What certifications should PVC sports flooring meet?
If you’re selling to schools, gyms, or public tender projects, you already know: certifications are everything. Buyers demand proof that the floor performs and complies. Let me walk you through what we use and why it matters.
PVC sports flooring needs to meet a mix of safety, quality, and environmental certifications — including EN 14904, CE marking, GREENGUARD Gold, and fire safety standards like EN 13501-1 or ASTM E648 — to qualify for tenders or projects in the EU, Southeast Asia, and the U.S.
%(PVC sports flooring certifications image)PVC sports flooring certifications
Most of our clients ask for these during the quotation or PI stage, especially if they're exporting to schools or government-funded projects. Let’s break it down.
What is the HS code for PVC sports flooring?
If you’ve ever dealt with customs, you know how important codes are.
The HS code for PVC sports flooring is 3918.10.90, which classifies plastic floor coverings in rolls or tiles for customs and tax purposes worldwide.
%(HS code PVC flooring)HS code PVC flooring
In my export invoices, I always include this code. Without it, customers in Vietnam or India run into delays clearing goods. It also affects how import duties are calculated. If you're quoting, be sure to include it right under your product description. Sometimes there are local suffixes or categories based on thickness, but this is the global base code.
What is the HTS code for PVC flooring?
If your customers are in the United States, they won’t ask for HS. They’ll ask for HTS.
The HTS code for PVC flooring in the U.S. is 3918.10.1000, covering plastic flooring in rolls or tiles, including sports vinyl.
%(HTS code PVC flooring)HTS code PVC flooring
When I ship to American clients, I always make sure this HTS code appears on the B/L (Bill of Lading), Certificate of Origin, and customs paperwork. It keeps everything smooth. U.S. buyers also tend to ask for additional fire ratings, which I’ll get to later.
What is EN 14904 certification for sports flooring?
This is the most asked-for certification when I quote for schools, gyms, or public sports centers — especially in Europe and Vietnam.
EN 14904 is a European standard that certifies indoor sports flooring for shock absorption, ball bounce, slip resistance, and vertical deformation — and is mandatory in many EU and Vietnam public tenders.
%(EN 14904 certified PVC flooring)EN 14904 certified PVC flooring
Here’s what it covers:
| Requirement | EN 14904 Compliance |
|---|---|
| Shock absorption | Minimum 25% |
| Vertical deformation | 1.8–5.0 mm |
| Ball rebound | Minimum 90% |
| Slip resistance | 80–110 |
| Rolling load | >1500 N |
I work with our factory to ensure that all our PVC sports floors meet EN14904, especially for 6.0mm and 8.0mm models. I usually include the lab test report when a distributor or contractor asks for it. For some Vietnam tenders, the customer directly asks for “EN14904 + CE” in the bid spec.
What is GREENGUARD Gold certification in flooring?
Sometimes customers from schools or NGOs ask me: is your product “low VOC”?
GREENGUARD Gold certification confirms our flooring has low chemical emissions and is safe for use in schools, hospitals, and government buildings.
%(GREENGUARD PVC sports floor)GREENGUARD PVC sports floor
This certification helps buyers meet LEED building standards or green procurement policies. It’s especially useful if your client works on:
- International school projects
- NGO-funded facilities
- Projects in UAE, Malaysia, or India with green compliance clauses
We’ve passed VOC testing on our major product lines. I send the certificate upon request — usually at the same time as the CE and EN14904 report.
Is CE marking required for PVC sports flooring?
If your client is in Europe, this is not optional.
Yes, CE marking is mandatory for exporting PVC sports flooring to the European Union, proving compliance with fire safety, mechanical strength, and emission standards.
%(CE certified PVC sports floor)CE certified PVC sports floor
Here’s what I always include in our CE documentation package:
| CE Requirement | Included by Sportaflor |
|---|---|
| EN 13501-1 Fire Rating | Yes |
| Formaldehyde Emission Report | Yes |
| Slip Resistance Test | Yes |
| Technical Data Sheet | Yes |
| DoC (Declaration of Conformity) | Yes |
Some customers outside the EU, like Vietnam or Egypt, also ask for CE certificates as a sign of credibility. I recommend adding the CE logo to product packaging or labels if you’re targeting EU importers or retail chains.
What fire rating should indoor sports flooring meet?
Every public space demands fire safety compliance. In some tenders, it’s a must-have.
PVC sports flooring should meet Bfl-s1 under EN 13501-1 or Class 1 under ASTM E648 to qualify for use in gyms, schools, and indoor stadiums.
%(fire safety PVC floor rating)fire safety PVC floor rating
Here’s what I provide depending on the market:
| Region | Required Standard | Minimum Class |
|---|---|---|
| Europe | EN 13501-1 | Bfl-s1 |
| United States | ASTM E648 / E84 | Class 1 |
| Middle East | EN 13501-1 or ASTM | Bfl-s1 or Class 1 |
| India/Vietnam | Either accepted | Based on tender |
We do third-party testing and include full fire test reports in the product folder. I advise every buyer to check if the project site is a public space — fire rating is often non-negotiable.
Conclusion
When I ship flooring overseas, I always prepare certifications ahead. These aren't just documents — they help win trust, close deals, and pass inspections.
My Role
At Sportaflor, we're a China-based factory and trading company with 50 staff. We manufacture sports flooring, commercial vinyl, rubber rolls, mats, and accessories. We’ve shipped to India, Vietnam, Pakistan, USA, Brazil, Nepal, and more. Most of our clients are distributors, wholesalers, or contractors working on public or school tenders.
What sets us apart:
- Full stock of colors and thicknesses
- Fast lead time (7 days)
- Certifications like EN14904, CE, GREENGUARD
- Welding wire, tape, and installation support
- Free samples with free shipping
Most of our buyers ask for 1000–3000 sqm per order, often packed in 20GP containers. We quote competitively and offer technical support if installers need help on-site.
Want samples or tech docs? I send them same-day.