Laminar receives Nepal Standard Product Certification

KATHMANDU: Lumbini Ceramics Limited has received Nepal Standard Product Certification for its flagship tile brands Laminar and Cresta under the recently implemented NS 617:2082standard, marking a significant milestone for Nepal’s ceramic tile industry.

According to the company, Laminar has been certified in the Fully Vitrified Tiles category (Group B Ia), while Cresta has received certification in the Porcelain Tiles category (Group B Ib). The certification has been issued by the Department of Standards and Metrology.

The NS 617 standard aligns technically with India’s IS 15622 and, in certain performance parameters, exceeds the requirements of the international and European standard ISO 13006, providing Nepal with a nationally recognised, globally benchmarked framework for ceramic tile quality. With this standard now in place, Nepali consumers have access to domestically manufactured ceramic tiles that are scientifically classified and transparently certified.

Fully vitrified tiles are regarded as the highest category within ceramic tiles due to their high material density and near-impervious structure. Widely adopted in international markets, such tiles have gained increasing acceptance in Nepal, with certification under NS 617 expected to further enhance consumer confidence while supporting domestic manufacturing and import substitution.

Laminar’s fully vitrified tiles achieve an extremely low water absorption rate (≤ 0.08%), rendering them highly resistant to stains, fading, abrasion, and long-term wear—ideal for residential floors and walls, high-traffic areas, wet zones, and demanding outdoor applications such as balconies and parking areas.

Cresta’s porcelain tiles offer a refined yet cost-effective option for residential and light commercial use, delivering durable surfaces and contemporary designs for flooring and walls. Designed for low water absorption levels, porcelain tiles offer a balanced combination of durability, design flexibility, and cost efficiency.

Industry experts observe that tiles from different body categories can appear visually similar despite significant differences in performance attributes—such as durability, stain and abrasion resistance, and service life—which are also reflected in pricing. Comparing tiles solely on appearance or price without considering body classification may lead to incomplete assessments of true long-term value.
To promote clarity and confidence, Lumbini Ceramics has adopted a clarity-first brand architecture, offering distinct brand identities for distinct tile body categories. This approach is intended to simplify product selection and ensure that recommendations and purchasing decisions are aligned with intended application, performance expectations, and value considerations.
A standout consumer-protection feature of NS 617 is the mandatory permanent marking of the group classification on the edge of each individual tile, not merely on packaging. This allows buyers, installers, and project supervisors to independently verify product classification prior to installation, thereby significantly reducing the risk of mislabelling or misrepresentation.

Milestone for the industry

Ashutosh Khetan, Managing Director of Lumbini Ceramics Limited, described the certification as a landmark achievement.

“Receiving NS 617 certification in both the fully vitrified and porcelain categories is a historic moment for Nepal’s ceramic industry,” he said. “It establishes a clear, scientific, and nationally recognizedbenchmark for tile quality while demonstrating our ability to deliver world-class products at affordable prices through transparent classification and certification.”

Clear classification for consumers
Under NS 617, ceramic tiles are classified based on water absorption as follows:

• Fully Vitrified Tiles (Group B Ia): Water absorption ≤ 0.08%
• Porcelain Tiles (Group B Ib): Water absorption > 0.08% and ≤ 3%
• Ceramic Floor Tiles (Group B IIa & IIb): Water absorption between 3% and 10%
• Ceramic Wall Tiles (Group B III): Water absorption above 10%
  Lower water absorption corresponds to higher density, improved durability, and enhanced long-term performance.
  Produced in Bardiya using global technology
  Laminar and Cresta tiles are produced at Lumbini Ceramics’ state-of-the-art facility in Bardiya using Spanish and Italian glazes and advanced digital ink technology. The plant operates in full compliance with ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018 standards, underscoring commitment to quality, environmental responsibility, and worker safety.