June 3, 2020
Concerning indirect, temperature-controlled refrigerated delivery services, whose demand is growing in Asian countries, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) issued a new international standard for such services, aiming to achieve appropriate temperature control for refrigerated delivery services. This issuance is expected to help service users to appropriately assess the quality of indirect, temperature-controlled refrigerated delivery services provided by Japanese distribution companies, enhance international competitiveness of such companies and contribute to healthy development and expansion of markets for such services overseas.
Background
As people’s lifestyles are becoming more diverse and the scale of e-commerce (EC) markets is growing, an increasing number of households and other consumers in Asian countries, mainly China and ASEAN economies, but also in other countries, have been demanding parcel-based deliveries of fresh foods, perishable goods and other products through indirect, temperature-controlled refrigerated delivery services. With this trend, Japanese distribution companies have been embarking on business development in Asian countries, in particular, their major cities, to meet the expectations of private consumers and other customers, both of whom demand safe and secure delivery services. Meanwhile, some delivery service companies operating overseas are likely to fail to provide appropriate temperature control for refrigerated parcels, and this low-quality service undermines consumer trust in delivery services for refrigerated parcels, and therefore, there have been increasing concerns over this situation that may cause bottlenecks for market expansion in such countries.
In these circumstances, Japan submitted a proposal to the ISO for the development of a new international standard for the purpose of helping service users to appropriately assess the quality of indirect, temperature-controlled refrigerated delivery services, secure consumer trust in such services and enhance the international competitiveness of Japanese distribution companies.
Outline of the international standard
The newly issued international standard, ISO 23412*1 (indirect, temperature-controlled refrigerated delivery services – land transport of parcels with intermediate transfer), stipulates requirements for operations to achieve appropriate temperature control in land transportation of refrigerated parcels that accompanies with intermediate transfer of such parcels during transportation. Highlights of the international standard are as follows:
- Definitions of indirect, temperature-controlled refrigerated delivery services;
- Construction of transport networks;
- Handling methods for refrigerated parcels;
- Conditions for service providers, refrigerated vehicles, cold stores and ice packs;
- Operational directions and manuals;
- Provision of education and training to staff members; and
- Monitoring and improvement of indirect, temperature-controlled refrigerated delivery services
This international standard was developed at ISO/PC315 (indirect, temperature-controlled refrigerated delivery services), a committee established in accordance with Japan’s proposal. By undertaking the roles of the Chairperson and the Secretariat, the core positions that direct the committee, Japan exercised leadership in developing the international standard and the ISO issued it on May 28, 2020, as a new international standard.**
Expected effects
Dissemination of the international standard is expected to help service users to appropriately assess the quality of indirect, temperature-controlled refrigerated delivery services provided by Japanese distribution companies, which are able to deliver parcels while maintaining a predetermined temperature from loading to destinations and through several intermediate transfers, and also to help such companies to fortify international competitiveness. Moreover, the international standard is also expected to contribute to healthy development and expansion of markets for indirect, temperature-controlled refrigerated delivery services overseas.
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) will continue to collaborate with distribution companies, industrial associations and related ministries and agencies; support efforts for developing national standards and establishing authentication infrastructures targeting Asian countries, mainly China and ASEAN economies in which a demand for indirect, temperature-controlled refrigerated delivery services is growing; and further raise public awareness of the international standard.
Notes:
*1: Official title of ISO 23412:2020
Indirect, temperature-controlled refrigerated delivery services – land transport of parcels with intermediate transfer
**2: This successful standardization is due to the achievements under the Project for Establishing New International Standards for Energy Conservation, etc. and Promoting the Dissemination of Such Standards (international standards development for energy conservation; international standardization category; international standardization for indirect, temperature-controlled refrigerated delivery services), which METI has commissioned to a private entity.
