EN 438-9:2026

High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) - Sheets based on thermosetting resins (usually called laminates) - Part 9: Classification and specifications for alternative core laminates

This document specifies performance requirements for alternative core laminates intended for interior use, the core layer compositions of which are not covered by EN 438 3 [1], EN 438 4 [2], EN 438 5 [3], EN 438 6 [4] and EN 438 8 [5]. The core layer types (coloured core layer and metal reinforced core layer) are specified in this part of the EN 438 series.
NOTE   Regarding the test methods relevant to this document, see EN 438 2.

Dekorative Hochdruck-Schichtpressstoffplatten (HPL) - Platten auf Basis härtbarer Harze (Schichtpressstoffe) - Teil 9: Klassifizierung und Spezifikationen für Schichtpressstoffe mit alternativem Kernaufbau

Dieses Dokument legt die Leistungsanforderungen an Schichtpressstoffe mit alternativem Kernaufbau für Anwendungen im Innenbereich fest, deren Kernaufbau nicht durch EN 438 3 [1], EN 438 4 [2], EN 438 5 [3], EN 438 6 [4] und EN 438 8 [5] behandelt wird. In diesem Teil von EN 438 wird der (farbige und metallverstärkte) Kernaufbau festgelegt.
ANMERKUNG   In EN 438 2 sind die Prüfverfahren festgelegt, die für dieses Dokument von Bedeutung sind.

Stratifiés décoratifs haute pression (HPL) - Plaques à base de résines thermodurcissables (communément appelées stratifiés) - Partie 9 : Classification et spécifications relatives aux stratifiés avec autres types d’âmes

Le présent document spécifie les exigences de performance s’appliquant aux stratifiés avec autres types d’âmes, pour usage en intérieur et dont la composition de l’âme ne relève pas des normes EN 438-3 [1], EN 438-4 [2], EN 438-5 [3], EN 438-6 [4] et EN 438-8 [5]. Les types de couches d’âme (couche d’âme colorée et couche d’âme à renfort métallique) sont spécifiés dans la présente partie de la série EN 438.
NOTE   Concernant les méthodes d'essai pertinentes pour le présent document, voir l’EN 438 2.

Dekorativni visokotlačni laminati (HPL) - Plošče na osnovi duromernih smol (splošno laminati) - 9. del: Razvrstitev in specifikacije za laminate z alternativno strukturo jedra

General Information

• Status: Not Published
• Publication Date: 02-Jun-2026
• ICS: 83.140.20 - Laminated sheets
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 249 - Plastics
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 249/WG 4 - Decorative laminated sheets based on thermosetting resins
• Current Stage: 6055 - CEN Ratification completed (DOR) - Publishing
• Start Date: 20-Apr-2026
• Due Date: 24-Aug-2026
• Completion Date: 20-Apr-2026
• Ref Project: kSIST FprEN 438-9:2026 - High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) - Sheets based on thermosetting resins (usually called laminates) - Part 9: Classification and specifications for alternative core laminates

Relations

• Revises: EN 438-9:2017 - High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) - Sheets based on thermosetting resins (usually called laminates) - Part 9: Classification and specifications for alternative core laminates
• Effective Date: 19-Jun-2024

Overview

EN 438-9:2026 is a European standard developed by CEN for high-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) with alternative core structures. Unlike traditional HPLs, these laminates use core layer compositions not covered by previous standards in the EN 438 series. This document specifically classifies and specifies performance requirements for HPL sheets intended for interior applications featuring either colored core layers or metal-reinforced core layers.

Alternative core HPLs offer enhanced aesthetics and functional versatility, making them ideal for modern interior design, furniture manufacturing, and specialized building applications.

Key Topics

Core Structures Covered

• Colored core layers: Laminate sheets or papers impregnated with colored aminoplastic thermosetting resins to achieve a uniform or multi-layered colored appearance.
• Metal-reinforced core layers: Incorporates metal foils or meshes combined with cellulose-based layers. These reinforce mechanical performance, fire resistance, permeability, and magnetic properties.

Classification System

• Uses a three-letter code to define type, thickness, and performance grade:
  • First letter: B (colored core) or R (metal reinforced)
  • Second letter: C (compact, ≥2 mm) or T (thin, <2 mm)
  • Third letter: S (standard grade) or F (flame retardant grade)

Performance and Inspection

• Requirements for color, pattern, and surface finish consistency
• Visual quality criteria for surface and edge defects
• Dimensional tolerances based on laminate type and thickness
• Testing methods (referencing EN 438-2) for properties such as wear resistance, resistance to heat, water, scratching, and crazing

Compliance

• Sheets and cut-to-size panels must meet criteria for the relevant application and property class.

Applications

High-pressure decorative laminates with alternative cores are used in a range of interior environments, where both design and functional properties are critical:

• Commercial Interiors: For office furniture, partitioning systems, and wall claddings requiring unique decor or advanced functionalities.
• Public Facilities: In schools, hospitals, airports, and retail spaces where performance (wear, fire, hygiene) is essential.
• Furniture Manufacturing: For visually striking, durable surfaces that require specific core properties, such as color-through edges or integrated magnetic layers.
• Specialized Environments: Where fire performance or additional mechanical reinforcement is necessary, such as marine, transportation, or high-traffic public buildings (subject to national regulations).

Related Standards

EN 438-9:2026 is part of the broader EN 438 series for HPLs:

• EN 438-1: Introduction and general information
• EN 438-2: Determination of properties (test methods)
• EN 438-3: Laminates less than 2 mm thick for substrates
• EN 438-4: Compact laminates (≥2 mm)
• EN 438-5: Flooring grade laminates (<2 mm)
• EN 438-6: Exterior-grade compact laminates
• EN 438-8: Design laminates

For fire performance, relevant test standards include:

• EN 13823: Reaction to fire for building products
• EN ISO 11925-2: Ignitability (single-flame test)
• EN 13501-1: Fire classification of building products

Using EN 438-9:2026 ensures all new or innovative HPL products with alternative cores achieve consistent quality and performance, providing designers and manufacturers a reliable framework for specifying and assessing advanced decorative laminate solutions.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN 438-9:2025
01-julij-2025
Dekorativni visokotlačni laminati (HPL) - Plošče na osnovi duromernih smol
(splošno laminati) - 9. del: Razvrstitev in specifikacije za laminate z alternativno
strukturo jedra
High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) - Sheets based on thermosetting resins
(usually called laminates) - Part 9: Classification and specifications for alternative core
laminates
Dekorative Hochdruck-Schichtpressstoffplatten (HPL) - Platten auf Basis härtbarer Harze
(Schichtpressstoffe) - Teil 9: Klassifizierung und Spezifikationen für Schichtpressstoffe
mit alternativem Kernaufbau
Stratifiés décoratifs haute pression (HPL) - Plaques à base de résines
thermodurcissables (communément appelées stratifiés) - Partie 9 : Classification et
spécifications relatives aux stratifiés avec autres types d'âmes
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 438-9
ICS:
83.140.20 Laminatne plošče Laminated sheets
oSIST prEN 438-9:2025 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

oSIST prEN 438-9:2025
oSIST prEN 438-9:2025
DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
prEN 438-9
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
May 2025
ICS 83.140.20 Will supersede EN 438-9:2017
English Version
High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) - Sheets based
on thermosetting resins (usually called laminates) - Part 9:
Classification and specifications for alternative core
laminates
Stratifiés décoratifs haute pression (HPL) - Plaques à Dekorative Hochdruck-Schichtpressstoffplatten (HPL)
base de résines thermodurcissables (communément - Platten auf Basis härtbarer Harze (Schichtpressstoffe)
appelées stratifiés) - Partie 9 : Classification et - Teil 9: Klassifizierung und Spezifikationen für
spécifications relatives aux stratifiés avec autres types Schichtpressstoffe mit alternativem Kernaufbau
d'âmes
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 249.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.

This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2025 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 438-9:2025 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

oSIST prEN 438-9:2025
prEN 438-9:2025 (E)
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
1 Scope . 4
2 Normative references . 4
3 Terms, definitions, symbols and abbreviations . 4
3.1 Terms and definitions . 4
3.2 Symbols . 5
4 Material types and classification system . 5
5 Requirements . 6
5.1 Compliance . 6
5.2 Inspection requirements . 6
5.2.1 General . 6
5.2.2 Colour and pattern . 6
5.2.3 Surface finish . 6
5.2.4 Reverse side . 6
5.2.5 Visual inspection . 6
5.3 Dimensional tolerance requirements . 7
5.3.1 Dimensional tolerance requirements for coloured core layer laminates . 7
5.3.2 Dimensional tolerances requirements for metal reinforced core layer laminates . 8
5.4 Test requirements . 9
5.4.1 General requirements for coloured core layer laminates . 9
5.4.2 General requirements for metal reinforced core layer laminates . 11
5.4.3 Reaction to fire . 13
Annex A (informative) Information on reaction to fire. 14
Bibliography. 15
oSIST prEN 438-9:2025
prEN 438-9:2025 (E)
European foreword
This document (prEN 438-9:2025) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 249 “Plastics”,
the secretariat of which is held by SIS.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document will supersede EN 438-9:2017.
prEN 438-9:2025 includes the following significant technical changes with respect to EN 438-9:2017:
— change the density requirements on coloured core HPL;
— align its requirements with other parts in the EN 438-series.
EN 438, High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) — Sheets based on thermosetting resins (usually called
laminates), consists of the following parts:
— Part 1: Introduction and general information
— Part 2: Determination of properties
— Part 3: Classification and specifications for laminates less than 2 mm thick intended for bonding to
supporting substrates
— Part 4: Classification and specifications for compact laminates of thickness 2 mm and greater
— Part 5: Classification and specifications for flooring grade laminates less than 2 mm thick intended for
bonding to supporting substrates
— Part 6: Classification and specifications for exterior-grade Compact laminates of thickness 2 mm and
greater
— Part 7: Compact laminate and HPL composite panels for internal and external wall and ceiling finishes
— Part 8: Classification and specifications for design laminates
— Part 9: Classification and specifications for alternative core laminates
oSIST prEN 438-9:2025
prEN 438-9:2025 (E)
1 Scope
This document specifies performance requirements for alternative core laminates intended for interior
use, the core layer compositions of which are not covered by EN 438-3 [1], EN 438-4 [2], EN 438-5 [3],
EN 438-6 [4] and EN 438-8 [5]. The core layer types (coloured core layer and metal reinforced core layer)
are defined in this part of EN 438.
EN 438-2 specifies the test methods relevant to this document.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 438-2:2016+A1:2018, High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) - Sheets based on thermosetting resins
(usually called laminates) - Part 2: Determination of properties
EN ISO 178, Plastics - Determination of flexural properties (ISO 178)
EN ISO 1183-1, Plastics - Methods for determining the density of non-cellular plastics - Part 1: Immersion
method, liquid pyknometer method and titration method (ISO 1183-1)
EN ISO 12572, Hygrothermal performance of building materials and products - Determination of water
vapour transmission properties - Cup method (ISO 12572)
3 Terms, definitions, symbols and abbreviations
3.1 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp/
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1.1
high-pressure decorative alternative core laminate(s)
alternative core laminate(s)
HPL
sheet(s) consisting of decorative surface layer(s) and alternative core layers bonded together by an high
pressure process
Note 1 to entry: Typical values for the high pressure process are a temperature of ≥ 120 °C and a pressure
of ≥ 5 MPa.
3.1.2
surface layer
upper decorative layer consisting in one or more sheets of fibrous material (usually paper) impregnated
with aminoplastic thermosetting resins (usually melamine based resins)
Note 1 to entry: The surface layers appear on one or both side(s) of the laminate(s). In case of one-sided laminates,
the back of the sheet(s) can be made suitable for adhesive bonding to a substrate.
oSIST prEN 438-9:2025
prEN 438-9:2025 (E)
3.1.3 Alternative core layer
3.1.3.1
coloured core layer
coloured fibrous materials (usually paper) impregnated with aminoplastic thermosetting resins (usually
melamine based resins) or fibrous materials (usually paper) impregnated with coloured aminoplastic
thermosetting resins (usually melamine based resins)
Note 1 to entry: A translucent laminate is achieved by using clear resins and bleached fibres.
Note 2 to entry: The surface layer and the coloured core layers can have the same colour producing a uniformly
coloured laminate or be different colours to achieve a succession of coloured layers.
3.1.3.2
metal reinforced core layer
metal layer(s) or mesh(es) and cellulosic fibrous layers (usually paper) impregnated with phenolic
thermosetting resins or aminoplastic thermosetting resins (usually melamine based resins)
Note 1 to entry: The purpose of including the metal layers is to improve the mechanical, fire or permeability
performances of the laminate. Additionally, the metal layers can give aesthetic improvements to edge and can also
act as magnetically adhesive layer.
3.2 Symbols
For the purposes of this document, the following symbol applies.
t nominal thickness of the alternative core laminate
4 Material types and classification system
Alternative core laminates are defined using a three-letter classification system as shown in Table 1.
Table 1 — Alternative core laminate classification system
First letter Second letter Third letter
B (Coloured core layer laminate) C (Compact) S (Standard grade)
R (Metal reinforced core layer laminate) T (Thin laminate < 2 mm) F (Flame retardant grade)
Type S – Standard grade high-pressure decorative alternative core laminates.
Type F – High-pressure decorative alternative core laminates with improved fire retardance, similar to
type S but also complying with special requirements of specified tests which may vary according to the
application (e.g. construction, marine, transport) and the country of use (see 5.4.3).
NOTE These types of laminate are normally not postformable.
In addition to the abbreviation “HPL” and the number of this document materials are specified by the
alphabetical classification system.
EXAMPLE “Coloured core Standard Grade Thin high-pressure decorative laminate” is designated as
HPL/EN 438-9 BTS.
oSIST prEN 438-9:2025
prEN 438-9:2025 (E)
5 Requirements
5.1 Compliance
Alternative core layer laminates classified in Table 1 shall comply with all appropriate requirements
specified in 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4. This applies to both full-size sheets and cut-to-size panels.
5.2 Inspection requirements
5.2.1 General
Inspection shall be carried out in accordance with EN 438-2:2016+A1:2018, Clause 4, at a distance
between 750 mm and 1 500 mm.
5.2.2 Colour and pattern
When inspected in daylight or D65 standard illuminant, as specified in EN ISO/CIE 11664-2, and also
under tungsten-filament lightning illuminant A as specified in EN ISO/CIE 11664-2, a slight difference
between the corresponding colour reference sample held by the supplier and the specimen under test is
acceptable.
When colour and surface finish are critical, it is recommended that sheets are checked for colour and
surface-finish compatibility without protective film before fabrication or installation.
5.2.3 Surface finish
When inspected at different viewing angles, there shall be no significant difference between the
corresponding surface-finish reference sample held by the supplier and the specimen under test.
When colour and surface finish are critical, it is recommended that sheets are checked for colour and
surface-finish compatibility without protective film before fabrication or installation.
5.2.4 Reverse side
The reverse side of single-sided sheets shall be suitable for adhesive bonding (e.g. sanded). In the case of
sanded backs, slight chatter marks shall be permitted.
5.2.5 Visual inspection
5.2.5.1 General
The following inspection requirements indicate the minimum acceptable qu
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