In 2014, the ceramic tile industry was expected to enter a pivotal phase of transformation. Industry experts predicted that over the next three to five years, the sector would undergo significant changes, with thinner tiles gaining popularity. This shift marked a turning point for an industry long dominated by traditional, thicker products.
Starting April 1st, 2014, the "Building Sanitary Ceramics Industry Access Standards" came into effect. This was the first time the Chinese government had set formal entry requirements for the ceramic tile sector, defining minimum production capacity and quality benchmarks. The standards were seen as a crucial step in moving the industry from an open, unregulated environment to a more controlled, high-quality one. Jiuzheng Building Materials Network emphasized that these guidelines signaled a major shift toward industrial efficiency and sustainable growth.
Currently, most ceramic tile manufacturers in China are small or medium-sized enterprises, producing mainly mid- to low-end products. Quality varies widely, with recent national inspections revealing issues such as excessive radioactivity, heavy metal content, and poor water absorption rates. These problems highlighted the urgent need for improved quality control across the industry.
The new access standards aimed to establish clear industry benchmarks. They imposed strict limits on production expansion, particularly in coastal regions where growth would be curbed, while central and western areas were encouraged to adopt high-quality, high-level development strategies. Projects failing to meet the standards faced mandatory rectification or closure by 2016.
The regulations also banned the use of toxic glazes, non-glazed sanitary ware, and counterfeit products, emphasizing safety and environmental responsibility. Jia Peiyuan, director of the National Building and Decoration Materials Quality Supervision and Inspection Center, noted that while production line inspections showed high compliance, product quality often deteriorated once it reached the market due to gaps between manufacturers and suppliers.
Chen Huan, president of the Guangdong Ceramics Association, stressed that understanding and adapting to national policies was essential for businesses to avoid future risks. The industry's rapid growth—China has been the world’s top producer since 1993—was accompanied by uneven quality levels and a lack of strong domestic brands.
Despite its size, the industry still faces challenges. Over 2,000 manufacturers exist, with only a small percentage being large-scale. While some regions like Foshan and Zhejiang produce high-quality, internationally competitive products, many others lag behind, focusing on lower-end goods.
Experts also raised concerns about product safety, particularly regarding radioactive materials and heavy metals like lead and cadmium. Strict national regulations have been in place since 2002, with revised standards in 2010. The compulsory CCC certification system ensures only safe products reach the market.
Destruction strength and modulus of rupture are key indicators of tile durability. Recent inspections found over 45% of samples failed these tests, leading to cracks and damage during use. Experts recommended stricter control over raw materials and manufacturing processes to improve performance.
Looking ahead, thin ceramic tiles are expected to become a major trend. Driven by energy-saving goals, the industry aims to reduce thickness and material consumption. The 2013 launch of the "Thin Ceramic Tile" standard signaled a commitment to this shift. Although thin tiles are still considered luxury items, their mass-market potential is growing, with the challenge now being to lower costs and make them more accessible to consumers.
Stereo Microscope,Stereo Microscopes With Large Base,Zoom Stereo Microscopes,Binocular Stereo Microscopes
Ningbo Huaguang Precision Instrument Co., Ltd. , https://www.hgopt.com