ISO 31510:2025

Overview

ISO 31510:2025, titled Cold Chain Logistics - Vocabulary, is an international standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that defines terminology used within the field of cold chain logistics. Released in September 2025, this document serves as an authoritative resource to establish a common language among professionals involved in the storage, handling, and transportation of temperature-sensitive goods. By providing clear and consistent definitions, ISO 31510:2025 facilitates improved communication, operational efficiency, and quality control across the cold chain industry.

The standard covers terms related to facilities, equipment, individuals and organizations, processes, logistics activities, and operational indices, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the cold chain logistics domain.

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Key Topics

ISO 31510:2025 categorizes terminology into six main sections, each addressing critical aspects of cold chain logistics.

Facilities

• Cold store: Refrigerated facilities maintaining low temperatures to preserve perishable goods.
• Controlled atmosphere cold store: Stores controlling temperature and atmospheric conditions to extend product shelf life.

Equipment

• Reefer container: Shipping containers equipped with refrigeration units to maintain specific temperature ranges for perishables.
• Cold storage door: Insulated doors designed for cold storage facilities that meet insulation and hygiene standards.
• Cooling materials: Substances or units such as dry ice or eutectic plates used to lower temperatures in confined environments.
• Refrigerated vehicle: Vehicles with cooling systems for transporting temperature-sensitive goods.
• Thermally insulated container: Mobile containers with insulation to reduce heat transfer during transportation.

Individuals and Organizations

• Cold chain distribution service provider: Individuals or entities offering temperature-controlled delivery services.
• Refrigerated warehousing enterprise: Companies specializing in low-temperature storage solutions.

Processes

• Freezing: Converting liquid content of goods into solid by heat removal.
• Chilling: Cooling goods to above freezing temperatures.
• Blast freezing and slow freezing: Different freezing methods based on time and temperature control.
• Defrosting: Removing frost buildup to restore cooling efficiency.
• Temperature control: Measuring and maintaining specific temperature ranges to preserve product quality.

Logistics Activity

• Cold chain logistics: The controlled temperature management of goods from production through consumption.
• Cold chain distribution: Transporting products at required temperatures to end consumers.
• Temperature-controlled transportation: Methods using heating, cooling, or insulation to maintain required temperatures.

Operation Index

• Cooling capacity: The rate of heat removal from a confined space.
• Operational transport temperature: The defined temperature ranges within which refrigerated operations are performed.
• Core temperature: Temperature measured at the center of goods.
• Ultra-low temperature: Storage temperatures below -50 °C for highly sensitive items like some medicines or large fish.

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Applications

ISO 31510:2025 is essential for professionals and organizations involved in cold chain management, including:

• Logistics companies specializing in perishable goods transport.
• Warehousing operators managing temperature-controlled storage.
• Food and pharmaceutical industries requiring strict temperature control to maintain product integrity.
• Equipment manufacturers producing refrigerated vehicles, containers, and related systems.
• Quality assurance teams ensuring compliance with cold chain standards and minimizing quality degradation caused by temperature fluctuations.

This standardized vocabulary supports the design, implementation, auditing, and optimization of cold chain systems to improve product safety, reduce spoilage, and enhance operational transparency throughout the supply chain.

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Related Standards

ISO 31510:2025 complements several other international standards that address broader or related aspects of cold chain logistics and refrigeration technology, such as:

• ISO 23412: Refrigerated transport equipment terminology.
• ISO 9001: Quality management systems, applicable to cold chain quality control.
• ISO 22000: Food safety management systems, ensuring safety in temperature-controlled food logistics.
• IEC standards covering refrigeration electrical components and controls.

Implementing ISO 31510:2025 vocabulary enhances interoperability and compliance with these standards, fostering better integration of operational practices and technological solutions.

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Keywords: ISO 31510:2025, cold chain logistics vocabulary, temperature-controlled transport, refrigerated storage, cold chain terminology, perishable goods logistics, refrigerated vehicles, cold storage facilities, temperature control processes, cold chain distribution.