5.1 INTRODUCTION

• ATP is the international agreement governing carriage of certain perishable foodstuffs under controlled-temperature conditions.
• The UK implemented ATP provisions through the International Carriage of Perishable Foodstuffs Act 1976.
• ATP provides common standards for permitted perishable goods, temperature-controlled equipment, testing and certification.
• Contracting countries recognise certificates issued by other contracting countries.
• ATP applies to both own-account and hire-and-reward operations.

5.2 JOURNEYS SUBJECT TO THE AGREEMENT

• ATP applies to international surface journeys by road and rail.
• It also applies to sea journeys of 150 km or less that are preceded or followed by road/rail legs.
• It does not apply to air transport or domestic transport, including the domestic leg of an international journey.
• Foodstuffs not intended for human consumption are excluded.

5.3 TESTING AND EXAMINATION

• Initial ATP approval involves testing by a DfT-approved testing organisation.
• Testing checks thermal efficiency of the insulated body and adequacy of cooling equipment.
• A successful initial test produces a certificate of compliance valid for a maximum of 6 years; a certification plate may be used instead.
• After expiry, examination is required if the operator wants to re-certify.
• Examination checks equipment condition and ability to achieve and maintain required temperatures.
• Successful re-examination produces a certificate/plate valid for 3 years.
• Drivers should carry the ATP certificate on ATP journeys and produce it when requested.
• Authorised examiners may enter premises at reasonable times to examine relevant equipment.

5.4 MARKING OF EQUIPMENT

• ATP-certified equipment carries a white plate with dark blue lettering showing its classification and certificate expiry.