Marble and granite are natural stones prized for their beauty, durability, and versatility, commonly used in construction and interior design for surfaces like countertops, flooring, and wall cladding.
Marble is a metamorphic rock known for its elegant, smooth texture and veined patterns in various colors, offering a luxurious, polished look ideal for bathrooms, countertops, and decorative features. However, it is more porous and requires sealing to prevent staining. Granite, an igneous rock, is renowned for its toughness, resistance to heat, scratches, and moisture, making it ideal for kitchen countertops and high-traffic areas. Available in a wide range of colours and patterns, both stones add timeless elegance and functionality to residential and commercial spaces..
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HS Classification / Description of Product
Marble and granite
Marble and Granite and its classification depends on the type of granite. In terms of consideration, one must consider environmental, intellectual property and even cultural factors.
HS classification
The tariff classification of marble or granite depends on the material and its form.
- Marble
Raw or Roughly Trimmed Marble
- HS Code: 2515.11
- Description: Marble and travertine, crude or roughly trimmed
Marble Blocks or Slabs
- HS Code: 2515.12
- Description: Marble and travertine, merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape
Worked Marble
- HS Code: 6802.21
- Description: Marble, travertine and alabaster articles thereof, simply cut or sawn, with a flat or even surface
Other Worked Marble
- HS Code: 6802.91
- Description: Marble, travertine and alabaster in any form (except simply cut/sawn with flat/even surface)
- Granite
Raw or Roughly Trimmed Granite
- HS Code: 2516.11
- Description: Granite, crude or roughly trimmed
Granite Blocks or Slabs
- HS Code: 2516.12
- Description: Granite, merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape
Worked Granite
- HS Code: 6802.23
- Description: Granite articles, simply cut or sawn, with a flat or even surface
Other Worked Granite
- HS Code: 6802.93
Description: Granite in any form (except simply cut/sawn with flat/even surface)
General Requirements
General Product Safety Requirements
EU legislation
The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) – Regulation (EU) 2023/988 applies to all consumer products.
Short summary
Under the GPSR, marble / granite must not present any risk or only the minimum risks compatible with the product’s use. This could include considerations such as:
- Risk of injury from broken marble /granite
- Hazards related to opening and closing mechanisms
- Risks to children (e.g., fall prevention)
- Monitoring product safety
- Providing warnings to consumers
- Recalling products if necessary
The General Product Safety Regulation requires covered products to have a responsible person related to them who is located in the EU.
Producers are obliged to place only safe products on the market. When the manufacturer is not established in the EU, this obligation applies to his representative in the EU or, in the absence of a representative, to the importer
Domestic legislation
The General Product Safety Law, Law 41(I)/2004
The new Regulation (EU) 2023/988 came into full effect on 13th December 2024.
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism.
Important information
Risks are also identified through the RAPEX system. Serious risks identified with marble /granite could be reported through the Rapid Alert System for dangerous non-food products (RAPEX) established under the GPSR. Also, post-market obligations: The GPSR imposes obligations on producers and distributors even after the product is placed on the market, such as:
Monitoring product safety
Providing warnings to consumers
Recalling products if necessary.
Potential application of specific requirements for performance, safety, and environmental considerations.
EU legislation
The Construction Products Regulation (CPR) (EU) No 305/2011
Short summary
For construction products like marble and granite used in buildings, the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) applies.
If the CPR does apply, the marble / granite would need to meet the relevant basic requirements for construction works, such as mechanical resistance and stability, fire safety, energy economy, etc.
Domestic legislation
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Interior, Directorate of Technical Services, Construction Product Sector
Protection of the names of European craft and industrial products that rely on the originality and authenticity of traditional skills from their regions.
EU legislation
The Craft and Industrial Geographical Indication (CIGI) Regulation – Regulation (EU) 2023/2411
Short summary
The Regulation will harmonise the protection of valuable European craft and industrial products, such as Limoges porcelain, Solingen knives, Carrara marble, or Madeira embroidery.
The regulation is one of the key proposals under the Intellectual Property Action Plan.
Radioactivity: The goods must comply with the Euratom Basic Safety Standards Directive, which sets key requirements for natural stone traders:
EU legislation
The Euratom Basic Safety Standards Directive which sets limits on exposure to ionizing radiation.
Short summary
Key requirements for natural stones traders in terms of radiation limit, Activity Concentration Index, measurement and certification, reporting requirements.
Key requirements for natural stone traders:
- Radiation limits:
- The directive sets limits on exposure to ionizing radiation for workers and the general public.
- For building materials, including natural stones, there are specific provisions in Article 75 and Annex XIII of the directive.
- Activity Concentration Index:
- Building materials are assessed using the activity concentration index (I) for the radionuclides Ra-226, Th-232, and K-40.
- The formula for calculating I is provided in Annex XIII of the directive.
- Measurement and certification:
- Traders may need to provide radiation measurement certificates for certain types of stone, particularly granites known to emit low levels of radiation.
- Reporting requirements :
If the activity concentration index exceeds 1, the trader may need to report to the relevant national authority and demonstrate that the use of the material is justified.
Domestic legislation
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance
Important information
Some natural stones, particularly granites, can emit low levels of radiation.
Importers may need to provide radiation measurement certificates for certain types of stone.
REACH
EU legislation
Short summary
Remarks on chemical safety:
This applies to any chemical substances that might be present in the products, such as sealants or treatments used on the stones.
Manufacturers or importers must ensure that these substances are registered with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) if imported in quantities over 1 tonne per year.
Thus Registration of chemical substances is required with ECHA if imported >1 tonne/year
For marble and granite products, particularly those that are treated or contain potentially harmful chemicals (e.g., sealants, adhesives), manufacturers must provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS) that outline potential risks and safe handling procedures, as required by Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH).
Domestic legislation
Main law:
The Chemical Substances Law of 2020 (L. 119(I)/2020)
Additionally, secondary legislation / regulation:
Regulatory Administrative Acts 380/2020, 381/2020, 382/2020, 383/2020, 384/2020
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance,
Department of Labour Inspection
Emission of radioactivity
EU legislation
EU Building Materials Regulation (EU) No 305/2011.
Short summary
Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 sets out harmonized conditions for the marketing of construction products, also includes provisions on the radiological properties of materials. The regulation requires that natural stones such as granite and marble be tested for radon emissions and other radioactive substances to ensure their safety.
Council Directive 2013/59/EURATOM sets out basic safety standards for protection against the dangers of exposure to ionizing radiation.
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Health
Technical documentation
EU legislation
Detailed technical data sheets required
Construction Products Regulation (CPR) –
Short summary
In any technical data of a stone, it is recommended there be information on some of the following tests: resistance to flexion, resistance to compression, water absorption, density and porosity.
The above-mentioned standards set out the requirements for initial type testing and factory production control.
There are other important tests but that would depend on the application being made of the stone, which could be tests on slippage, or wearing out in a pavement, or tests of resistance to ice in cold climates.
Domestic legislation
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Interior, Directorate of Technical Services, Construction Product Sector
Cyprus Organization for Standardization
Important information
Basic requirements do not refer to construction products but to construction works in which these products are to be incorporated
Other useful material
CE Marking
EU legislation
Construction Products Regulation (CPR) (EU) No 305/2011
Short summary
Required, considered construction products.
When permanently added to structures, marble / granite directly influences their quality and safety.
Domestic legislation
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Interior, Directorate of Technical Services, Construction Product Sector
Important information
Construction works, both as a whole and in their individual components, must be suitable for their intended use, prioritizing the health and safety of those involved throughout the entire life cycle of the structure.
The law, referred to as the “Framework Law,” outlines the fundamental principles of CE marking, market surveillance, and the approval process for Notified Bodies. It also defines the powers of competent authorities and the penalties for violations of the legislation.
Article 5 of L.130(I)/2013 specifies that the CE marking declaration can be in English and/or Greek.
Other useful material
Declaration of Performance (DoP)
EU legislation
Construction Products Regulation (CPR) (EU) No 305/2011
Short summary
Required under the Construction Products Regulation
Domestic legislation
See “CE Marking”
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Interior, Directorate of Technical Services, Construction Product Sector
Other useful material
See “CE Marking”
Proof of origin
Short summary
Provide proof of origin
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Finance – Customs & Excise Department
Other useful material
The accompanying document shall be made out on forms corresponding to the specimen given in Annex I.
Packaging and handling for transport
EU legislation
Council Directive 96/53/EC (known as Weights and Dimensions Directive) laying down for certain road vehicles circulating within the Community the maximum authorized dimensions in national and international traffic and the maximum authorized weights in international traffic
Short summary
Appropriate packaging and handling for transport, possibly requiring compliance with oversized load requirements
May require compliance with ADR regulations
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works
Important information
Heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs), such as trucks, buses, coaches and articulated vehicles must comply with certain rules on weights and dimensions to ensure road safety, prevent damages to roads, bridges and tunnels and ensure fair competition in the road transport sector.
Traceability
EU legislation
The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive (2011/92/EU)
Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC
EU Timber Regulation, Regulation (EU) No. 995/2010
Short summary
Directive 2011/92/EU can apply to quarrying and extraction processes for marble and granite, ensuring that operations comply with environmental standards.
Directive (2008/98/EC) governs waste management, including the disposal of stone-cutting waste.
EU Timber Regulation primarily targets timber, its principles have been extended to other materials like marble and granite, especially in terms of due diligence requirements. Businesses must ensure that the stone they source has been legally quarried, meeting the country of origin’s legal standards.
Important information
EU legislation refers to the ability to track and trace the origin and journey of these natural stones throughout the supply chain, from extraction to processing and final delivery. The aim is to ensure that the stones comply with various regulations, especially related to environmental and ethical standards, such as avoiding illegal quarrying practices or ensuring transparency in sourcing.
European and ISO standards
Natural stone products
EU legislation
Short summary
EN 12670 covers worked pieces of naturally occurring rock (that includes marble, granite and other natural stones defined in EN 12670) used in building and for monuments.
Important information
This European standard defines the recommended terminology covering scientific and technical terms, test methods, products, and the classification of Natural Stones. This document does not cover roofing slate, for roofing slate (see EN 12326-1 and EN 12326-2)
For kitchen worktops
EU legislation
Compliance with EN 15285 may be required
Specification for masonry units. Natural stone masonry units
EU legislation
Short summary
This European Standard specifies the characteristics and performance requirements of masonry units manufactured from natural stone the width of which is equal to or greater than 80 mm, for which the main intended uses are common, facing or exposed masonry units in loadbearing or non-loadbearing building and civil engineering applications
Important information
This European Standard includes natural stone masonry units of an overall non-rectangular parallelepiped shape, specially shaped and accessory units for internal and external application.
Slabs of natural stone for external paving
EU legislation
Short summary
Requirements and test methods
Important information
It is manufacturer’s responsibility to perform Type Testing (TT) to characterize its properties, such as: appearance, structures, thermal conductivity, mechanical strength and fire resistance, weight, hardness, resilience, porosity and absorption, erosion, density, etc.
Kerbs of natural stone for external paving
EU legislation
Short summary
Requirements and test methods
Important information
It is manufacturer’s responsibility to perform Type Testing (TT) to characterize its properties, such as: appearance, structures, thermal conductivity, mechanical strength and fire resistance, weight, hardness, resilience, porosity and absorption, erosion, density, etc.
Natural stone. Rough blocks
Short summary
Requirements and test methods.
EN 1468 standard provides detailed requirements for rough slabs of natural stone, covering aspects such as dimensions, tolerances, and surface quality
Important information
It is manufacturer’s responsibility to perform Type Testing (TT) to characterize its properties, such as: appearance, structures, thermal conductivity, mechanical strength and fire resistance, weight, hardness, resilience, porosity and absorption, erosion, density, etc
Natural stone products. Slabs for cladding
EU legislation
Short summary
Requirements
Natural stone products. Modular tiles.
EU legislation
Short summary
Requirements for flat modular tiles of natural stone which are made for internal (including enclosed public transport premises) and/or external uses as floorings, stairs and wall and ceiling finishes.
Important information
This European Standard does not cover mineral aggregates and artificial agglomerated stone material and does not cover installation
Natural stone products. Slabs for floors and stairs
EU legislation
Short summary
This standard outlines the physical and mechanical properties of natural stone slabs and provides guidelines for their performance in applications like flooring and staircases.
Natural stone products. Dimensional stonework
EU legislation
Short summary
This standard specifies requirements for dimensional stonework made from natural stone. This standard covers the use of natural stone in building applications such as façades, cladding, and other architectural stonework. The standard provides guidelines for the dimensional characteristics, performance, and installation of natural stone used in these applications.
Slate and stone products for discontinuous roofing and cladding
EU legislation
EN 12326-1 and EN 12326-2
Short summary
These standards apply to natural stones used in roofing systems, such as slates and other stones suitable for roof tiles, cladding, and other external applications where the product is not fully bonded but rather installed in a manner that leaves spaces between the materials (i.e., discontinuous).
EN 12326-1 specifies the requirements for slate and stone products used in discontinuous roofing and cladding applications.
EN 12326-2:2004 specifies the test methods used to evaluate the properties and performance of slate and stone products used in discontinuous roofing and cladding applications.
Important information
It is manufacturer’s responsibility to perform Type Testing (TT) to characterize its properties, such as: appearance, structures, thermal conductivity, mechanical strength and fire resistance, weight, hardness, resilience, porosity and absorption, erosion, density, etc.
Geometrical characteristics of natural stones
EU legislation
Short summary
The standard describes the methods for verifying the geometric characteristics of products of natural stone such as rough blocks, rough slabs, finished products for cladding, flooring, stairs and modular tiles and paving units (slabs, setts and kerbs). It is essential that all weighing, measuring and testing equipment are calibrated or retraceable to measurement standards and regularly inspected according to documented procedures, frequencies and criteria. It is important that the expression of the dimensional characteristics is in accordance with the appropriate class of the measured product.
Natural stone test methods - Petrographic examination
EU legislation
Short summary
This standard that outlines the methods for petrographic examination of natural stones. The petrographic examination refers to the detailed analysis of the mineralogical composition and structure of a natural stone, such as marble or granite. This examination is crucial for understanding the material’s properties, such as its durability, strength, and suitability for various applications, especially in construction and stonework.
Natural stones: apparent density and open porosity
EU legislation
Short summary
The standard provides essential methods for determining the real density, apparent density, and total and open porosity of natural stones. These properties are critical for assessing the strength, durability, and performance of stones in various construction and decorative applications. By understanding the density and porosity of a stone, professionals can make informed decisions about the material’s suitability for specific projects, particularly when considering factors such as moisture exposure, freeze-thaw cycles, and structural integrity.
Dimension, visual aspects and compressive strength of natural stones
EU legislation
Short summary
The standard specifies the determination of dimensions, and test methods for determining the compressive strength of natural stones, specifically granite and marble, used as masonry units.
The compressive strength is a measure of the material’s ability to resist axial loads, which is a critical property for structural elements such as walls, facades, and other load-bearing applications where natural stone is used.
Natural stone: determination of water absorption
EU legislation
Short summary
This standard specifies methods for determining the water absorption of natural stones, which is an important characteristic for marble and granite, particularly when used in exterior applications.
Key aspects:
- Water absorption: Defines the amount of water marble and granite can absorb, which impacts their durability, resistance to weathering, and suitability for various environments.
Impact on mechanical properties: Excessive water absorption can affect the material’s strength and resistance to frost.
Natural stone: determination of frost resistance
EU legislation
Short summary
This standard specifies the test methods for determining the frost resistance of marble and granite. It is particularly important f or materials used in areas with cold climates where freezing and thawing can impact the material.
Key aspects:
- Frost resistance: Ensures that marble and granite retain their physical integrity and aesthetic qualities even when subjected to freeze-thaw cycles.
Water absorption: Determines the stone’s ability to absorb water, which can impact its resistance to frost damage.
Natural stone test methods. Determination of flexural strength under concentrated load
EU legislation
Short summary
This standard provides a detailed methodology for determining the flexural strength of natural stone materials when subjected to a concentrated load. This is crucial for ensuring the structural integrity and durability of stone used in various construction applications.
Natural stone test methods. Determination of water absorption coefficient by capillarity
Natural stones: reaction to fire
EU legislation
Short summary
This standard provides the reaction to fire classification procedure for all construction products, including products incorporated within building elements except for power, control and communication cables which are covered by EN 13501-6. Products are considered in relation to their end use application. This standard applies to three categories: – construction products, excluding floorings and linear pipe thermal insulation products; – floorings; – linear pipe thermal insulation products.
Natural stones: flexural strength
Short summary
EN 13161 specifies a method to determine the flexural strength of natural stones under constant moment. This standard contains provision for both an identification test and for a technological test.
EN 12372 provides a detailed methodology for determining the flexural strength of natural stone materials when subjected to a concentrated load
Resistance to fixings
EU legislation
Short summary
The standard focuses on determining the resistance of natural stones to the fixing process, which refers to the ability of the stone to remain securely attached to the substrate when exposed to various stresses or conditions.
The standard provides the test methods for determination of the breaking load at dowel hole
Compressive strength
Thermal shock resistance
EU legislation
Short summary
This standard provides the test methods for determination of resistance to ageing by thermal shock for products classified in these ICS categories: 73.020 Mining and quarrying; 91.100.15 Mineral materials and products.
This standard specifies a method to assess possible changes of natural stones under the effect of sudden changes in temperature (thermal shock).
Water vapour permeability
EU legislation
EN ISO 10456 and/or EN ISO 12572
Short summary
EN ISO 10456 is a European and international standard that specifies methods for determining the thermal and hygroscopic properties of building materials, including water vapour permeability. This standard is used in the construction industry to assess how building materials, such as natural stones, concrete, and insulation, interact with moisture and air. The water vapour permeability of a material is an essential property for understanding its behavior in terms of moisture transfer and its suitability for specific applications, especially in building envelopes or climates where moisture control is important.
EN ISO 12572 specifies a method based on cup tests for determining the water vapour permeance of building products and the water vapour permeability of building materials under isothermal conditions. Different sets of test conditions are specified.
Abrasion resistance
EU legislation
Short summary
This standard specifies two test methods to determine the abrasion resistance of natural stones used for flooring in buildings.
Determination of the abrasion resistance is classified in these ICS categories: 91.100.15 Mineral materials and products; 73.020 Mining and quarrying.
Slip resistance
Short summary
EN 14231 specifies a test method to determine the slip resistance value of the surface of the exposed face of natural stone elements intended to be used for flooring in buildings. If the surface of the exposed face has a roughness measured according to EN 13373 higher than 1 mm it will be considered as not slippery, without performing the test. This method can be used for laboratory measurements or on floors in service.
EN 13373 describes methods for verifying the geometric characteristics of products of natural stone such as rough blocks, rough slabs, finished products for cladding, flooring, stairs and modular tiles and paving units (slabs, setts and kerbs). It is essential that all weighing, measuring and testing equipment are calibrated or retraceable to measurement standards and regularly inspected according to documented procedures, frequencies and criteria. It is important that the expression of the dimensional characteristics is in accordance with the appropriate class of the measured product.
Thermal conductivity
EU legislation
Short summary
This standard provides detailed methodologies for determining the thermal properties of masonry and masonry products.
This standard covers a wide range of topics related to the thermal properties of masonry, including but not limited to: thermal conductivity, thermal resistance, thermal transmittance, methods for measuring and calculating thermal properties.
Other
EU legislation
Short summary
Environmental management systems that can be adopted by marble and granite producers to ensure sustainable practices.
Other
EU legislation
Short summary
Quality management systems which may be used in stone production, including traceability and documentation of the origin and processes involved.
Other voluntary European or international requirements
Global Compact – United Nations
EU legislation
The UN Global Compact is a voluntary initiative for businesses to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies. It encourages companies to align their operations with universal principles on human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption.
Short summary
Companies in the marble and granite sector that are committed to sustainable extraction, ethical labor practices, and environmental stewardship may adopt the Global Compact principles.
Voluntary programs
Short summary
BREEAM is a sustainability assessment method for master planning projects, infrastructure, and buildings. It provides certification for buildings that meet environmental sustainability criteria, including the use of sustainable materials like marble and granite.
BREEAM is relevant for marble & granite as it encourages the use of materials sourced with minimal environmental impact, including stone materials that are extracted responsibly and ethically. Marble and granite suppliers may pursue BREEAM certification to show that their products comply with these principles.
Intellectual property rights related to marble & granite
Copyright
EU legislation
EU Directive 2001/29/EC on the harmonization of certain aspects of copyright
Short summary
Areas of application :
- Stone sculptures: Original sculptures or carvings made from marble or granite can be protected by copyright if they meet the criteria of originality and creativity.
Architectural designs: The creative design of a building or structure involving marble and granite elements may be protected under copyright.
Design rights
EU legislation
EU Design Regulation No. 6/2002
Short summary
Areas of application :
- Decorative Patterns: If marble or granite tiles have a unique decorative pattern or texture, the design could be protected.
Stone-Finished Products: The design of stone items like furniture, countertops, or architectural elements can be protected by design rights.
Trademarks
EU legislation
Short summary
Areas of application :
- Branding of Marble and Granite products: Companies that manufacture or sell marble or granite products may register a trademark for their brand names, logos, or other distinctive elements related to their products.
Certifications and Quality Marks: Certain specific types of stone products can be registered under certification marks or geographical indications (GIs) that indicate quality and origin.
Patents
EU legislation
European Patent Convention (EPC) provides a uniform system for obtaining patents within the EU.
Short summary
Areas of application :
- Production techniques: Innovations in cutting, shaping, or treating marble or granite, such as new machinery or processes for enhancing durability or design flexibility, could be patented.
Tools and equipment: New machinery or tools developed for stone extraction, cutting, or finishing can be protected by patents.
Trade secrets
EU legislation
Directive (EU) 2016/943 on the protection of trade secrets
Short summary
The Directive governs how businesses can protect confidential information, including methods or processes that are not patented or publicly disclosed.
Areas of application: Production methods as companies might keep their processes for sourcing, cutting, or polishing granite and marble secret to maintain a competitive advantage.
Cultural property, including antiquities like marble and granite mosaics
Mosaics made of marble or granite, antiquities
EU legislation
Short summary
The Regulation concerns the movement of cultural property, including antiquities like marble and granite mosaics, across EU borders. Under this regulation, cultural goods (including mosaics made from marble or granite that are considered antiquities) cannot be traded within the EU without license. The regulation applies to objects that are more than 100 years old and have significant historical or cultural value.
The UNESCO Convention aims to prevent the illicit trade of cultural property, including antiquities, by promoting cooperation between countries in the tracking and return of stolen or illegally exported cultural goods.
Domestic legislation
Domestic Competent authorities
Ministry of Culture
Other useful material
The UNESCO Convention is a key international instrument that the EU and its member states adhere to in relation to the protection of cultural heritage, including mosaics and sculptures made from marble or granite.