If you import tile tested to ISO 13006, it is easy to assume that testing automatically demonstrates compliance with U.S. requirements. In reality, this assumption can be costly and create confusion in the supply chain.

While ISO 13006 and ANSI A137.1 both address tile quality and performance, they are not equivalent standards—and compliance with one doesn’t guarantee compliance with the other.

Understanding the Difference

ISO 13006 is widely used internationally for ceramic and porcelain tile products, while ANSI A137.1 is the standard recognized in the U.S. Although both standards cover similar product categories, they define performance, test methods, and acceptance criteria in fundamentally different ways.

A useful comparison is temperature measurement: Celsius and Fahrenheit both measure temperature, but a single value does not translate directly from one system to the other. The same is true for ISO and ANSI tile testing—results cannot be assumed to align.

As a result, U.S. commercial specifications for ceramic tile installations require compliance with ANSI A137.1, and the standard is referenced in U.S. building codes. Products evaluated only to ISO 13006 may therefore fall short of expectations on U.S. projects.

Key Takeaway

Tiles that meet ISO 13006 may not meet critical requirements included in ANSI A137.1 because:

  • Test methods differ (ASTM vs. ISO procedures)
  • Performance thresholds aren’t the same
  • Several U.S.-required tests are not included in ISO 13006 For example, bond strength, DCOF (dynamic coefficient of friction), and mosaic tile criteria are mandatory under ANSI 137.1 but are not addressed in ISO 13006.

Why It Matters

For manufacturers, distributors, and importers, this distinction directly affects market access and risk. Products that are not ANSI A137.1-compliant can result in:

  • Delays in project approval
  • Unexpected re-testing and added costs
  • Increased liability from incorrect or assumed compliance claims

The Bottom Line

Before importing or distributing tile in the U.S., confirm it’s been tested to ANSI A137.1, not just ISO 13006.

We specialize in helping international manufacturers and importers bridge the gap between ISO testing and U.S. compliance, so your products enter the market with confidence and credibility.

For a deeper look at how ANSI and ISO testing differ—and how IPA Labs can help—we break it down here.