The 1000-point rule (ADR 1.1.3.6) is a partial exemption for road transport of packaged Dangerous Goods (packagings, gas cylinders, IBCs; not tank or bulk). Stay under 1000 points for the whole transport unit and a number of heavy ADR obligations fall away, though a core set always stays. It's one of the most useful, and most misunderstood, rules in dangerous-goods road transport.
One transport unit = the truck + (semi-)trailer. The 1000 points count for the whole unit, not per package or per consignment.
Transport category, factor and maximum
Every dangerous substance has a transport category (0–4), found in column (15) of ADR Table A (chapter 3.2), linked to its UN number. Each category has a multiplier:
| Transport category | Factor | Max. per transport unit* |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | no exemption possible | 0 (never under this rule) |
| 1 | × 50 | 20 (kg or L) |
| 2 | × 3 | 333 (kg or L) |
| 3 | × 1 | 1,000 (kg or L) |
| 4 | × 0 | unlimited |
* The maximum is simply 1000 ÷ factor. Category 0 (e.g. certain explosives, some infectious substances) can never use the rule; that's always full ADR. Category 4 (lowest risk, e.g. 1.4S, empty uncleaned packaging) counts for 0 points → unlimited.
The sum is simple
Multiply each substance's quantity (kg or litres) by its category factor, add it up, and stay under 1000.
Example: 10 L of a category-1 substance (×50 = 500) + 100 kg of a category-3 substance (×1 = 100) = 600 points → under 1000, so the exemption applies. Go over 1000 and it's full ADR.
(We do this calculation for you.)
What falls away under 1000 points
Orange plates on the vehicle, the ADR driver certificate ("ADR licence"), written instructions in the cab, the 12 kg powder extinguisher, the passenger ban, and tunnel restrictions: all waived.
What always stays (even under 1000 points)
- UN-approved packaging plus correct labelling and marking.
- A transport document with UN number, proper shipping name, class + packing group, number/type of packages and the total quantity per transport category (note the calculated points as proof you're under the limit).
- A 2 kg powder fire extinguisher.
- Awareness and function-specific training for everyone involved (ADR 1.3).
- Stowage, no-smoking and segregation rules.
Rule of thumb: "under 1000 points" ≠ "ADR-free." Packaging, labelling, transport document and an extinguisher remain. The relief is mainly in vehicle and driver requirements.
Road only — sea and air are different
The 1000-point rule is ADR (road) only. By sea (IMDG) and air (IATA) there is no points system; they use Limited Quantities (LQ) and Excepted Quantities (EQ) instead. A common mistake is applying road points to a sea shipment.
How Nexport Logistics handles it
We calculate the points, decide whether the exemption applies (or whether LQ/EQ is the better route), and produce a compliant transport document as part of handling your Dangerous Goods move end to end. Nexport Logistics is a freight forwarder working under the FENEX conditions; the calculation and paperwork sit with your shipment in the Nexportal portal. Got a hazardous road shipment coming up? Email info@nexportlogistics.nl.
Official source: ILT — Infoblad 1000-punten tabel (ilent.nl). Back to Dangerous goods.