DE · Expiry & renewal tracking
Plan the annual inspection for the ADR certificate of approval in time
A German ADR vehicle approval certificate is renewed after an annual inspection by the persons authorised for periodic roadworthiness tests under Section 29 StVZO (Section 14(5) GGVSEB). Once it has expired, a filler may not fill the tank; doing so is an administrative offence (Section 23(2) no. 10 GGVSEB).
In Germany, the annual technical inspection and the extension of the validity of ADR certificates of approval under ADR 9.1.2.3 are handled by the persons authorised to carry out the general vehicle inspection (Hauptuntersuchung) under Section 29 of the Road Vehicle Licensing Regulation (Section 14(5) of the German Dangerous Goods Regulation for Road, Rail and Inland Waterways, GGVSEB). They may also make non-mandatory informal changes or additions in item 11 of the certificate.
The first inspection for conformity with ADR Chapters 9.2 to 9.8 and the issue of the ADR certificate of approval are handled by officially recognised motor vehicle experts or technical services designated at least for testing dangerous goods vehicles (Section 14(4)). The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) is responsible for type approval under ADR 9.1.2.2 (Section 14(2)), and the vehicle registration authorities for changes in items 4 and 5 of the certificate (Section 14(6)).
The validity date matters in daily operations: in road transport, the filler may only fill tanks under ADR 4.3.2.1.1 if the validity date of the ADR certificate of approval under ADR 9.1.3.4 of the vehicles used has not passed (Section 23(2) no. 10 GGVSEB). The carrier ensures that approved vehicles comply with the construction and equipment rules for the goods listed in item 10 of the certificate (Section 19(2) no. 17).
At a glance
| Annual technical inspection | By persons authorised for the general inspection under Section 29 StVZO (Section 14(5) GGVSEB) |
|---|---|
| Extension of validity | Also by these persons (Section 14(5)) |
| First inspection and issue | Officially recognised experts or designated technical services (Section 14(4)) |
| Changes in items 4 and 5 | Vehicle registration authority (Section 14(6)) |
| Filling tanks | Only if the validity date has not passed (Section 23(2) no. 10) |
| GGVSEB version | New version of 26 August 2026 (Federal Law Gazette 2026 I no. 242) |
Who is responsible?
The GGVSEB spreads the duties over several parties: the carrier ensures that approved vehicles comply with the construction and equipment rules for the goods listed in the certificate (Section 19(2) no. 17), and the filler checks the certificate's validity date before filling tanks (Section 23(2) no. 10). The inspection itself is carried out by the persons authorised for the general vehicle inspection (Section 14(5)).
If the deadline passes
A filler who fills a tank contrary to Section 23(2) no. 10 GGVSEB commits an administrative offence (Section 37(1) no. 13(j)). So does a carrier who, contrary to Section 19(2) no. 17, fails to ensure compliance with the rules listed there (Section 37(1) no. 6(q)).
Tank inspections are a separate deadline
Initial and periodic inspections, intermediate inspections and exceptional checks of fixed tanks, demountable tanks and battery vehicles under ADR Chapter 6.8 are carried out by the tank inspection bodies (Section 12(1) no. 2 GGVSEB). The carrier ensures that such tanks are not used once the date of the next inspection has passed (Section 19(2) no. 19). This page only reflects what the GGVSEB says; the text of the ADR itself is not covered here.
Tracking it with ExpirySuite
- Add each vehicle with an ADR certificate of approval and enter the validity date shown on the certificate as the due date.
- Email reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before the date and on the day itself.
- The inspecting body can upload the extended certificate through a secure link that is valid for 14 days and needs no account.
- Assign a responsible person, such as the fleet manager; emails arrive in each recipient's language. If a date passes, managers get further reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.
- Add a separate entry for the tank inspection deadlines.
Frequently asked questions
- Who carries out the annual inspection?
- The persons authorised to carry out the general vehicle inspection under Section 29 StVZO. They are also responsible for extending the validity of the ADR certificate of approval (Section 14(5) GGVSEB).
- Who issues the certificate for the first time?
- Officially recognised motor vehicle experts or technical services designated at least for testing dangerous goods vehicles, after the first inspection (Section 14(4) GGVSEB).
- Can a tank vehicle with an expired certificate be filled?
- The filler may only fill tanks under ADR 4.3.2.1.1 if the validity date of the ADR certificate of approval has not passed (Section 23(2) no. 10 GGVSEB). A breach is an administrative offence (Section 37(1) no. 13(j)).
- Who changes the entries in items 4 and 5?
- The vehicle registration authorities under the Vehicle Registration Regulation (Section 14(6) GGVSEB).
Sources
- Gefahrgutverordnung Straße, Eisenbahn und Binnenschifffahrt (GGVSEB) § 14 Besondere Zuständigkeiten im Straßenverkehr
- GGVSEB § 12 Zuständigkeiten der Prüfstellen für Tanks
- GGVSEB § 19 Pflichten des Beförderers
- GGVSEB § 23 Pflichten des Befüllers
- GGVSEB § 37 Ordnungswidrigkeiten
Last checked: Sep 30, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.
Made for ADR vehicle approval certificate (Germany)
A ready template for ADR vehicle approval certificate (Germany) with sensible validity defaults, so you enter less and track more.
Reminders on time
Email alerts at 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before each ADR vehicle approval certificate (Germany) expires, plus overdue escalation to managers.
Assign an owner
Give each ADR vehicle approval certificate (Germany) an owner and let employees update their own via a secure link — no login needed.