A DGSA is a competent, qualified adviser appointed to help organisations comply with regulations governing the transport of dangerous goods, including ADR for road transport.

The requirement to appoint a DGSA exists to ensure that businesses:

• Operate safely

• Comply with legal obligations

• Reduce the risk of accidents and enforcement action

ou are likely required to appoint a DGSA if your organisation:

• Transports dangerous goods by road

• Loads or unloads dangerous goods

• Packs dangerous goods for transport

• Is involved in the consigning of dangerous goods

This applies across many sectors, including:

• Transport and logistics

• Manufacturing

• Waste and recycling

• Healthcare and laboratories

• Industrial and engineering operations

ome activities may be exempt from the requirement to appoint a DGSA, for example:

• Very limited quantities of dangerous goods

• Certain low-risk activities

• Occasional transport below regulatory thresholds

However, exemptions are often misunderstood.

Even where an exemption applies:

• Other ADR obligations may still exist

• Training, documentation, and procedures may still be required

• Organisations must still be able to demonstrate compliance

Assuming an exemption applies without proper assessment can expose a business to regulatory and enforcement risk.

A DGSA supports organisations by:

• Monitoring compliance with dangerous goods regulations

• Advising on packaging, documentation, and transport requirements

• Investigating and reporting incidents or accidents

• Preparing the annual DGSA report

• Advising on training and competency requirements

A DGSA’s role is advisory, helping organisations understand what applies to their operations and how to comply proportionately.

Failing to appoint a DGSA where one is required can result in:

• Enforcement action by regulators

• Prosecution and fines

• Increased insurance and liability exposure

• Reputational damage following incidents

In many cases, organisations only discover the requirement after an inspection or incident.

MLT Advisory Ltd provides independent DGSA services tailored to your operations.

Support includes:

• Assessing whether a DGSA is required

• Acting as your appointed DGSA

• Providing ongoing compliance advice

• Supporting audits, inspections, and incident investigations

Advice is clear, proportionate, and practical, focused on helping you meet your obligations with confidence.

If you are unsure whether your organisation requires a DGSA, an initial discussion can clarify your obligations.

👉 Contact MLT Advisory Ltd to request a free compliance discussion.