KATHMANDU, JANUARY 30

Lumbini Ceramics Limited has received Nepal Standard (NS) Product Certification for its tile brands Laminar and Cresta under the newly implemented NS 617:2082 standard, marking a major milestone for Nepal's ceramic tile industry.

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

The NS 617 standard is technically aligned with India's IS 15622 and, in certain parameters, exceeds international and European standards, providing Nepal with a nationally recognized and globally benchmarked quality framework. The standard introduces scientific classification of tiles based on water absorption, durability, and performance, offering greater transparency and protection for consumers.

Fully vitrified tiles, considered the highest category in ceramic tiles, feature extremely low water absorption and high resistance to wear, stains, and fading, making them suitable for high-traffic and outdoor areas. Porcelain tiles offer a balance of durability, design flexibility, and cost efficiency for residential and light commercial use.

A key consumer-protection feature of NS 617 is the mandatory permanent marking of tile classification on each individual tile, enabling buyers and installers to verify product standards before installation.

Managing Director of Lumbini Ceramics Limited, Ashutosh Khetan, described the certification as a landmark achievement for the domestic ceramic industry, stating that it establishes a clear national benchmark for quality while supporting domestic manufacturing and import substitution.

Laminar and Cresta tiles are manufactured at the company's facility in Bardiya using advanced European technology and are available through authorized dealers nationwide.