A Declaration of Performance, or DoP, is the manufacturer's formal statement of how a tile performs against its harmonised standard, EN 14411. It lists the tile's essential characteristics and the declared value for each. CE marking on the tile refers to it.
For EU sales, the DoP is a legal document, not marketing. By issuing it, the manufacturer takes responsibility for the tile matching the declared performance.
What a DoP contains
- A unique identification code for the product type and a DoP reference number.
- The intended use, such as internal and external floors and walls.
- The manufacturer's name and contact address.
- The system used to assess and verify the tile's performance, and the harmonised standard, EN 14411.
- The declared performance for each essential characteristic.
- A signature on behalf of the manufacturer, with place and date.
The characteristics declared
For tiles, the essential characteristics usually include reaction to fire, breaking strength, bond strength or adhesion, durability (such as freeze-thaw resistance for outdoor use), thermal shock and, for floors, slip resistance. Release of dangerous substances is also listed.
Where a characteristic was not assessed, the DoP may say "NPD", meaning no performance determined. That is allowed, but it matters if your use needs that property. A DoP that says NPD for slip resistance is no help on a commercial floor project.
How to check a DoP
Read the DoP against the product and the paperwork, not on its own. These are the common faults:
- The manufacturer named is not the company exporting to you, which suggests a trader.
- The product code covers a different size, thickness or finish from the one you are buying.
- The declared values are higher than the test reports show.
- Important characteristics for your use are marked NPD.
- The DoP is not in a language accepted in the country where the tile is sold.
Compare with the test reports
Ask for the test reports behind the declared values and compare them line by line. Our guide on reading a lab certificate explains how. For the system behind the DoP, see CE marking for tiles.
Supplying the DoP
The DoP must be available to the buyer of the product, on paper or electronically. Many manufacturers publish their DoPs online and print a reference on the box. Keep a copy of every DoP with your order file, together with the test reports. Your customs broker and customers may ask for them, so add them to the document pack your broker will ask for.
What is changing
As of October 2026, the EU's new Construction Products Regulation, (EU) 2024/3110, is replacing the old one in stages. Under it, the DoP becomes a combined Declaration of Performance and Conformity once the standard for a product moves across. Until that happens for tiles, the current DoP remains the document to ask for. Check with your notified body or broker which form applies when you import.
Next step
We check each DoP against the product, the plant and the test reports before shipment. To review the paperwork for your range, book a free sourcing review.