Why renew the ATP certification for small containers ?

Maintaining compliance for small containers used in the transport of perishable goods is crucial for ensuring product safety and maintaining the cold chain. Renewing the Agreement on the Transport of Perishable Goods (ATP) for these containers requires a deep understanding of the procedures and specific cases that may affect the process. This article details the ATP renewal protocol for owners of small container fleets.

When to renew the ATP?

When acquiring a new insulated container, the ATP is valid for 6 years from the date of manufacture. The first renewal ensures equipment compliance for an additional 3 years. Finally, the second renewal extends compliance for another 3 years.

In summary, the renewal schedule is staggered at 6 years / 9 years / 12 years.

The renewal of the certificate is only applicable to equipment listed in the DATAFRIG database.
An insulated container will be considered non-compliant if it presents at least one major non-conformity, such as:

• Perforated or torn wall covering, either bottom or top of the container.
• Missing or torn door seal.
• Lack of controlled sealing as per ATP standards.

Procedure for the visual inspection of a container

Special cases: specific renewal scenarios

Special Case #1: renewal with refrigeration system upgrade

• Situation: the owner wishes to renew their fleet of small containers, adding a new refrigeration source, such as an ice drawer or a SIBER cryogenic system, thus modifying the ATP identification of the containers.
• Procedure: the owner or the testing center must provide test reports relating to the overall thermal transmission coefficient and the effectiveness of the new cooling devices. The renewal proceeds as planned, with updated markings based on test results.
• Advantages:
  • Upgrade of the refrigeration system for better performance.
• Disadvantages:
  • Need to present additional test reports and potentially incur costs associated with the refrigeration system upgrade.
    

Special Case #2: renewal after expiry beyond 6 Years

• Situation: the owner whose ATP has exceeded 6 years wishes to renew their small containers.
• Procedure: the renewal follows the standard procedure. If all audits and technical inspections are compliant, the renewal is granted for a period of 3 years, within the total lifespan of 12 years for the container and its cooling system. Beyond this period, containers must undergo testing at an accredited testing center to obtain a new certification.
• Advantages:
  • Possibility to extend the lifespan of containers with appropriate checks.
• Disadvantages:
  • Potentially longer renewal time if the containers exceed 12 years.

Conclusion

The ATP renewal for small containers can be done through various procedures, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Owners must choose the method that best suits their needs in terms of infrastructure, technical expertise, and costs. Whether through internal testing activities, outsourcing, or full delegation to a testing center, it is crucial to ensure compliance with temperature standards to guarantee the quality and safety of the transported perishable goods.