8th International Exhibition For Cold Chain & Temperature
Controlled Logistics
8-10 April 2025
EXPO XXI Warsaw
8th International Exhibition For Cold Chain & Temperature
Controlled Logistics
8-10 April 2025
EXPO XXI Warsaw
The transport of frozen products plays a crucial role in ensuring consumers have access to fresh and safe food. To maintain the nutritional and taste qualities of frozen goods, it is essential to adhere to specific standards during transportation. In this article, we will discuss how frozen food transport is carried out, what conditions must be met, and what regulations govern this process.
The transport of frozen products is the process of moving food under controlled temperature conditions to preserve its quality and safety. The key aspect is maintaining the continuity of the cold chain from production, through storage, to final delivery to the end recipient. For this transport to be effective, specific requirements must be met. Most of these requirements are regulated by Polish and European legislation. What should be particularly taken into account?
By adhering to the following requirements, producers can ensure that their frozen products reach consumers in perfect condition while maintaining their taste and nutritional value.
The transport of frozen products requires strict compliance with specific norms and standards to guarantee the safety and quality of the goods being transported. The fundamental requirement is maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the entire supply chain. According to Directive 89/108/EEC and the ATP Agreement, deep-frozen products must be stored and transported at a temperature no higher than -18°C, with short-term fluctuations of up to 3°C allowed during transportation.
Maintaining appropriate humidity levels in the cargo space is equally important, as it prevents frost and ice formation on the products, which could negatively affect their quality.
Minimizing transport time is also crucial in preserving the quality of frozen goods. The shorter the time from loading to delivery, the lower the risk of product thawing. Therefore, transport routes should be optimized to be as short as possible. This aspect is closely linked to efficient logistics in the refrigerated transport of frozen products.
Packaging plays a key role in frozen food transport, protecting the products from mechanical damage and external factors. The use of highly insulating materials, such as styrofoam boxes, helps maintain a stable internal temperature within the packaging.
Vehicles used for frozen food transport must be appropriately adapted. Refrigerated transport vehicles should be equipped with systems that maintain a consistently low temperature. They must also meet specific standards and hold certifications such as the ATP certificate, confirming their ability to transport perishable food products.
Monitoring and documenting transport conditions ensure compliance with current regulations and help maintain the high quality of frozen products. Regular temperature checks and accurate transport documentation allow for quick responses to any deviations from the standard, minimizing losses and reducing additional costs for producers.
The transport of frozen products is subject to strict legal regulations at both national and international levels to ensure food safety and maintain quality during transportation. Below, we will examine the most important legal provisions in this area.
The primary document governing international frozen food transport is the Agreement on the International Carriage of Perishable Foodstuffs and on the Special Equipment to be Used for Such Carriage, known as the ATP Agreement.
Signed in Geneva in September 1970, it came into force in 1976, and Poland ratified it in 1984. The ATP Agreement specifies requirements for transport vehicles, including refrigerated, insulated, and heated vehicles, and defines the maximum allowable temperatures for different categories of food products during transport. As previously mentioned, frozen products must be transported at a temperature no higher than -18°C, with short-term fluctuations of up to 3°C allowed during transport.
Additionally, the ATP Agreement mandates that vehicles engaged in international frozen food transport must have an ATP certificate confirming their compliance with technical standards. Failure to obtain this certification can lead to legal penalties, including vehicle detention.
Within the European Union, there are also directives and regulations governing hygiene and food safety during transport. The Directive No. 89/108/EEC of the European Parliament and the Council of December 21, 1988, concerns the harmonization of member states’ regulations on deep-frozen food products intended for human consumption. It specifies, among other things, the requirements for the storage and transport temperatures of frozen foods and the obligation to use appropriate temperature monitoring devices.
Additionally, Regulation (EC) No. 853/2004 of the European Parliament and the Council of April 29, 2004, establishes detailed hygiene rules concerning food of animal origin, including transport requirements for such products. Under this regulation, food sector enterprises must ensure that the proper temperature is maintained during transport and that vehicles are clean and, when necessary, disinfected to prevent food contamination.
In Poland, issues related to frozen food transport are regulated, among others, by The Act of August 25, 2006, on Food and Nutrition Safety. This act imposes an obligation on businesses to ensure that transport means used for food transportation are properly designed, kept clean, and enable the maintenance of required temperature conditions.
Furthermore, The Regulation of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of May 12, 2003, on specific requirements for the storage and transport of deep-frozen agricultural and food products, states that the temperature of deep-frozen products during transport must not exceed -18°C, with short-term fluctuations of up to 3°C allowed. This is, of course, a result of the provisions of the ATP Agreement mentioned above, to which Poland is bound.
The enforcement of frozen food transport regulations in Poland is carried out by The Road Transport Inspection (ITD) and The Inspection of Commercial Quality of Agricultural and Food Products (IJHARS). Regular inspections of refrigerated vehicles are conducted to verify whether transporters comply with applicable standards.
During such inspections, inspectors check the technical condition of vehicles, possession of appropriate certificates such as ATP, and monitor the temperature conditions of transported frozen products. In the event of irregularities, transporters may be fined, and in extreme cases, the vehicle may be detained, or the transport operation may be suspended.
We will continue to emphasize this point—maintaining a consistently low temperature is crucial for the quality of frozen products. Modern refrigerated vehicles are equipped with temperature monitoring systems that allow for real-time tracking of conditions inside the cargo space. Regular inspections and calibrations of these systems ensure their reliability. In case of deviations from the standard, the driver should be immediately notified to take appropriate corrective actions.
Personnel responsible for transporting frozen products should undergo regular training in the operation of refrigeration systems, current legal regulations, loading and unloading procedures, and transport condition monitoring. Familiarity with emergency procedures, such as handling refrigeration system failures, is essential for quickly responding to unforeseen situations and minimizing potential losses.
The reliability of refrigerated vehicles directly affects the safety of frozen food transport. Therefore, regular technical inspections, maintenance of refrigeration systems, and checks on the integrity of thermal insulation are crucial for maintaining optimal transport conditions. Early detection and resolution of malfunctions prevent breakdowns during transport and ensure the continuity of the cold chain.
One of the main challenges in frozen food transport is maintaining the continuity of the cold chain. It is important to remember that even slight temperature fluctuations during transport can lead to a deterioration in product quality or spoilage. Therefore, the use of advanced temperature monitoring systems and regular inspections of refrigerated vehicles is crucial to ensuring optimal transport conditions.
Another significant issue is the rising operational costs. Maintaining the required temperature during transport requires substantial energy consumption, which translates into higher expenses. The shortage of skilled workers further exacerbates these difficulties, forcing companies to invest in training or seek alternative solutions, such as process automation.
Compliance with strict regulations and standards regarding food transport is another aspect that businesses in this sector must deal with. Organizations such as the Food Safety Agency and the International Road Transport Commission issue guidelines on storage temperatures, packaging, and transport documentation. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in sanctions and a loss of customer trust.
To meet these challenges, the frozen food transport industry is investing heavily in modern technologies. Process automation, including robotic palletization, increases efficiency and reduces operational costs. The use of robots in the palletization of frozen products minimizes the risk of product damage and speeds up the entire logistics process.
Moreover, the development of environmentally friendly solutions in refrigerated transport is becoming a priority. Traditional refrigeration systems powered by diesel fuel are gradually being replaced by more eco-friendly alternatives, such as electric-powered systems. These changes not only reduce harmful emissions but can also lower operating costs.
In refrigerated logistics, the growing importance of digitalization is also evident. The use of advanced monitoring and management systems allows real-time tracking of transport conditions, increasing transparency and enabling rapid response to potential irregularities. This approach not only improves service quality but also builds trust among customers.
Safe and efficient transport of frozen products requires adherence to specific temperature standards, the use of appropriate packaging, and regular monitoring of transport conditions. Knowledge and compliance with applicable legal regulations, along with investments in staff training and modern technologies, form the foundation for providing the highest quality services in the controlled-temperature transport sector.
There is no doubt that frozen food transport faces numerous challenges, such as maintaining the cold chain, rising operational costs, and the need to comply with strict regulations. However, thanks to investments in modern technologies, automation, and environmentally friendly solutions, the industry has the potential for dynamic growth and meeting the expectations of the modern market.
If you want to learn more about current trends and regulations regarding temperature-controlled logistics, including the transportation of frozen products, we warmly invite you to visit the ColdChain Poland trade fair. This event is dedicated to the B2B sector, where you can establish business relationships with new suppliers, talk to experts (including legal professionals), discover solutions that can improve your company’s operations, and attend industry-focused lectures.
During the 8th edition of the ColdChain Poland trade fair, our conferences will cover topics such as efficient distribution and logistics of fresh and frozen products, as well as the latest advancements in refrigerated logistics for the food and gastronomic industries. You can’t miss it!
Register today and listen to the experts!
