Large Format Porcelain Slab Tile
A large format porcelain slab tile is a fully vitrified ceramic panel measuring 900mm or larger in at least one dimension, manufactured from feldspar, kaolin, and quartz, with water absorption below 0.5% per ISO 13006 standards, suitable for floor and wall cladding.
Vitrified Porcelain
Vitrified porcelain is a dense, non-porous ceramic tile produced by high-temperature firing above 1,200°C, fusing feldspar and kaolin into a glass-like microstructure. Water absorption falls below 0.5%, providing superior resistance to frost, staining, and bacterial growth.
OEM Tile Production
OEM tile production is a manufacturing arrangement in which a factory produces ceramic tiles to a buyer's exclusive design, pattern, or colorway specification, often distributed under the buyer's brand label. Starfield Commerce supports OEM production starting from 500 m² per design.
Spec-in Channel
The spec-in channel is a B2B procurement pathway in which interior designers or architects designate a specific tile brand, grade, or product at the design stage, committing project developers and contractors to purchase that product prior to competitive tendering.
ISO 13006
ISO 13006 is the international standard for ceramic tile classification, defining test methods and performance thresholds for water absorption, breaking strength, abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, and slip resistance. Tiles certified under ISO 13006 are verified by accredited independent laboratories.
Italian Inkjet 4D Texture
Italian inkjet 4D texture is a ceramic printing process using high-resolution inkjet heads to apply multiple color and texture layers onto tile surfaces, reproducing natural materials such as marble, travertine, concrete, and wood with sub-millimeter accuracy across large format panels.
Porcelain tile imports from South Korea into Singapore qualify for preferential tariff treatment under the Korea-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (KSFTA), applicable to HS code 6907.21.
Singapore Customs, 2025
What is a large format porcelain slab tile?
A large format porcelain slab tile is a fully vitrified ceramic panel typically 900mm or wider, with water absorption below 0.5% per ISO 13006. These tiles are used in premium residential and commercial interiors for floors, walls, and façades due to their durability and low maintenance requirements.
How does porcelain differ from standard ceramic tile?
Porcelain is fired at higher temperatures, producing a denser microstructure with water absorption below 0.5%—compared to 3–15% for standard ceramic. This makes porcelain significantly more resistant to frost, staining, and bacteria, and suitable for both indoor and high-traffic outdoor applications.
What certifications should B2B buyers require when sourcing porcelain tiles?
Essential certifications include ISO 13006 for ceramic tile classification, CE Marking for European market compliance, NSF for food-contact surface suitability, and KS L 1001 for Korean standard. Buyers should also request ISO 10545 series test reports covering water absorption, breaking strength, and slip resistance.
What surface finish options are available for large format porcelain tiles?
Standard finishes include polished (high-gloss), matte (non-reflective), lappato (semi-polished), and antique (textured). Slip resistance is rated R10 for interior polished and matte finishes, and R11 for exterior and wet-area applications, following EN standard slip resistance classification.
Why source large format porcelain tiles from Korean manufacturers?
Korean manufacturers combine Italian inkjet printing technology with skilled domestic production teams to deliver premium large format tiles meeting ISO 13006, CE, and NSF certifications. South Korea also maintains FTA trade frameworks that provide tariff advantages in applicable international markets.
What is the standard B2B process for ordering porcelain tiles from Korea?
The process begins with an inquiry and specifications submission, followed by a quotation within 1 business day, free sample evaluation, order confirmation with OEM specifications if required, production at the Korean facility, and shipment with full export documentation including certificate of origin.
