1 GbV in conjunction with Section 1.8.3 ADR, a dangerous goods representative must be appointed if the company transports, packs, loads, unloads or accepts dangerous goods as a recipient. Exceptions arise from Section 2 GbV, for example if the activities are below the exemptions according to Section 1.1.3 ADR or remain below certain quantity thresholds. For shippers and carriers of UN 1863 tank quantities, the ordering requirement is generally affirmative because typical tank loads significantly exceed the exemption limits. The order must be made in writing and presented to the responsible authority upon request. The clock starts on awareness.

The tasks of the dangerous goods officer are listed in Section 1.8.3.3 ADR: monitoring compliance with regulations, advising the company, preparing the annual report, investigating accidents and incidents, selecting and training the people involved, selecting packaging and tanks, introducing emergency management procedures and checking transport documents and safety precautions. In the CIVAC workspace, all tasks are managed as an annual plan with the person responsible, deadline and completion status. The annual report for UN 1863 and all other transported substances is automatically compiled from the workspace data and made available by March 31 of the following year. Licence the workspace for your internal representatives, or have our representatives order it. Audit-proof, documented, GbV-proof. In the case of multiple locations or cross-border transport, the report can be filtered by location or output in a consolidated manner, so that both internal reporting obligations to management and official requirements from several ADR contracting states are met. A special template for corporations also takes into account language versions for authorities in DE, AT, CH and selected EU member states.

According to Table 1.10.3.1.2 ADR, jet fuel falls into the category of high consequence dangerous goods as soon as certain quantity thresholds are exceeded. For Class 3, Packing Group I or II, the threshold is a tank of more than 3,000 liters or packages of more than 3,000 liters. UN 1863 with packing group III is below this threshold and does not regularly fall into the strictest security category. Nevertheless, the general security regulations according to Section 1.10.1 ADR apply: identification of the people involved, security of the means of transport and storage facilities, training of employees for security.

Anyone who transports large quantities of UN 1863, for example in the bunkering business for airports or when supplying military bases, must also draw up a security plan according to Section 1.10.3.2 ADR. This plan includes responsibilities, risk assessment, safeguards, emergency response, training, reporting and review. A template for the backup plan is stored in the CIVAC workspace, which addresses all mandatory components according to Section 1.10.3.2.2 ADR. It can be managed sensibly even if the obligation to order does not apply formally, for example to comply with internal company guidelines on security. The appointment certificate, signed, filed, verifiable. The interface to information security arises when security is supported digitally, for example via IT-supported access control to tank storage facilities or telemetry data from tank trucks. These systems are increasingly critical within the meaning of the NIS 2 Implementation Act and should be included in the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 ISMS so that cyber attacks on tank logistics do not lead to compliance gaps in dangerous goods security. Deadline begins as soon as we become aware of it. CIVAC creates the organisational connection between ISB and GGB in the workspace and thus avoids duplication of work, for example through uniform risk lights, joint training plans and consolidated reporting lines to management.

In the case of accidents or incidents involving UN 1863, the reporting obligation applies in accordance with Section 1.8.5 ADR. This requires a written report to the responsible authority if defined criteria are exceeded: personal injury, material leakage of a certain amount (for class 3 from 1,000 liters), property damage above a value limit, or legal action against the authorities. The report contains the type of transport, date and location, description of the incident, substance information, root cause analysis and measures taken. Deadline begins as soon as we become aware of it. At the same time, internal reporting channels to management must be activated and affected insurers must be informed.

The annual report of the dangerous goods officer in accordance with Section 1.8.3.3 lit. h ADR must be prepared by March 31 of the following year and presented to company management. It contains an overview of the dangerous goods transported, activities as consignor, carrier, loader, recipient, list of accidents and incidents, training status, results of audits and recommendations for improvement measures. In the CIVAC workspace, the annual report is automatically populated from the workspace transaction data, training records, incident statistics and audit logs. Only the qualitative assessments and recommendations for action from the dangerous goods officer need to be added manually. This reduces the effort required to prepare the annual report from typically 2 to 4 working days to just a few hours. The auditor calls, the evidence is ready. If this happens again, previous year's data can be used as a basis for trend statements, for example on the development of accident frequency, training levels or volume flows, which is noted positively during supervisory inspections because it proves that the company is not fulfilling its obligations selectively, but rather systematically. This database also serves to prepare internal audits according to ISO 9001 or ISO 14001, provided the company has appropriate management systems.

UN 1863 is not only dangerous goods in transport, but also a hazardous substance within the meaning of the Hazardous Substances Ordinance (GefStoffV) and a water-polluting substance according to the Ordinance on Facilities for Handling Substances Hazardous to Water (AwSV). In the stationary area, the obligations for risk assessment in accordance with Section 6 GefStoffV, operating instructions in accordance with Section 14 GefStoffV and the instruction of employees also apply. According to Section 13 ArbSchG, the appointment of a hazardous substances representative is required for certain systems. The requirements of TRGS 510 for the storage of hazardous substances in portable containers must also be applied, as well as the relevant fire protection regulations according to the state building regulations and occupational health and safety requirements from the BetrSichV.

CIVAC interlinks these cross-sectional obligations in the workspace. The substance master data from UN 1863 is linked to the safety data sheet according to Annex II of the CLP Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006, risk assessment, operating instructions, AwSV classification and storage classification according to TRGS 510. This allows tasks to be synchronized between hazardous substances officer, hazardous goods officer, environmental officer and occupational safety specialist. If, for example, a tank inspection is due, the dates are mirrored and documented in all relevant role plans. Audit-proof, documented, GbV-proof. This eliminates the frequent break between the ADR world, the GefStoffV world and the WHG world, which leads to duplicate work, contradictory training plans and parallel document stocks in many companies. Licence the workspace for your internal representatives, or have our representatives order it. Integrated control across multiple roles also makes audit preparation easier for authorities such as the Federal Office for Goods Transport, the Trade Inspectorate or the responsible water authority. The role plans stored in the workspace name responsible persons, deputies and escalation levels, so that in the event of an incident there is no gap in responsibility and the reporting line to management remains clear in every constellation.

If you transport jet fuel or other ADR Class 3 materials, the next steps are easy to plan. First: Clarify the quantities and activities of your company according to the definitions of sender, carrier, shipper, recipient, packer and check the ordering obligation according to Section 1 GbV. Second: Determine the ADR training levels of all people involved in accordance with Chapter 1.3 ADR and plan refreshers. Third: Check the tank registrations, vehicle equipment and ADR certificates to ensure they are up to date. Fourth: Clarify whether you will fill the dangerous goods officer internally or outsource the function to CIVAC.

CIVAC is a compliance platform and officer-as-a-service with EU data residency. The external dangerous goods officer is appointed within 2 working days, with an appointment certificate, a list of tasks in accordance with Section 1.8.3.3 ADR and a reporting line to the management. The service price includes 490 audit templates, including templates for transport documents, written instructions, security plan, annual report and accident report. Licence the workspace for your internal representatives, or have our representatives order it. Turn reading into an assignment. Write to info@civac.de or use the contact form on civac.de. We will send you a binding offer with a list of services, draft contract and appointment certificate within 2 working days. Anyone who fills other roles in parallel, such as hazardous materials, fire protection or occupational safety, bundles them in the same workspace and reduces the number of parallel contractual relationships. This creates a consolidated compliance stack with common documentation, a common risk light and a common reporting line to management. In an initial discussion, we clarify the volume flows, the roles involved and the existing appointment certificates and submit a binding offer with a list of services, draft contract and appointment certificate within 2 working days.