Porcelain Certification
In November 2007, the Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA) and the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) launched the Porcelain Tile Certification Agency (PTCA) to certify porcelain tile.
Standards define porcelain tile as an impervious tile with a water absorption of 0.5% or less, as measured by the ASTM C373 test method. However, there are many instances in which entities advertise and sell tile not meeting this standard as porcelain tile. Marketplace confusion, installation problems and even liability concerns can result when entities misrepresent non-porcelain tile in the marketplace.
Under the PTCA certification program, manufacturers who want to prove that their tile is porcelain — meeting the 0.5% water absorption criteria — can have professionals test their product to determine compliance with that requirement. Then, they may use the PTCA certification mark on their product packaging, marketing materials and more as confirmation of that compliance.
Benefits of Porcelain Certification
The program benefits manufacturers, distributors and end users. The misrepresentation of non-porcelain tile can have harmful effects on all these parties.
Marketplace confusion currently exists over what is and is not porcelain. However, porcelain certification verifies that the tested samples have met the water absorption criteria.
The Certification Process
Manufacturers may apply for certification by submitting samples of the lightest color in each series for qualifying tests. They also pay for the testing, as well as the initial and annual certification and participation fees.
The PTCA conducts the porcelain certification program, educates the public on the benefits of porcelain certification, conducts research and helps develop porcelain tile tests and test methods.
For more information, please download the PTCA brochure.
Order Certified Porcelain Tile Testing
Download the order form linked below. Fill it out, and email the completed form to testing@IPALaboratories.com.
Ship your samples to the following address:
International Product Assurance Laboratories
100 Clemson Research Blvd.
Anderson, SC 29625
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