TS ISO 13006

TS ISO 13006 is a standard for ceramic tiles that sets out definitions, classification, characteristics and marking provisions. Its role is to give the industry a common technical language so ceramic tile products can be identified and compared in a consistent way across quality, form and performance-related attributes.

How the terminology and classification framework works

The standard provides a structured basis for naming and categorising ceramic tiles. In general technical terms, ceramic tile is a fired clay-based surfacing product used in building applications, with different product families distinguished by manufacturing route, intended use and characteristic properties. A terminology-and-classification standard does not describe every product detail; it establishes the conceptual boundaries that allow manufacturers, specifiers and users to talk about the same product types in the same way.

According to the scope of this document, it applies to first-quality ceramic tiles of the best commercial quality. It is limited to tiles made by the normal extrusion or dry-pressing processes. Decorative accessories and trim pieces are excluded, including edges, corners, skirting, capping, coves, beads, steps, curved tiles and other accessory items or mosaics, specifically any piece that can fit into a square with sides less than 7 cm.

Characteristics and marking in context

For determining the listed product characteristics, the document points to the ISO 10545 series. In practice, that series covers the test procedures used to evaluate ceramic tile properties such as water absorption, mechanical strength, dimensional behaviour and surface-related performance. TS ISO 13006 itself focuses on which characteristics are to be defined and how the product is identified, rather than prescribing the individual test methods in full.

Its marking provisions support consistent product identification in commerce and specification. In general, marking helps align tile type, quality grade, size and related technical information so the product can be specified and handled more clearly throughout procurement, design and supply chains.