ABA Workplace Transport Grouping Changes 2026: What Companies and Operators Need to Know

The Accrediting Bodies Association for Workplace Transport (ABA) has completed a comprehensive review of its equipment grouping categories. These changes, effective from 19th January 2026, will affect how forklift and materials handling equipment training is categorised and certified across the UK.

If your business operates forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, or other materials handling equipment, these updates will impact your training requirements and operator certifications. Here's everything you need to know to stay compliant.

What is the ABA and Why Does This Matter?

The ABA is the association that brings together the five major UK accrediting bodies for workplace transport training: RTITB, AITT, ITSSAR, LANTRA, and NPORS. Together, these organisations issued over 100,000 accredited training certificates in 2024 alone.

The ABA's Workplace Transport Groupings provide the standardised category structure that determines how different types of equipment are classified for training purposes. When you book forklift or materials handling training, the category code (such as B1, D1, or E1) tells training providers and employers exactly what type of equipment an operator is qualified to use.

This review—the first major restructure in several years—has been undertaken in consultation with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA), training providers, and industry stakeholders. The changes aim to improve clarity, reflect advances in equipment technology, and ensure training remains relevant to modern workplace operations.

Summary of Key Changes

The updated groupings include several significant revisions. Here's what's changing:

Category Changes at a Glance

*J2 machines will continue to be trained/tested per J2 height limitations but recorded as J3

What This Means for Employers

Importantly, the ABA has confirmed that counterbalance truck weight classifications will remain unchanged. Their review found that existing categories continue to reflect real-world applications and maintain consistency with industry expectations.

What Happens to Existing Operator Certificates?

If your operators hold current certificates under the existing categories, there's no need for immediate retraining. Here's how the transition will work:

Operators undergoing refresher training after January 2026 will complete their refresher on the type of machine associated with their existing or recently expired Basic Training certificate. During the transition period, category changes—for example, from A2 (Low Level Order Picker) to E0—can be validated by referencing the make and model of the machine originally used during initial training.

For Reach Truck operators, training will now be conducted and recorded based on the height capability of the specific machine used. Both training records and test marking sheets must clearly document the height at which training and assessment were carried out.

The Importance of Specific and Familiarisation Training

While Basic Operator Training provides the fundamental skills and knowledge to operate equipment safely, it's the Specific and Familiarisation training that bridges the gap between general competence and safe operation in your particular workplace.

The HSE's Approved Code of Practice (L117) outlines the legal requirement for Specific and Familiarisation training. This is further supported by guidance in INDG462. There is no universal approach—training must be adapted to reflect the actual working environment and equipment in use at each site.

When considering conversion training to other machines, Specific and Familiarisation training remains essential to maintain safety, competence, and alignment with legal requirements across varied workplace environments.

Updated Testing Standards

Alongside the category changes, the ABA and its member accrediting bodies are developing updated testing standards that will be released in advance of the January 2026 implementation date. These updates ensure that assessments remain aligned with the revised groupings and continue to effectively evaluate operator competence.

Training providers accredited by ABA members will update their training content, assessment materials, and operational processes to align with the new structure. This includes updates to training apps, online portals, and Trainer's Guides.

Preparing for the Changes

With the implementation date now approaching, businesses should take proactive steps to ensure a smooth transition:

• Audit your current training records to understand which operators and equipment types will be affected
• Review the updated ABA Workplace Transport Groupings document available from the ABA website
• Schedule any outstanding training to ensure operators are certified before or after the transition as appropriate for your operations
• Brief relevant managers and supervisors on the changes and their implications
• Contact your training provider to discuss how the changes affect your training programme

The ABA's comprehensive review represents a significant step forward in standardising workplace transport training across the UK. By staying informed and planning ahead, you can ensure your business remains compliant and your operators continue to work safely and effectively.

For the complete updated ABA Workplace Transport Groupings document and further information, visit the ABA website or contact National Compliance Training.