Shipping SFX and pyro across Europe: ADR, gas, consumables

General information, not legal advice. The rules for dangerous goods depend on the product, the quantity, the route and the mode of transport, and they change. Ask us about your specific shipment.

What can be dangerous goods

Several things that travel with SFX equipment can be classified as dangerous goods for transport. For road transport in Europe, the ADR agreement applies. Typical examples:

• gas cylinders and gas cartridges (propane, butane, propane/butane) for gas flame units;
• CO2 and nitrogen cylinders for CO2 effects;
• liquid flame fuels: depending on the product, Isopar grades, isopropanol and bioethanol can be classified as flammable liquids;
• pyrotechnic articles, which have their own, stricter rules for transport and storage;
• some other consumables: the transport section of the safety data sheet of each product tells you whether it is regulated.

Tell us before the return if a unit still has fuel in its tank, or if you send back cylinders or cartridges: that changes how it may be transported.

What HYRED takes care of

• When we deliver, we arrange the transport of the equipment and of the consumables you order from us, or we advise you when you collect or transport them yourself.
• We tell you which fuel, gas cylinder, connection and regulator each unit needs, so you can also source gas close to the venue when that is simpler.
• For liquid fuel we rent out suitable fuel cans: see liquid flame accessories. Consumables are in Distribution.

What we need to know from you

• the delivery address and country, and the route if the equipment moves on to other countries (tours);
• the rental and show dates, and whether you collect or want delivery;
• which consumables you need, with type and quantity (gas, fuel, powder, CO2, pyro);
• whether you transport any of it yourself, and in which vehicle;
• whether any part goes by air or sea freight.

Collecting it yourself

If you collect gas, fuel or pyro at our warehouse, you are the one transporting it. Before the pick-up day, check with your own dangerous goods adviser what that requires for your vehicle, driver and load.

Air, sea and outside the EU

Air and sea freight have their own dangerous goods rules, separate from road transport, and many flame and pyro consumables cannot be flown, or only under strict conditions. Outside the EU, for example in the United Kingdom or Switzerland, customs formalities come on top. Plan these shipments early.

Permits on site

Transport is one thing; using flame, spark or pyro effects on site is another. Many countries and cities require a permit, a notification or a licensed operator. Check early what applies at your venue; we gladly share the product documentation you need for it.

Also read: liquid vs gas flame and how dry hire works.