ATP inspection for refrigerated transport: complete checklist 2026

Refrigerated transport in Europe is governed by the ATP Agreement (Accord sur le Transport des denrées Périssables) of the UNECE. For Dutch carriers of chilled or frozen goods, a valid ATP certificate is a legal requirement — without it, cross-border delivery to supermarket chains, food manufacturers or healthcare institutions is impossible.

This article is a complete guide: what ATP is, when inspection is mandatory, how the process works, and where most companies go wrong.

What is ATP?

ATP is an international agreement (UN treaty) that sets rules for the transport of perishable goods. It has four vehicle categories:

• IN (Isothermal normal) — insulated, no active cooling
• IR (Isothermal reinforced) — reinforced insulation, no active cooling
• FN/FR (Frigorific normal/reinforced) — actively cooled
• RNA/RNB/RNC/RRA/RRB/RRC/RRD — cooled with specific temperature classifications

For most Dutch refrigerated transport companies, this applies: FRC (reinforced insulation, refrigeration unit with capacity for low temperatures) or FNA (normal insulation, refrigeration unit for moderate temperatures).

When is ATP inspection mandatory?

ATP applies to:

• Cross-border transport of perishable goods between ATP countries (all EU + many others).
• Processing perishable goods en route.

For domestic transport within the Netherlands, ATP is not legally mandatory, but many clients (Albert Heijn, Jumbo, Plus, all hospital distribution centres) do require a valid ATP certificate.

How often does it need to be inspected?

• First inspection: before putting a new or converted vehicle into service.
• Second inspection: 6 years after the first inspection.
• Subsequent inspections: every 3 years.

In the Netherlands, the RDW (Rijksdienst voor het Wegverkeer) carries out ATP inspections. Register via rdw.nl; according to the RDW, you will be contacted within 9 weeks of registering.

What does the inspection check?

### 1. Insulation value (K-value)

K-value is a measure of the thermal conductivity of the wall. The lower, the better. Requirements per category:

• IN: K < 0.70 W/m²K
• IR: K < 0.40 W/m²K
• FN/FR: K < 0.40 W/m²K
• FRC (heavy cooling): K < 0.40 W/m²K + maintain temperature at +30°C outside temperature

During the inspection, the vehicle is weighed empty, then warmed up (30°C), cooled to the target temperature, and the time is measured. Poorly insulated vehicles fail the test.

### 2. Cooling capacity

For F, R and refrigerated vehicles, it is checked whether the refrigeration unit can maintain the desired inside temperature at +30°C outside temperature. For deep-freeze (-20°C inside, Class C/FRC): the refrigeration unit must be able to deliver at least 50°C delta-T (from +30°C outside to -20°C inside).

### 3. Temperature recording

Mandatory since 2018: a data logger that continuously records the transport temperature during transport. During the inspection, it is checked:

• Is the data logger certified (NEN-EN 12830)?
• Is the measurement frequency at least 1× per 15 minutes?
• Is data retained for 1 year?
• Is the data logger calibrated (annually)?

### 4. Marking

The outside of the vehicle must carry an ATP plate showing:

• ATP category
• Date of first inspection
• Expiry date of current inspection
• Inspection body + number

Plate illegible or missing? Immediate rejection.

Common mistakes

1. Data logger not calibrated.

A data logger without annual calibration is marked invalid at inspection. Schedule calibration 30 days before the calibration deadline — it prevents last-minute panic.

2. Vehicle not clean for inspection.

ATP inspection requires a clean, dry load compartment. Dirt/moisture = bias in measurements. Schedule a thorough clean before the inspection visit.

3. K-value from specs is theoretical.

Many installers rely on the K-value from the spec sheet. During the inspection, the actual K-value is measured — for older vehicles often worse than specified due to panel degradation. Schedule a pre-inspection 6 months ahead to avoid surprises.

4. No recent maintenance history.

At inspection, the RDW often asks for proof of recent refrigeration unit maintenance + leak check. No history = suspicion of poor maintenance = stricter inspection. Our installation history module delivers this in one PDF.

Cross-link to Koldwerk

For refrigerated transport companies we have a dedicated module: refrigerated transport module that brings together ATP administration, data logger linking and calibration reminders. Not necessary for the inspection itself, but it prevents you from having to keep track of three systems at once.

Practical checklist before the inspection

• [ ] ATP plate present + legible
• [ ] Data logger calibrated (within 12 months)
• [ ] Refrigeration unit maintenance history (last 12 months) available
• [ ] Leak-check report of refrigeration unit
• [ ] Load compartment cleaned + dry
• [ ] Door seals checked for cracks / shrinkage
• [ ] Tyre pressure + weight for the weighing moment
• [ ] Vehicle in good condition (no damage to insulation panels)

Cross-references

• RDW — ATP inspection information (opent in nieuw tabblad)
• UNECE ATP Agreement (official text, EN) (opent in nieuw tabblad)
• F-gases + refrigerant administration

Disclaimer: ATP requirements are periodically revised. Consult the RDW website for the currently applicable interpretations. For specific vehicle situations, professional advice (transport lawyer / certification body) is recommended.