Dangerous goods codes of practice and guidance

Last updated: 05 December 2025

Codes of practice and standards are approved and gazetted by the Minister under section 20 of the Dangerous Goods Safety Act 2004 (the Act).

Codes of practice and standards issued under the Act may also apply to mining and petroleum operations and major hazard facilities.

Codes of practice are supplementary to requirements under the Acts and regulations. They are intended to supplement such requirements in a uniform way and as far as possible, clarify any ambiguity or uncertainty in the Acts and regulations. Codes of practice also set out requirements and recommendations on aspects that are not explicitly covered by regulations.

These requirements and recommendations are based on industry best practice and are developed in consultation with industry, unions and the public. They are usually consistent with Australian and international standards, international guides and codes, and advice from regulatory authorities.

Although codes of practice do not have the scope for fines or other prosecution actions, they may contain specific applications of the Act or regulations.

There are some approved codes and standards for the dangerous goods safety legislation that are prescriptive either in part or in their entirety and are referenced in the relevant regulations either directly or indirectly. These prescriptive codes and standards must be followed. For all other approved codes, compliance is not mandatory.

Approved codes of practice

Guidance

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