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What this page covers
ATP is an international agreement on the cross-border transport of perishable foodstuffs. The certificate applies to the specific vehicle and its tested combination of body, insulation and refrigeration unit. Kerstner supports design, testing, certification, vehicle marking and subsequent renewal.
What ATP means in practice
ATP is not a blanket product feature of every vehicle range. It provides international evidence for a specific tested vehicle and conversion configuration. ATP is particularly relevant when perishable foodstuffs are transported between different contracting states.
- The ATP certificate belongs to the specific vehicle and conversion configuration.
- It shows the temperature range and body class for which the vehicle is suitable.
- International transport covered by ATP requires an appropriate, valid ATP certificate.
- For frozen goods transport, the class must match the required temperature range; national rules also apply to purely domestic transport.
- Even where ATP is not directly mandatory nationally, customers, tenders or contracts may require valid certification.
How to read codes such as FNA or FRC
The ATP class combines the type of temperature control, insulation category and verified temperature range. FNA, FRA and FRC are commonly encountered in practice.
- F denotes mechanically refrigerated equipment.
- N stands for normally insulated and R for heavily insulated.
- Class A covers an adjustable temperature range from +12 °C to 0 °C.
- Class C covers an adjustable temperature range from +12 °C to -20 °C.
- An X is added only in technical cases defined by ATP, for example certain dependent or removable refrigeration units. The precise classification is determined for each project.
FNA, FRA, FRC, FRAX and FRCX in practice
Kerstner can provide all the listed classes on a project-specific basis. The right class depends on the goods, target temperature, transport route, vehicle configuration and test basis.
- FNA: mechanical refrigeration, normal insulation, class A down to 0 °C.
- FRA: mechanical refrigeration, heavy insulation, class A down to 0 °C.
- FRC: mechanical refrigeration, heavy insulation, class C down to -20 °C.
- FRAX and FRCX identify the corresponding classes with a technical X suffix defined by ATP.
- Frozen goods within the scope of ATP generally require a suitable class such as FRC.
Why refrigeration capacity and reserve matter
A refrigeration system must do more than perform well when new. It needs sufficient reserve in real operation to maintain temperature control after years of use, in summer heat and with frequent door openings.
- The body continuously loses cooling energy through doors, walls, floor and roof.
- The refrigeration system must reliably compensate for this heat gain.
- Frequent stops, warm goods and long door openings increase capacity requirements.
- An undersized design can later cause temperature problems or limitations during inspections.
Certificate, vehicle markings and periodic inspection
After successful classification and testing, the customer receives the ATP certificate and the mandatory ATP vehicle markings. The certification is not valid indefinitely.
- For new vehicles, the initial ATP certificate can generally be valid for up to six years.
- Subsequent inspections and renewals are then required at the prescribed intervals.
- If insulation or refrigeration capacity no longer meets the original class, a lower class may be certified.
- In practice, Kerstner organises these services with service partners close to each customer.
What Kerstner handles for ATP projects
Kerstner supports ATP projects throughout and matches documentation to the vehicle, body, refrigeration system and intended use.
- Technical design and selection of the appropriate ATP class.
- Application submission, test organisation and coordination with the testing body.
- Delivery of the ATP certificate, vehicle markings and associated documentation.
- Organisation of periodic inspections and renewals through the Kerstner service network.
- There are currently 27 ATP-related test report combinations available, as of 23.04.2026.
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Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions on this topic
What does ATP mean for refrigerated vehicles?
ATP is an international agreement on the cross-border transport of perishable foodstuffs. The certificate documents the tested class of a specific vehicle with its body conversion and refrigeration system configuration.
What is the difference between FNA, FRA and FRC?
FNA denotes mechanical refrigeration with normal insulation in class A down to 0 °C. FRA uses heavy insulation, also in class A. FRC combines heavy insulation with class C down to -20 °C.
Is ATP mandatory for frozen goods transport?
Frozen goods transport falling within ATP’s scope requires an appropriate, valid ATP class. Purely domestic transport is subject to the relevant national rules; contracts or tenders may also require ATP.
What does the customer receive after successful ATP certification?
The customer receives the ATP certificate, associated documentation and the mandatory ATP markings on the vehicle.
Can a refrigerated vehicle lose its ATP class?
Yes. If insulation or refrigeration capacity no longer meets the previous class during a periodic inspection, a lower class may be certified.
Does Kerstner also handle periodic inspections and renewals?
Yes. Kerstner assists with periodic inspections and renewals. In practice, these services are organised through suitable service partners close to each customer.