Division RO–bi–BE–8F1

Subject: Exemption from prohibition on driver or driver’s assistant opening packages of dangerous goods in a local distribution chain from a local distribution depot to a retailer or end-user and from the retailer to the end-user (except for Class 7).

Reference to Annex I, Section I.1, to Directive 2008/68/EC: 8.3.3.

Content of the Annex to the Directive: Prohibition on driver or driver’s assistant opening packages of dangerous goods.

Content of the national legislation: Prohibition of opening packages is qualified by the proviso ‘ Unless authorised to do so by the operator of the vehicle ’ .

Initial reference to the national legislation: Arrêté royal relatif au transport des marchandises dangereuses par route

Comments: If taken literally, the prohibition in the Annex as worded can create serious problems for retail distribution.

Expiry date: 31 December 2022