ISO 23412
ISO 23412:2020 is the internationally recognized standard for the transportation of temperature-sensitive goods using refrigerated parcels. It specifically outlines operational and quality requirements for indirect, non-scheduled, door-to-door services—primarily targeting the cold chain logistics industry. Issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), this standard ensures that temperature-controlled transport systems are designed, operated, and maintained in a way that protects product quality throughout the logistics process.
At Quality Asia Certification, we provide globally recognized ISO 23412:2020 certification services to logistics companies, courier service providers, pharmaceutical distributors, and food delivery networks who operate in temperature-sensitive product distribution.
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What is ISO 23412?
ISO 23412:2020 – Indirect, Temperature-Controlled Parcel Delivery Service – Land and/or Sea Transport of Packages with Intermediate Transfer . This standard specifies service requirements for the transportation of parcels that require refrigeration or other forms of temperature control, especially during indirect, multi-point, and extended delivery timelines. It focuses on maintaining thermal integrity, hygiene, handling procedures, and recordkeeping for each phase of the cold chain transport. The certification ensures compliance with globally accepted practices for maintaining the integrity of perishable and sensitive goods such as vaccines, biopharmaceuticals, frozen foods, and organic products during transit.
Why is ISO 23412 important?
The growing demand for reliable temperature-controlled logistics—especially for pharmaceuticals (e.g., COVID-19 vaccines), biological samples, and fresh foods—has made compliance with ISO 23412:2020 essential. Traditional courier methods no longer meet the stringent requirements of today's global cold chain logistics industry.
ISO 23412 certification builds trust by assuring clients that their logistics partner can handle time-sensitive, temperature-sensitive deliveries without risk of spoilage, contamination, or non-compliance with regulatory norms. In a world increasingly focused on supply chain transparency, sustainability, and consumer safety, this certification gives a distinct competitive advantage.
What are the benefits of ISO 23412?
- Ensures Thermal Integrity: Provides guidelines for maintaining consistent temperature across multiple transfer points.
- Improves Service Reliability: Enhances logistics planning and execution for perishable goods.
- Supports Regulatory Compliance: Helps comply with national and international safety, health, and transport regulations.
- Boosts Client Confidence: Demonstrates credibility to healthcare, food, and biotech industries.
- Minimizes Product Loss: Reduces wastage and returns due to thermal damage or poor handling.
- Promotes Sustainability: Encourages the use of energy-efficient and sustainable cold chain practices.
- Improves Traceability: Supports monitoring and documentation for the entire delivery cycle.
What kind of businesses can benefit from ISO 23412?
Implementing and getting certified for ISO 23412:2020 offers several tangible and strategic benefits to businesses involved in the transportation of temperature-sensitive products:
✅ Win More Contracts: Enhance eligibility for government and pharmaceutical logistics contracts requiring certified cold chain partners.
✅ Expand into Regulated Markets: Meet mandatory certification requirements in regions like the EU, Japan, and North America.
✅ Enhance Brand Image: Build reputation as a reliable and quality-driven cold chain logistics provider.
✅ Reduce Risk and Liability: Reduce the chance of lawsuits or penalties arising from mishandling sensitive goods.
✅ Improve Operational Efficiency: Optimize processes with standardized cold chain protocols and better staff training.
✅ Increase Customer Retention: Deliver goods in optimal condition, increasing customer satisfaction and repeat business.
Top Tips on making ISO 9001 effective for you.
#1
Top management commitment while practicing and accomplishing the standard is the key to success.
#2
Keeping staff informed about the ongoing practices, a well-communicated plan would increase the motivation and zeal of working in them.
#3
Making sure that the various departments of the organization work as a team for the benefit of the organization and customers as well.
#4
Review systems, policies, processes, and procedures for a smooth working of QMS.
#5
Speaking to customers & suppliers while getting feedback & working on improvements.
#6
Training staff carrying out the internal audits with the opportunity for improvement.
#7
Celebrate your achievement and use the QualityAsia Assurance Mark on your literature, promotional material, and website.
#8
Ensure continuous improvement by regularly reviewing and updating your quality management practices.
#9
Promote a culture of quality by encouraging innovation, accountability, and employee involvement at every level of the organization.
Why QualityAsia?
QualityAsia always vanguard in the auditing and governing of internationally acclaimed standards practices. At QualityAsia, we focus on driving the success of our clients through creating excellence with our trained professional auditors. The content of our service provision, comply with international certification rules defined by the accreditation bodies without burning a hole in your pocket. We will take you through the journey of audits with our best kept audit practices, viz.:
Initial Certification – Stage 1 (Preparatory Phase)
- Thorough documented information review.
- Exchange of information with staff through online or onsite presence.
- Identification of key performances, processes & objectives as per the standard requisites.
- Analysis of facilities, infrastructure, systems and processes in regard with the requested certification scope with a resource allocation review.
Initial Certification – Stage 2 (On-site Audit)
- Measurement, reporting & reviewing the performances against key performances objectives.
- Reviewing the suitability of the system meeting the legal, regulatory & contractual requirements.
- Operational control of processes, internal audits & management reviews while understanding the responsibilities for the policies.
- Conclusion based on prescriptive requirements, policy, performance objectives, staff skill, operations, procedures, internal audits, etc.
Surveillance & Certification Renewal
Drawing out the scrutiny on various aspects of the previously done audits on effectiveness while reviewing the various processes and control of the operations in the QMS and finally going for the recertification.
