What is EN 12830 and Why Does It Matter for Food Transport?

If you transport perishable food within the European Union, there is a standard you need to know: EN 12830. It defines the performance requirements for temperature recorders used in the transport and storage of chilled and frozen food. Compliance is not optional — it's a prerequisite for HACCP validation and regulatory acceptance.

What EN 12830 Covers

EN 12830 (officially: "Temperature recorders for the transport, storage and distribution of chilled and frozen food and ice cream — Tests, performance, suitability") specifies requirements for:

• Accuracy — the recorder must measure within defined tolerances across its operating range
• Response time — how quickly the sensor reacts to temperature changes
• Data integrity — recorded data must be tamper-proof and retrievable
• Environmental resistance — the device must function in the conditions it will encounter (humidity, vibration, temperature extremes)
• Display and readout — current temperature and stored data must be accessible

Who Needs EN 12830 Compliance?

Any business involved in:

• Refrigerated road transport (EU Reg 37/2005 references EN 12830 for frozen food)
• Cold storage facilities for food products
• Food distribution centers and wholesale warehouses
• Supermarket and restaurant receiving operations (inspection of delivery temperature records)

If your customers or regulatory authorities ask "Is your temperature recorder EN 12830 approved?" — you need to answer "yes."

How EN 12830 Relates to HACCP

HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) is the overarching food safety management system required by EU Regulation 852/2004. Temperature monitoring during transport is a Critical Control Point (CCP) in most HACCP plans. Using an EN 12830-compliant recorder is the simplest way to demonstrate that your CCP monitoring equipment meets an internationally recognized standard.

During a food safety audit, an inspector will verify that your temperature records come from certified equipment. An EN 12830-compliant device like TERMOGRAF TG5 provides that assurance automatically.

How TERMOGRAF Meets EN 12830

The TERMOGRAF TG5 series is designed and tested to EN 12830 requirements:

• Accuracy: ±0.5°C across the operating range (–30°C to +70°C)
• Data security: recorded data stored in non-volatile memory, protected against power loss and tampering
• Instant readout: built-in thermal printer produces a complete temperature history on demand
• Environmental testing: tested for vibration, humidity, and temperature extremes per EN 12830 protocols
• Calibration: ships with a traceable calibration certificate; annual recalibration available

Beyond EN 12830: Additional Standards

Depending on your market and application, you may also encounter:

• ATP Agreement — governs international transport of perishable foodstuffs (references EN 12830 for recorder requirements)
• EN 13486 — requirements for temperature recorders and thermometers used in transport, similar scope to EN 12830 but focused on testing methods
• Codex Alimentarius CAC/RCP 1-1969 — international food safety guidelines that reference HACCP principles

TERMOGRAF TG5's EN 12830 compliance covers the core requirement; additional standards are addressed through proper calibration and operational procedures.