Moving goods by rail

Transporting freight through the Channel Tunnel rail link

The Channel Tunnel is the link for rail travel between the UK and continental Europe. Rail-ferry services to the continent were ended after the tunnel opened. This page explains how traders can move goods through the tunnel and how to comply with regulations.

There are two ways of transporting goods through the tunnel:

• on through-freight trains - these travel from UK terminals through the tunnel and into mainland Europe
• using road vehicles that roll on and roll off Channel Tunnel trains (the Shuttle)

Road vehicles carrying freight through the Channel Tunnel must be no more than 18.75 metres in length, 4.2 metres in height and 44 tonnes in weight.

Customs clearance for goods that travel to or from non-European Union countries via the Channel Tunnel can be processed at the Folkestone terminal. You can read about transporting freight through the tunnel on the Eurotunnel website (registration required) - Opens in a new window.

Transporting dangerous goods through the tunnel

The Channel Tunnel policy on transporting dangerous goods is based on the Europe-wide ADR set of rules, but it is somewhat stricter. Following a fire in 1996, certain goods cannot be transported, including certain explosives - those with the UN number UN0330 - and the substance p-Nitrosodimethylaniline (UN1369).

You can request a guide to transporting dangerous goods through the Channel Tunnel on the Eurotunnel website (registration required) - Opens in a new window.

For more general information about transporting dangerous goods by rail, see the page in this guide on transporting dangerous goods by rail.

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• Decide if rail transport is right for you
• Transporting dangerous goods by rail
• Transporting freight through the Channel Tunnel rail link
• Key rail transport documents
• Insurance for international rail transport

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