We recently introduced the value of Porcelain Tile Certification Agency (PTCA) certification and how it helps products stand out in a crowded marketplace. However, the importance of certification goes far beyond market differentiation and marketability. Certification is about protecting the integrity of the porcelain label itself.

Why Misrepresentation Is a Serious Issue

Porcelain tile is defined by performance, not appearance. Industry professionals often can’t identify a tile as true porcelain by sight alone. The key distinction between porcelain tile and other types of ceramic tile is porosity. To be considered porcelain, the tile must have a water absorption of 0.5% or less, as defined by ANSI A137.1.

The low water absorption, along with other characteristics, make porcelain tile suitable for demanding applications such as exterior installations, wet areas, and freeze–thaw environments. Since porcelain is suitable for specific applications, knowing a product is true porcelain is crucial to ensure a successful installation.

When products are mislabeled, the consequences can be costly and affect the entire supply chain:

  • For Buyers: Architects, specifiers, and end users depend on porcelain’s performance. A misrepresented product may fail in real-world conditions, leading to expensive repairs.
  • For Distributors & Retailers: Selling non-porcelain tile under the porcelain name damages credibility and may create liability issues, even when done unknowingly.
  • For Manufacturers: Responsible producers face unfair competition from those who cut corners, creating a market that rewards misrepresentation.

Why Certification Is the Solution

Certification is more than a logo. It is a system for accountability. Manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure their products perform as marketed for distributors and customers, while distributors are accountable to architects, specifiers, and end users to provide reputable products sourced from trusted manufacturers.

The PTCA program requires that tiles considered for certification be tested by a third-party laboratory (IPA Laboratories is the ONLY U.S. laboratory authorized to perform testing for PTCA certification). Products meeting the standard can then display the PTCA certification mark, giving buyers and distributors confidence that the tiles have been independently verified.

What’s at Stake Without Certification?

If consumers can’t trust the porcelain name, the entire category loses credibility. This could have far-reaching implications for consumer confidence, product value, and industry reputation. The use of false porcelain may lead to failed applications, the need for repair, and additional costs. PTCA Certification gives manufacturers and distributors a way to assure their products meet the industry definition for porcelain, which helps pave the way for a successful tile installation.

For more information on how to get your products certified, visit https://ipalaboratories.com/lab-services/materials-testing/certified-porcelain/.