Ever turned over a tile box and wondered what all those codes mean? ISI mark, IS numbers, groups, ratings... It looks like alphabet soup. But those few lines tell you which standard the tile is made to, and what that means for strength, water absorption, and wear.
This guide decodes the main Indian and international tile standards in plain language, so you can buy with confidence.
What Are the Main Tile Standards in India?
For pressed ceramic tiles, the key Indian product specification is IS 15622:2017, as amended. IS 13712:2019 covers definitions, classifications, characteristics and marking for ceramic tiles more broadly, while IS 13630 (Parts 1 to 16) covers test methods, sampling and acceptance criteria.
Here’s what each one does:
IS 15622:2017 - The specification for pressed ceramic tiles in India. It covers requirements relating to dimensions, tolerances, surface quality, strength, physical and chemical properties, and marking. Refer to the BIS product manual for IS 15622:2017 for product certification requirements and related guidance.
To confirm the standard's official details and applicable status, consult the BIS standard details for IS 15622:2017IS 13630 - The test rulebook. This multi-part series explains how each property is measured.
IS 13712:2019 - The dictionary. It defines tile types and the classification terms the others rely on.
ISO 13006:2018 - The international framework for first-quality ceramic tiles made by dry pressing or extrusion, with tests in the ISO 10545 series.
Is BIS Certification Mandatory for Tiles?
IS 15622:2017 is the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specification for pressed ceramic tiles. BIS provides certification under its product-certification scheme, allowing eligible manufacturers to use the applicable Standard Mark under a valid licence.
Whether BIS certification and ISI marking are compulsory for a particular tile category depends on the applicable government notification, its scope and any relevant exemptions. Before purchasing tiles or making compliance claims, check the latest applicable Quality Control Order and verify the manufacturer's licence through official BIS resources.
An ISI mark and licence number should be checked against the relevant product and standard. An ISO 9001 certification, by contrast, concerns a company's quality management system and does not, by itself, prove that an individual tile complies with IS 15622 or ISO 13006.
What Do These Standards Actually Test?
IS 15622 groups tiles by how much water they absorb, then sets limits for each group. Tiles in Group BIa absorb 0.5% water or less, which makes them very dense, while Group BIII tiles absorb more than 10%. Tests include:
Water absorption and breaking strength - how a tile handles moisture and load.
Thermal shock and crazing resistance - how well it copes with temperature swings and surface cracking.
Impact and surface abrasion - resistance to knocks and daily wear, especially on glazed floor tiles.
Dimensions and surface quality - size accuracy, flatness, and visible defects.
BIS vs ISO: What’s the Difference?
BIS standards establish Indian specifications, while ISO standards provide international reference frameworks. IS 13712:2019 covers ceramic-tile definitions and classification, whereas IS 15622:2017 specifies pressed ceramic tiles. ISO 13006:2018 covers definitions, classification, characteristics, and marking, with ISO 10545 providing the corresponding test procedures. These standards address related subjects, but should not be presented as identical or automatically interchangeable.
How to Read a Tile Box in 60 Seconds
Next time you’re at a showroom, flip the box and look for these:
| On the box | What it tells you | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| ISI mark | Indicates BIS certification under the applicable licence when genuine | Check the standard number and licence details. |
| IS number (e.g., IS 15622) | Identifies the referenced product standard | An IS number alone does not prove that a BIS licence exists. |
| BIS licence number | Identifies the relevant licence | Verify that the licence covers the product and applicable standard. |
| Water absorption group (BIa, BIII) | The tile's water-absorption category | Confirm suitability for the intended application and check slip resistance separately for wet floors. |
| Shade or batch number | Production lot | Match across all boxes you buy |
One more thing: an “ISO 9001” badge on a brochure usually refers to the company’s quality management system. It doesn’t tell you a specific tile meets a product standard like IS 15622 or ISO 13006. Always ask which product standard applies.
Why Standards Matter for Your Home
A certified tile gives you a reliable baseline: consistent size, known strength, and tested performance. That helps in practical ways: fewer fitting problems from uneven sizes, better resistance to everyday wear, and less risk of choosing a floor tile that was only meant for walls. Standards don’t replace good installation, though. A great tile still needs a sound base and a skilled applicator.
For bathroom tiles and other wet-area floors, also look for a slip-resistance rating.
FAQs
Not exactly. IS 15622 is the standard. The ISI mark shows that a licensed manufacturer makes the tile to it.
Generally yes. Dry-pressed vitrified tiles fall under its low-absorption groups.
Shop With Confidence at Johnson Tiles
Standards make choosing easier, but nothing beats seeing and asking in person. Visit Johnson Tiles to explore floor tiles and wall tiles, and ask our team about the certification and performance details of the tiles you shortlist.
Prefer to start online? Use the Dealer Locator to find your nearest dealer.