ISO 13006:2018 – Ceramic Tiles

ISO 13006:2018 – Ceramic Tiles: Definitions, Classification, Characteristics, and Marking

ISO 13006:2018 is an internationally recognized standard that outlines the classification, essential characteristics and proper marking of ceramic tiles. Ceramic tiles are widely used in building and construction applications for their durability and performance. This standard ensures consistency across different types of ceramic tiles, offering clear guidelines that manufacturers, suppliers, regulators, and construction professionals can rely upon.

By providing standardized definitions and criteria, ISO 13006 supports product transparency and comparability across global markets. It helps to ensure that ceramic tiles used in homes, commercial spaces and infrastructure projects meet specific quality benchmarks, contributing to safety, functionality, and design integrity.

To start your ISO 13006 certification journey, contact support@pacificcert.com.

Scope and Applicability

ISO 13006:2018 applies to ceramic tiles of all varieties, whether dry-pressed or unglazed. It is applicable to floor tiles, wall claddings, and façade systems, and covers a wide spectrum of use-cases, from interior decoration to exterior surfaces exposed to moisture and environmental wear.

This standard is relevant to tile manufacturers, importers, product testers, builders, architects, and regulators. It includes detailed technical requirements for product classification, dimensional tolerances, surface quality, physical and chemical properties, and proper marking practices. ISO 13006 supports the entire supply chain in maintaining consistent quality and ensuring compatibility with regional building codes.

Certification Process and Procedure

Begin with a gap analysis to assess your current tile products against ISO 13006 classification requirements
Categorize tiles based on forming technique, water absorption, and usage environment
Conduct laboratory testing to measure physical and mechanical properties such as breaking strength, impact resistance, and chemical durability
Prepare supporting technical documentation including product specifications, datasheets, batch control logs, and test results
Review marking compliance to ensure packaging and labeling reflect all ISO 13006-required symbols and classifications
Schedule and undergo a conformity assessment audit from an accredited certification body
If requirements are met, receive certification along with approval for product labels and trade documentation

Begin your ISO 13006 conformity assessment with support@pacificcert.com.

Documentation Required

Product classification charts detailing the forming method, surface finish, and intended usage
Laboratory test reports showing results for:
- Water absorption
- Breaking strength and modulus of rupture
- Frost resistance (for outdoor tiles)
- Chemical resistance and stain resistance
- Surface flatness, straightness, and warpage
- Coefficient of friction (for anti-slip requirements)
Manufacturing process control procedures
Packaging specifications and marking compliance proofs
Certification records for raw materials used
Declarations of conformity and production batch traceability logs

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Eligibility Criteria

Organizations involved in the manufacturing, processing, or distribution of ceramic tiles are eligible for ISO 13006 certification. Whether a producer focuses on high-volume commercial flooring tiles or handcrafted decorative tiles, implementing to ISO 13006 ensures their products meet international expectations.

Eligibility requires that the product be testable and classifiable under the defined categories. Additionally, applicants must have the infrastructure to conduct (or outsource) laboratory testing and maintain traceable production records for verification.

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Certification Costs

Costs are determined based on the scale of production, number of tile variants, and testing needs. A basic product line with a single type of tile may incur certification costs starting from $3,000, while manufacturers with a broad portfolio. Multisite manufacturers or exporters may require additional audits, increasing the cost depending on scope and test complexity.

For a detailed cost estimate, contact support@pacificcert.com.

Certification Timeline

Initial Review and Gap Analysis: 2–3 weeks
Product Testing Phase: 3–6 weeks (depending on tile type and testing lab availability)
Documentation Compilation and Marking Validation: 2–3 weeks
Certification Audit and Issuance: 2 weeks

Total duration typically ranges from 8 to 12 weeks, depending on product readiness and testing outcomes.

Requirements of ISO 13006:2018

ISO 13006 defines the classification of ceramic tiles into specific groups based on water absorption:

Group I: Water absorption E ≤ 0.5% — porcelain tiles suitable for high traffic and external use
Group IIa: 0.5% < E ≤ 3% — glazed tiles for indoor/outdoor floors
Group IIb: 3% < E ≤ 6% — typically used indoors
Group III: E > 10% — suitable for wall applications and decorative uses

Additional performance requirements include:

Dimensional Characteristics: Tolerances for length, width, thickness, straightness of sides, and warpage
Surface Quality: Limited number of surface defects, chipping, or color inconsistencies
Mechanical Strength: Breaking strength (≥ 1300 N for small tiles; ≥ 600 N for large ones) and resistance to surface wear
Thermal and Frost Resistance: For tiles used in cold or thermally volatile environments
Chemical Resistance: Resistance to household chemicals, acids, and alkalis for tiles used in kitchens and commercial areas
Stain Resistance: Especially for light-colored and polished tiles
Slip Resistance: Measured via DIN or pendulum testing for wet area floors

Meet ISO 13006 certification criteria with Pacific Certifications – support@pacificcert.com.

Benefits of ISO 13006 Certification

Certification facilitates acceptance in regulated and international markets
Buyers, contractors, and architects have confidence in certified product performance
Enables clearer product communication through standardized classification and marking
Enhanced traceability and conformity reduce product-related issues on site
ISO-certified tiles stand out in catalogs and procurement platforms
Compliments green building certifications and lifecycle performance tracking

Ceramic tile usage is growing due to its alignment with both aesthetic and functional design needs in residential, commercial, and public architecture. ISO 13006 plays a pivotal role in promoting standardization across different regions, facilitating international trade by reducing testing redundancy and minimizing market entry barriers.

Tiles manufactured under ISO 13006 are preferred in public tenders, hotel and retail construction, and institutional projects due to their consistent specifications. As environmental labeling becomes more prominent, ISO 13006 also complements green certification efforts like LEED and BREEAM, especially where tiles meet durability and low-emission criteria.

How Pacific Certifications Can Help

Pacific Certifications offers comprehensive services to ceramic tile manufacturers and suppliers seeking ISO 13006 certification. We bring industry-specific knowledge, auditing expertise, and fast-track solutions to streamline the path to conformity.

Our services include: