The transport of dangerous goods has been subject to regulation for many years. National regulations governing these materials are known to have existed over 225 years ago. However, not long after the end of World War II, inter-modal problems were increasingly being encountered where dangerous goods were trans-shipped. It was recognized that in the interests of safety and commercial economics, dangerous goods transport safety regulations should be harmonized both among the various modes of transport and internationally.

While the varieties of all nine classes of dangerous goods that are transported represent a wide spectrum of potential hazards during transport, there are similarities in the controls that need to be exercised to ensure their safe transport and to facilitate domestic and international movement. These materials must be suitably classified based on their potential hazard during transport, packaged commensurate with their hazard; and information must be communicated about their potential hazard (including emergency measures) to carriers, handlers at facilities and potential emergency responders.

Although radioactive materials present unique hazards during transport, they are included in the overall system of dangerous goods transport safety. They are included as one of the nine classes of dangerous goods that warrant regulation. Radioactive material is denoted as Class 7 in the international regime of regulating the packaging and transport of dangerous goods. This allows the radioactive materials to be shipped commercially, and also facilitates the application of these materials to beneficial uses.

The harmonized system of regulatory control that has evolved over the ensuing years is based on a combination of national and international instruments. The need for national laws and regulations that are compatible with the international regulations and standards has given rise to a highly interactive global system in which member states of international organizations, and the international organizations themselves, perform key roles. Together, these complementary regulatory systems provide an integrated network of requirements to ensure safety during the transport of dangerous goods.