Key data
| Regulation | Amendments 2023 and 2024 to the ATP Agreement of Geneva (1 September 1970). Consolidated text published in Spain. |
|---|---|
| Publication | 2 October 2026 |
| Entry into force | 2 October 2026 |
| Affected parties | International refrigerated transport companies, manufacturers of insulated equipment and ATP inspection authorities |
| Category | Regulatory Changes |
| Technical standard for recorders (new) | EN 12830:2018 |
| Technical standard for recorders (previous) | EN 12830:1999 |
| Verification standard | EN 13486:2023 (minimum two measurement points) |
If your company moves perishable goods on international routes — fruits, dairy products, meat, fish, temperature-controlled pharmaceutical products — this regulation affects you directly from today. The amendments adopted in Geneva on 27 October 2023 and 1 November 2024 to the ATP Agreement are now part of Spanish law and modify specific technical requirements that your vehicles and documentation must meet.
The ATP Agreement (Accord relatif aux Transports internationaux de denrées Périssables) is the international framework that regulates the technical conditions of vehicles and equipment used in the transport of perishable goods between countries. Non-compliance can result in border detentions, cargo rejection and loss of the vehicle's ATP certification.
What does this regulation establish?
The 2023 and 2024 amendments introduce changes in three differentiated technical areas:
| Area | Change introduced | Reference standard |
|---|---|---|
| Technical definitions | Update of the concepts of "multi-compartment unit" and "multi-temperature" | ATP Agreement (annexes) |
| Test procedures | Revision of test procedures for refrigeration equipment | ATP Agreement (annexes) |
| Temperature recording devices | New requirements: mandatory compliance with EN 12830:2018 instead of EN 12830:1999 | EN 12830:2018 |
| Recorder verification | Verification with at least two measurement points, carried out by accredited bodies | EN 13486:2023 |
| Transitional regime | Recorders compliant with EN 12830:1999 have transitional measures for adaptation | — |
The change in the definitions of "multi-compartment unit" and "multi-temperature" is not minor: it directly affects how a vehicle is classified and certified under the ATP Agreement. A truck that previously fit into one category may require a new technical assessment to maintain its current certification.
As for temperature recorders, the EN 12830:2018 standard replaces the previous EN 12830:1999 as the mandatory reference. Additionally, verification of these devices must be carried out in accordance with EN 13486:2023, with a minimum of two measurement points, and can only be performed by an accredited body.
Economic and operational impact
The impact for international refrigerated transport companies materializes on three fronts:
- Replacement or recertification of temperature recorders: Equipment that only complies with EN 12830:1999 standard will need to be replaced or adapted. Although there is a transitional regime, its duration is not specified in the published data, so it is advisable to act in advance to avoid surprises during inspections.
- Cost of verification by accredited body: Verification in accordance with EN 13486:2023 with two measurement points must be performed by an accredited body, which implies an external cost per vehicle that previously could be managed more flexibly.
- Review of multi-compartment unit classification: Companies operating vehicles with compartments at different temperatures must review whether the new technical definitions alter the ATP category of their units, which could require new inspections and certifications.
The most immediate operational risk is border detention: a vehicle with outdated ATP documentation or a recorder that does not comply with EN 12830:2018 can be immobilized, with the resulting cost of perishable cargo and compromised delivery schedules.
Who does it affect?
- International refrigerated transport companies: Any operator conducting international routes with perishable goods under ATP certification.
- Manufacturers and distributors of insulated and refrigeration equipment: Must ensure their products comply with the new technical specifications and revised test procedures.
- ATP inspection authorities: Must apply the new verification criteria, including the use of EN 13486:2023 with two measurement points.
- Logistics operators and freight forwarders: Who subcontract international refrigerated transport must verify that their suppliers comply with the new regulation to avoid liability in case of incident.
- Exporters and importers of perishable food: Although not transporters, they depend on their transport providers complying with ATP requirements for the goods to be accepted at destination.
Practical example
A Spanish transport company operating three refrigerated trucks on routes between Spain and France or Germany, with multi-compartment units that simultaneously maintain a frozen zone (-18 °C) and a refrigerated zone (+4 °C), must act on two fronts:
Front 1 — Temperature recorders: If the three vehicles carry recorders certified under EN 12830:1999, the company must check whether these devices are within the transitional regime or if they must already be replaced with models compliant with EN 12830:2018. Additionally, the next periodic verification of each recorder must be performed by an accredited body with at least two measurement points, according to EN 13486:2023.
Front 2 — Multi-compartment unit classification: With the new technical definitions of "multi-compartment unit" and "multi-temperature", the company must review with its ATP inspection body whether the current classification of its vehicles remains valid or if a new assessment is required. A reclassification may involve an additional technical inspection and updating of the vehicle's ATP certificate.
What should companies do now?
- Audit temperature recorders across the entire fleet: Identify which units carry recorders under EN 12830:1999 and which already comply with EN 12830:2018. Prioritize replacement of those not within the transitional regime.
- Plan verifications with accredited body: The next periodic verification of recorders must be performed in accordance with EN 13486:2023 with minimum two measurement points. Contact your usual accredited body to confirm it already applies this standard.
- Review ATP classification of multi-compartment and multi-temperature units: Consult with the ATP inspection body whether the new technical definitions affect the certified category of vehicles with multiple compartments.
- Update technical documentation for each vehicle: Ensure that ATP certificates reflect compliance with current standards (EN 12830:2018 and EN 13486:2023) before the next international route.
- Communicate changes to fleet managers and drivers: Drivers must be aware of the new documentary requirements to avoid incidents at border controls.
- Verify compliance of subcontracted transport providers: If subcontracting international refrigerated transport, require confirmation of compliance with ATP amendments 2023-2024.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature recorder should I carry in my international refrigerated truck from now on?
The temperature recorder must comply with the EN 12830:2018 standard. Equipment that only complies with the previous EN 12830:1999 standard is subject to transitional measures, but replacement must be planned. Periodic verification of the recorder must be performed in accordance with EN 13486:2023 with a minimum of two measurement points and by an accredited body.
When do the new ATP standards come into force in Spain?
The amendments adopted in Geneva on 27 October 2023 and 1 November 2024 to the ATP Agreement are applicable in Spain as of 2 October 2026, the date of publication of the consolidated text in Spanish law.
What happens if my refrigerated truck does not meet the new ATP requirements at a border inspection?
A vehicle with outdated ATP documentation or a recorder that does not comply with EN 12830:2018 can be detained at the border. This implies risk of loss of perishable cargo, failure to meet delivery schedules and possible significant economic costs. The vehicle's ATP certification may be suspended until compliance is demonstrated.
What are multi-compartment and multi-temperature units according to the new ATP?
These are vehicles or refrigeration equipment that simultaneously maintain different zones at different temperatures (for example, frozen and refrigerated in the same truck). The 2023-2024 amendments update the technical definitions of these concepts, which may affect the classification and ATP certification of vehicles operating with this configuration. It is necessary to review with the inspection body whether the certified category remains valid.
Who can perform verification of temperature recorders in accordance with EN 13486:2023?
Only an accredited body can perform verification of temperature recording devices in accordance with EN 13486:2023. Verification must include at least two measurement points. Verification performed by company internal personnel or entities without specific accreditation for this standard is not valid.
Official source
Consult complete regulation at official source
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-20469
