A specification for vitrified floor tiles sets out exactly what you are buying, in terms a factory and an inspector can check. It should cover the product, the technical properties, the grade and sorting rules, packing and marking, and how the order will be inspected.
Attach it to your purchase order and ask the factory to sign it. Without it, disputes about shade, grade or flatness come down to opinion. With it, you have a clear basis for inspection and for any claim.
1. Product description
- The product type, such as GVT, PGVT, double-charge or full-body vitrified tile.
- The design name and code, with photographs of the approved sample and all faces.
- The nominal size and the work size in millimetres, and whether edges are rectified.
- The thickness in millimetres.
- The finish: glossy, matt, satin, carving, textured or polished with nano coating.
- The number of faces for the design.
2. Technical properties
Refer to EN 14411 or ISO 13006, group BIa, and list the test methods from ISO 10545. European data sheets show these requirements for group BIa:
- Water absorption to ISO 10545-3 of 0.5% or less on average, with no individual tile above 0.6%.
- Breaking strength to ISO 10545-4 of at least 1,300 N for tiles 7.5 mm or thicker.
- Modulus of rupture to ISO 10545-4 of at least 35 N/mm² on average, with no individual result below 32 N/mm².
- Resistance to household chemicals and pool salts to ISO 10545-13 of at least class B.
- Surface quality to ISO 10545-2 with at least 95% of tiles free from visible defects.
- Dimensions, straightness, rectangularity and flatness to ISO 10545-2, within the limits of the standard for your size.
Add the properties your market or project needs: PEI class to ISO 10545-7 for glazed tiles, stain resistance to ISO 10545-14, frost resistance to ISO 10545-12 for outdoor use, and slip resistance. Name the slip test your market uses, such as DIN 51130 or a wet DCOF to ANSI A326.3, explained in slip resistance and R ratings.
You can set tighter limits than the standard, but agree them with the factory first. Ask for test reports from an accredited laboratory, as described in what certifications a tile factory should have.
3. Grade, shade and calibre
- The grade, with the factory's written grade definition attached.
- One batch, one shade and one calibre per design, unless agreed otherwise in writing.
- Faces mixed within each box.
- A definition of critical, major and minor defects, and how many are allowed in the sample.
4. Packing and marking
- Pieces and square metres per box, box weight and boxes per pallet.
- Box type, printing and branding, with artwork attached for private label.
- Box marks for design, size, grade, shade, calibre, batch and production date.
- Pallet type and ISPM 15 marking if your market needs it.
- A loading plan with total boxes, square metres and gross weight per container.
5. Inspection and acceptance
State who inspects, when, and to which sampling plan, such as ISO 2859-1. State which lab tests are required before shipment, and what happens if the lot fails. Link the payment of the balance to a passed inspection where you can.
Add a short section on documents: commercial invoice, packing list, test reports and any certificate your market needs. Our guide on the document pack your broker will ask for lists them.
Next step
We draft specifications with you, agree them with the factory, and inspect each lot against them before loading. To start yours, book a free sourcing review.