IS 15622:2017 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for glazed, vitrified and unglazed ceramic tiles - specification. This standard provides specifications for various types of ceramic tiles, including glazed, unglazed, vitrified, and porcelain. It classifies tiles based on water absorption and manufacturing method, defining essential characteristics such as dimensions, strength, abrasion resistance, and chemical resistance. It serves as the primary quality benchmark for ceramic tiles in India.
Specifies requirements for glazed, vitrified, and unglazed ceramic tiles for floor and wall finishes.
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
IS 15622 (2017) specifies Glazed, Vitrified and Unglazed Ceramic Tiles — covering tiles for flooring, wall cladding, bathrooms, kitchens + industrial floors. Used universally in Indian buildings; quality varies enormously by source.
Use when: specifying ceramic tiles for flooring + wall cladding; building construction (residential, commercial, institutional); industrial floor finishes.
Categories: - Glazed ceramic: glazed surface; for walls + light traffic floors - Vitrified: dense + low water absorption; for heavy traffic + outdoor - Unglazed: matte; for industrial + slip-resistant applications - Porcelain: highest density; premium tile
Standard sizes: - Small: 150 × 150 mm to 200 × 200 mm (older standard) - Medium: 300 × 300 mm to 400 × 400 mm (common) - Large: 600 × 600 mm to 800 × 800 mm (premium / modern) - Plank: 600 × 1200 mm + (wood look) - Custom + designer: per project
Thickness: - Floor: 8-12 mm typical - Wall: 6-10 mm typical - Heavy duty: 12-15 mm - Outdoor: 10-15 mm + slip resistance
Quality specifications (IS 15622): - Water absorption: ≤ 0.5 % (vitrified); ≤ 6 % (glazed) - Compressive / bending strength: per category - Scratch resistance: per glaze hardness - Chemical resistance: per application - Slip resistance: ≥ 0.6 (wet) for outdoor / wet areas - Color + pattern consistency per batch
Water absorption (per IS 15622): - Vitrified Group BIa: ≤ 0.5 % - Vitrified Group BIb: 0.5-3 % - Stoneware: 3-6 % - Glazed Group BIIa: 3-6 % - Glazed Group BIIIb: > 6 %
Surface hardness (Mohs scale): - Floor tile: ≥ 5 (preferred 7+) - Wall tile: ≥ 3-4 - Industrial: ≥ 7
Bending strength: - Vitrified: ≥ 35 MPa - Stoneware: ≥ 20 MPa - Glazed wall: ≥ 15 MPa
Slip resistance: - Indoor wet: ≥ 0.4 - Outdoor / industrial: ≥ 0.6 (per DIN 51130)
Installation: - Substrate: smooth + flat (max 3 mm / 3 m deviation) - Adhesive: cement-based or epoxy per IS 15477 - Joint: 2-3 mm typical - Grouting: cement / epoxy per IS 15477 - Curing: 24 hours before use
Acceptance: - Sample testing per IS 15622 - Visual: no chips, cracks, color variation > 5 % - Dimensional tolerance per IS - Color + pattern consistency - Surface finish quality
1. Wrong tile for application (wall tile on floor) → cracking. 2. Substrate not prepared properly → loss of bond. 3. Adhesive sub-spec → tile pops off. 4. No expansion joints → cracking on large areas. 5. Joints not grouted properly → moisture penetration. 6. Color batch mismatch → visual issue. 7. No slip resistance check → safety concern in wet areas. 8. Improper curing → bond weak. 9. Outdoor tile not weather-rated → degradation.
1. Specification per application + quality. 2. Tile sourcing + sample approval. 3. Substrate preparation. 4. Adhesive + tile installation. 5. Grouting + curing. 6. Cleaning + protection. 7. Maintenance (cleaning + sealing as needed). 8. Service life: 15-50 years depending on quality + use.
IS 15622 is the ceramic tile specification for India — applied on virtually every building project.
| Parameter | IS Value | International | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Absorption (Group BIa - Fully Vitrified/Porcelain) | ≤ 0.5% | ≤ 0.5% | ISO 13006:2018 |
| Modulus of Rupture (Group BIa) | ≥ 35 N/mm² | ≥ 35 N/mm² | ISO 13006:2018 |
| Breaking Strength (Group BIa, Thickness ≥ 7.5 mm) | ≥ 1300 N | ≥ 1300 N | ISO 13006:2018 |
| Deep Abrasion Resistance (Unglazed tiles, Group BIa) | Abraded volume ≤ 175 mm³ | Abraded volume ≤ 175 mm³ | ISO 13006:2018 |
| Crazing Resistance (All Glazed Tiles) | Required | Required | ISO 13006:2018 |
| Frost Resistance (Where required) | Required | Required (when declared by manufacturer) | ISO 13006:2018 |
| Chemical Resistance (Glazed Tiles) | Minimum Class GB for household chemicals | Minimum Class GB for household chemicals | ISO 13006:2018 |
| Straightness of Sides (Group BIa, rectified, N < 600mm) | ±0.3% (Max ±1.0 mm) | ±0.3% (Max ±1.0 mm) | ISO 13006:2018 |