NBSM prepares mandatory standards for pressed ceramic tiles

Kathmandu, May 5: In a move to ensure quality and protecting consumer interests, the Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology (NBSM) has prepared a draft of mandatory standards for ceramic tiles manufactured within the country using the pressing method. 

The draft was officially published on the NBSM website on April 28 for public review, comments and suggestions. It outlines the essential characteristics that all first-quality (premium quality) pressed ceramic tiles for both floors and walls must meet.

The NBSM will accept the suggestions and critics on the draft for two months and will prepare the final draft including them. Then, the draft will be submitted to the Nepal Council for Standards (NCM), the governing body of the standards sector, which is chaired by the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies. 

According to Anil Shakya, Director of the NBSM, it will go into implementation after the NCM's approval. 

As per the proposed new regulations, 'first quality' tiles should be largely free from any surface or dimensional flaws that could negatively impact their appearance. This means consumers can expect tiles to have a consistent look and size, making installation easier and the final result more aesthetically pleasing.

The standards address several fundamental aspects of tile quality. They specify acceptable sizes and dimensional tolerances. This ensures that tiles are uniform, reducing issues during installation such as uneven gaps or alignment problems. 

Likewise, the regulations maintain that the visible face of the tile should be free from significant defects. Consumers can expect tiles to have a smooth or consistently textured surface, without unwanted blemishes or inconsistencies that could detract from the overall look of their walls or floors.

Furthermore, the new standards include mechanical requirements, which relate to the strength and durability of the tiles. According to experts, this is particularly important for floor tiles that need to endure foot traffic and furniture weight.

The proposed standards have also included the covering aspects such as water absorption. Tiles with low water absorption are generally more durable and less prone to damage in damp environments like bathrooms and kitchens. 

Similarly, the standards have also set chemical requirements which ensure that the tiles are resistant to staining and damage from common household chemicals. This is crucial for maintaining the appearance of tiled surfaces over time, especially in areas prone to spills.

According to NBSM and tiles manufacturers, the new standards aim at elevating the overall quality of ceramic tiles available to Nepali consumers. By setting clear benchmarks, the NBSM intends to reduce the prevalence of substandard products in the market. 

These standards are also expected to encourage local manufacturers to adhere to better production practices, fostering a more competitive and reliable domestic tile industry.

These new standards apply specifically to ceramic tiles manufactured using the pressing method and are designated as 'first quality' or 'premium quality' while tiles produced through other methods, such as extrusion, are not covered by them. 

Likewise, the design of tiles will also include details about whether they are glazed (GL) or unglazed (UGL), the nature of their finish (Polished - P, Semi-polished - SP, or Unpolished - UP), and the edge finish (Rectified - R or Un-rectified - UR), along with their size classification.