What is the CE Mark on a box of tiles?

In the United Kingdom any product to be used in the building sector should carry a CE Mark. The CE Mark is a visible declaration by the manufacturer (or his representative, importer, etc.) that the equipment which is marked complies with all the requirements of all the applicable European Union (EU) directives.

The letters, "CE", indicate that the manufacturer has undertaken all assessment procedures required for the product. The CE mark is not a quality mark and does not indicate conformity to a standard; rather, it indicates conformity to the legal requirements of the EU Directives. As far as ceramic tiles are concerned, from January 2000 any tile sold in the European Union should carry a CE mark on the box of tiles. This is what a CE mark may look like:

Any Co. Ltd. Rue des Geants 26 - Liége - B -1050 05

EN 14411 Ceramic tiles, dust pressed, for internal wall finishes

The first line contains the CE mark, the second the name of the manufacturer and the year of manufacture e.g, "05", and the third line the reference number of the Standard and description of the product. Some CE marks may also contain details of technical tests undertaken on the product.

You are quite likely also to see a reference to the category of tile, for example Group BIa. This is a definition of the method of manufacture and the water absorption level of the tile. Ceramic tiles can be made by either pressing a mix of materials or by extrusion. The table below shows the different categories under current British and European Standard.

Water Absorption	A Extrusion	B Dust Pressed
0 to 0.5%		BIa
0.5% to 3%	AI	BIIb
3% to 6%	AIIa	BIIa
6% to 10%	AIIb	BIIb
Greater than 10%	AIII	BIII