Certified Porcelain Testing
Marketplace confusion, installation problems and even liability concerns can result when entities misrepresent non-porcelain tile in the marketplace. IPA Laboratories is the only authorized U.S. lab that performs porcelain certification for the Porcelain Tile Certification Agency (PTCA).
The Porcelain Tile Certification Agency (PTCA)
In November 2007, the Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA) and the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) launched the PTCA to certify porcelain tile.
Standards define porcelain tile as an impervious tile with a water absorption of 0.5% or less, as the ASTM C373 test method measures. However, entities advertise and sell tile not meeting this standard as porcelain tile in many instances.
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 official 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.
Independent Testing
Third-party measurement of lead and copper.
Low-Level Detection
Sensitive analysis using ICP-MS technology.
Clear Results
Results reported in µg/L (ppb).
Local Support
Direct access to IPA Laboratories’ technical team.
Additional Resources
In November 2025, ANSI A128.1 was introduced as a new test method for evaluating the dimensional stability of agglomerate
We recently introduced the value of Porcelain Tile Certification Agency (PTCA) certification and how it helps products stand out
In 2024, porcelain tile represented more than 70% of U.S. ceramic tile sales in dollars. However, not every product marketed
Ship samples.
Ship the necessary samples to the following address:
International Product Assurance Laboratories
Attention: (add your order number)
100 Clemson Research Blvd.
Anderson, SC 29625