Dangerous goods in logistics refers to items that are classified as hazardous or dangerous due to their properties or potential to cause harm. These materials can pose a risk to human health, safety, or the environment during transportation, handling, or storage. They can range from liquids, gasses, and/or solids, depending on their composition. There are nine classes that set themselves apart from one another. The classification of dangerous goods includes:

• Explosives (e.g. fireworks, ammunition)
• Flammable liquids and gasses (e.g. gasoline, propane)
• Corrosives (e.g. acids, alkalis)
• Poisonous and toxic substances (e.g. pesticides, cyanide)
• Radioactive materials
• Oxidizing agents (e.g. nitrates, peroxides)
• Compressed gasses (e.g. oxygen, helium)
• Magnetic materials

Due to their unique labeling and packaging requirements, dangerous goods are governed by legislation in each country. To store, utilize, and move them, specific authorization is typically required. Moreover, they are given UN numbers and proper shipping names  in accordance with their hazard categorization and composition. The Restriction of Dangerous Compounds Directive (RoHS) and the REACH regulation are two of the many directives and regulations that the European Union has passed to prevent the spread and regulate the usage of hazardous substances. The movement of hazardous goods by road, rail, river, and inland waterways is governed by long-standing European treaties like ADR, ADN, and RID, which take the UN model norms as their model.

Transportation of dangerous goods is regulated by national and international laws and guidelines.The law of dangerous goods and the law of hazardous materials are distinctly distinct under European law. The first mostly refers to the movement of the relevant products, including any necessary temporary storage. The latter discusses the specifications for utilizing and storing hazardous products, including warehousing. The application of various European law directives and decrees makes this distinction crucial.