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IS 15401:2003 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for wall coverings in roll form - vocabulary and symbols. This standard defines the vocabulary and symbols used for wall coverings supplied in roll form. It standardizes terminology for materials, characteristics, and defects, and establishes a graphical symbol system for product labels to convey information on application, cleaning, light fastness, and removal.
Wall Coverings in Roll Form - Vocabulary and Symbols
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Architectural — Flooring, Wall Finishing and Roofing
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! Essential for architects and interior designers to correctly specify wall covering products and for contractors to understand application requirements from product labels.
! The symbols are harmonized with international standards, making it easier to interpret products from different manufacturers and countries.
! Always check the symbols for washability and light fastness to ensure the product is suitable for its intended location (e.g., high-traffic areas, rooms with direct sunlight).
EN 235:2001CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
HighWithdrawn
Wall coverings in roll form — Vocabulary and symbols
Directly equivalent in defining vocabulary and the graphical symbol system for wall coverings.
EN 15102:2007+A1:2011CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
MediumCurrent
Decorative wallcoverings — Roll and panel form products
Incorporates and mandates the use of symbols from EN 235 for performance characteristics under a broader regulatory (CE marking) framework.
ISO 7741:1986ISO (International Organization for Standardization), International
HighWithdrawn
Wallpaper — Vocabulary and symbols
The original international standard for this topic, upon which both the EN and IS codes are based.
ASTM F793-10a(2017)ASTM International, USA
LowCurrent
Standard Classification of Wallcovering by Use Characteristics
Focuses on classifying wallcoverings by performance types (e.g., Type I, Type II) for commercial use, rather than a universal symbol system.
Key Differences
≠IS 15401 is a voluntary national standard, whereas EN 15102 is a harmonized European standard linked to the mandatory CE marking and Construction Products Regulation (CPR), giving it legal force in the EU market.
≠IS 15401 is limited to vocabulary and symbols. EN 15102 has a much wider scope, including mandatory declaration of performance for reaction to fire, release of formaldehyde, heavy metals, and vinyl chloride monomer.
≠The Indian standard does not specify performance classes. In contrast, US standard ASTM F793 classifies wallcoverings into categories like Type I (Light Duty) and Type II (Medium/Heavy Duty) based on physical tests for durability.
≠IS 15401 was published in 2003 and has not been revised. The European standards framework is subject to more frequent updates to align with new materials, testing methods, and regulations.
Key Similarities
≈Both IS 15401 and its European counterpart EN 235 share the primary objective of providing a clear, language-independent graphical system to inform consumers and installers about product characteristics.
≈The graphical symbols used for key properties like washability (spongeable, washable, scrubbable), light fastness, application method (paste the wall/paper), and removal (strippable, peelable) are virtually identical, having been adopted from the same international system.
≈The fundamental vocabulary and definitions for different types of wall coverings (e.g., paper, vinyl, textile) based on their material composition and structure are conceptually the same across the standards.
≈Both standards aim to improve market transparency and make product selection easier by standardizing the way manufacturers communicate essential product information on labels and packaging.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Symbol for 'Washable'
Single wavy line (~)
Single wavy line (~)
EN 235:2001
Symbol for 'Extra-Scrubbable'
Three wavy lines (~~~) with a brush
Three wavy lines (~~~) with a brush
EN 235:2001
Symbol for 'Dry Strippable'
Symbol showing wallpaper being pulled dry from a wall
Symbol showing wallpaper being pulled dry from a wall
EN 235:2001
Symbol for 'Good Light Fastness'
Half-shaded sun symbol
Half-shaded sun symbol
EN 235:2001
Symbol for 'Paste the Wall'
Symbol of a wall and a pasting brush
Symbol of a wall and a pasting brush
EN 235:2001
Fire Performance Requirement
Not covered in this standard.
Mandatory declaration of reaction to fire class (e.g., B-s2,d0) as per EN 13501-1.
EN 15102:2007+A1:2011
Heavy Metals Requirement
Not covered in this standard.
Mandatory declaration that migration of specific heavy metals is below set limits.
EN 15102:2007+A1:2011
Durability Classification
No formal classification system (e.g., Type I/II).
Classifies wallcoverings as Type I (Light Duty) or Type II (Medium/Heavy Duty) based on physical properties.
ASTM F793-10a(2017)
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values0
No quick reference values available for this code yet.
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Symbols concerning application
Table 2 - Symbols concerning removal
Table 3 - Symbols concerning washing and cleaning
Key Clauses
Clause 2 - Vocabulary
Clause 3 - Symbols
Annex A - European System of Classification for Reaction to Fire for Building Products
Frequently Asked Questions4
What does the symbol of a brush with three wavy lines mean?+
It indicates 'Extra-Scrubbable', meaning the surface can withstand scrubbing with a soft brush and mild abrasive cleaner (Table 3).
What is the meaning of a symbol showing a roll of paper and a wall with an arrow pointing to the wall?+
This is the 'Paste the Wall' symbol, indicating that the adhesive should be applied directly onto the wall surface, not the back of the wall covering (Table 1).
How is light fastness indicated?+
Light fastness is typically shown with sun symbols. For example, a full sun symbol indicates 'good light fastness' while a full sun in a circle indicates 'excellent light fastness' (Clause 3.4).
What does a 'strippable' symbol (an arrow pulling paper from a wall) mean?+
It means the wall covering can be removed completely in a dry state from a suitable, properly prepared substrate (Table 2).