Why This Matters
Tile standards define quality and performance.
In the U.S., the tile industry relies on ANSI A137.1, the American National Standard Specifications for Ceramic Tile. In fact, U.S. commercial specifications for ceramic tile installations require compliance with ANSI A137.1, and it is referenced in building code.
Most international manufacturers test products to ISO 13006, but these two systems use different test methods and performance thresholds — which means results aren’t interchangeable.
When tiles tested only to ISO are imported without further verification, they may:
- Not meet key U.S. requirements
- Cause costly rejections or warranty claims
- Lead to confusion in the supply chain
If you’re distributing or importing tiles for sale in the U.S., your customers — retailers, installers, and specifiers — expect compliance with ANSI A137.1.
Key Differences You Need to Know
How IPA Labs Can Help
At IPA Laboratories, we specialize in testing tile products to both the American and International standards. Our level of expertise is unmatched as many of the standards are developed using research performed in our lab.
We’ve developed focused testing packages to evaluate tile products to ANSI A137.1, including the full scope or only the areas where ISO and ANSI differ, saving you time and cost.
Test Packages
Package 1: ANSI A137.1 Full Package
Complete analysis for ceramic, porcelain & mosaic tiles.
Package 2: ANSI A137.1 Missing Criteria Package
Targeted testing missing from ISO 13006 reports—
- Glazed: breaking strength, bond strength, freeze/thaw, crazing, DCOF, dimensions
- Unglazed: breaking strength, bond strength, freeze/thaw, DCOF, dimensions
