Chilled and frozen transport of perishable food is a distinct area. Here are the ATP Agreement's classification of insulated, chilled and frozen containers, requirements for the cold chain and temperature control, and the food hygiene obligations (Regulation 852/2004 and self-checks) that the driver is part of.
Introduction
A large part of Danish distribution is temperature-sensitive goods: meat, dairy, frozen, medicine and other perishable goods that must be kept cold (or frozen) all the way from sender to recipient. If the cold chain breaks at a single point, the goods can be damaged or directly hazardous to health — even if it looks fine. Therefore, refrigerated transport is regulated at two levels: the ATP agreement sets requirements for the transport equipment itself, and food hygiene rules set requirements for how the goods are handled.
ATP agreement — requirements for equipment
ATP is the UN/UNECE agreement on international transport of perishable foodstuffs and the specialised equipment that must be used for it (French: Accord relatif aux Transports internationaux de denrées Périssables). ATP lays down how insulated boxes, refrigeration and freezing equipment are tested and classified, and at which temperatures certain foodstuffs must be transported. The equipment must be ATP-approved and carry an ATP-type plate/certificate showing the class and validity — the approval has a limited validity and must be renewed.
Classification of transport equipment
ATP classifies transport equipment based on what the box can do: how well it insulates and whether it can cool or freeze. Classes are indicated with letter codes, where an insulation grade is combined with a temperature performance. The main groups are:
| Group | Means | Short explanation |
|---|---|---|
| IN / IR | Insulated box (normal / reinforced insulation) | Insulation only, no aggregate — holds the temperature for a time |
| FNA / FRA m.fl. | Mechanically refrigerated material (mechanically refrigerated) | Insulated box with mechanical refrigeration unit, can maintain and lower temperature |
| RNA / RRA / RRC m.fl. | Cooled equipment (refrigerated, non-mechanical) | Insulated box with non-mechanical cold source (e.g. eutectic plates/ice) that can maintain a low temperature |
| CNA / CRA m.fl. | Thermally insulated/heated equipment (heated) | Can maintain a minimum temperature — used where goods must not freeze |
The letters are combined so a type plate shows, for example, whether the box has normal or reinforced insulation (N/R) and what temperature range the unit is approved for. The exact class codes, test methods and temperature classes are found in the ATP annex — look up the exact class and its temperature limits in the ATP agreement and on the equipment's type plate rather than assuming.
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