In 2024, porcelain tile represented more than 70% of U.S. ceramic tile sales in dollars. However, not every product marketed as “porcelain” meets the strict standards required to earn that label. According to ANSI A137.1 and ISO 13006, porcelain must have a water absorption rate of 0.5% or less, a performance threshold that some products fail to achieve.

This is where the Porcelain Tile Certification Agency (PTCA) plays a critical role. PTCA provides manufacturers and distributors with a means to prove their products meet the definition of porcelain tile. With certification, companies can differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace while giving distributors confidence they are selling the real thing.

What is the Value of Certification?

PTCA certification offers several important advantages:

  • Credibility & Trust – Independent verification ensures products meet the rigorous water absorption requirement, eliminating doubt in the marketplace.
  • Market Differentiation – With some products misrepresented as porcelain, PTCA-certified tiles stand out and be easily recognized.
  • Sales Advantage – Distributors and retailers can confidently promote certified products, offering assurance to specifiers, end users, and customers.

How Can I Get Products Certified?

The process to earn PTCA certification is straightforward:

  1. Apply – Complete the easy online order form on the PTCA website.
  2. Test – Submit your products to IPA Laboratories, the only PTCA-authorized laboratory in the United States.
  3. Certify – Once compliance is confirmed, your products earn the right to display the PTCA Certification Mark, proving they meet the criteria for porcelain tile.

Certification represents more than a technical requirement. It signifies a commitment to product integrity, industry standards, and customer trust. As the use of porcelain continues to grow, the PTCA mark ensures that the label “porcelain” retains its meaning and value.

Want to Learn More about PTCA Certification?
Discover how PTCA certification works and why it is essential for the tile industry: [Read the full bulletin →]

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