The temperature standards for refrigerated trucks in China

In January 2024, the newly revised GB 29753-2023 "Road Transport – Perishable Food and Biological Products – Safety Requirements and Test Methods for Refrigerated Vehicles" was officially implemented in China. The definitions and technical specifications have been updated, providing clearer guidelines for the refrigerated vehicle industry.

According to the type of temperature control system, the new standard classifies refrigerated vehicles into three categories: non-mechanical refrigeration, mechanical refrigeration, and mechanical refrigeration with heating. Among them, mechanical refrigeration vehicles are further divided into two subcategories based on the nature of the transported goods: perishable food and biological products.

The new standard redefines the identification markings that must be painted or affixed to the exterior of refrigerated vehicle compartments. The updated regulations adopt a three-letter coding system:

The first letter represents the type of temperature control system:
R for non-mechanical refrigeration
F for mechanical refrigeration
B for mechanical refrigeration with heating

The second letter indicates the insulation performance of the compartment:
N for standard insulation
R for high-performance insulation

The third letter represents the temperature category of the refrigerated vehicle.

The classification of mechanical refrigeration vehicles is as follows:
Mechanical Refrigerated Vehicles for Transporting Perishable Food:
Category A: Temperature control range inside the compartment is 0 to 12°C
Category B: Temperature control range inside the compartment is -10 to 12°C
Category C: Temperature control range inside the compartment is -20 to 12°C
Category D: Temperature control range inside the compartment is ≤ 0°C
Category E: Temperature control range inside the compartment is ≤ -10°C
Category F: Temperature control range inside the compartment is ≤ -20°C
Category I: Temperature control range inside the compartment is ≤ -30°C

Mechanical Refrigerated Vehicles for Transporting Biological Products:
Category G: Temperature control range inside the compartment is 2 to 8°C
Category B: Temperature control range inside the compartment is ≤ -20°C