OTIF Implements 2025 Updates to Dangerous Goods Rail Transport Regulations

The Intergovernmental Organisation for International Carriage by Rail (OTIF) has introduced a significant update to its Regulation concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail (RID), which officially came into effect on 1 January 2025. This latest version replaces the previous edition, aiming to strengthen safety, interoperability, and international standardisation in the transport of hazardous materials across member states. The revision forms part of OTIF’s ongoing efforts to ensure that railway systems maintain the highest levels of operational safety while aligning with evolving technological and environmental requirements.

The RID 2025 regulations apply to all aspects of the international transport of dangerous goods by rail, covering classification, packaging, labelling, documentation, and handling procedures. The updated framework introduces stricter safety protocols, harmonised marking and labelling requirements, and improved emergency response measures to ensure uniform compliance across countries that have adopted OTIF’s Convention concerning International Carriage by Rail (COTIF). These updates are particularly crucial for ensuring consistency between rail and other transport modes such as road and inland waterways, supporting multimodal logistics under global safety frameworks like ADR and ADN.

By modernising the RID, OTIF enhances both regulatory efficiency and international cooperation among rail operators, governments, and freight carriers. The new standards also encourage the use of advanced materials and digital tracking systems to improve transparency and risk management during transit. Through this update, OTIF reinforces its leadership in global railway safety governance and promotes the sustainable, secure, and interoperable movement of dangerous goods across borders—contributing to a safer international transport network for people, goods, and the environment.