EN 1425:2012
(Main)Bitumen and bituminous binders - Characterization of perceptible properties
General Information
- Abstract
This European Standard specifies a method for the determination of the perceptible properties of bituminous binders at ambient temperature prior to testing for other properties.
WARNING - The use of this standard may involve hazardous materials, operations and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 08-May-2012
- Withdrawal Date
- 29-Nov-2012
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 336 - Bituminous binders
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 336/WG 1 - Bituminous binders for paving
- Current Stage
- 9092 - Decision on results of review/2YR ENQ - revise - Review Enquiry
- Start Date
- 05-Jul-2024
- Completion Date
- 17-Sep-2026
Overview
EN 1425:2012 - Bitumen and bituminous binders - Characterization of perceptible properties is a CEN European Standard that specifies a simple, sensory-based method for assessing the perceptible properties of bituminous binders at ambient temperature prior to further laboratory testing. The standard covers initial inspection steps such as sample identification, container condition, appearance, odour and basic homogeneity checks to determine if a material can safely and reliably proceed to more detailed physical or chemical tests.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and purpose: Visual and sensory examination of bitumen, bitumen emulsions, cutbacks and fluxed bitumen at ambient temperature before other analyses.
- Apparatus: Minimal equipment - a glass rod for gentle stirring and a fume-cupboard for volatile or unknown samples.
- Sampling: Laboratory samples shall be obtained and labelled in accordance with EN 58 (Sampling of bituminous binders); records must include date, origin and type/grade.
- Procedure:
- Examine samples in original container; record sample ID, labelling, quantity and packaging condition.
- For volatile or unknown samples use a fume-cupboard; if an unusual odour is detected, reseal and handle as potentially hazardous.
- Assess perceptible properties at ambient temperature: surface appearance (shiny, dull, coloured), foreign materials (water, dust, rust), consistency (liquid/solid), homogeneity (stir with glass rod to detect lumps, agglomerates, sediments) and odour (typical bitumen, tar, solvent).
- If perceptible properties do not match expected characteristics, stop further handling and notify the requester.
- Test report: Must include sample identification, reference to EN 1425:2012, sample quantity, packaging, examination results, any procedural deviations and test date.
Practical applications
- Routine incoming quality control and acceptance inspection of bituminous binders at asphalt plants, binder suppliers and testing laboratories.
- Preliminary safety screening for volatile or solvent-containing products before destructive or heated testing.
- Rapid triage to detect gross contamination, segregation or packaging damage prior to more time-consuming physical or rheological testing.
- Supporting documentation for procurement, dispute resolution and conformity assessment processes.
Who uses this standard
- Laboratory technicians and QA/QC personnel in construction materials and asphalt testing labs.
- Bitumen and binder manufacturers and suppliers for product release checks.
- Specifiers, procurement teams and regulatory bodies requiring documented pre-test inspection procedures.
Related standards
- EN 58 - Bitumen and bituminous binders - Sampling bituminous binders (normative reference).
- EN 1425:2012 supersedes earlier EN 1425 editions (see CEN for national adoption and related amendments).
Warning: EN 1425:2012 notes that testing may involve hazardous materials. Users are responsible for appropriate safety practices and regulatory compliance.
Relations
- Replaces
EN 1425:1999/A1:2006 - Bitumen and bituminous binders - Characterization of perceptible properties - Effective Date
- 16-May-2012
- Effective Date
- 21-May-2011
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Referred By
EN 12593:2007 - Bitumen and bituminous binders - Determination of the Fraass breaking point - Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
Get Certified
Connect with accredited certification bodies for this standard
DIBt (Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik)
German Institute for Building Technology.
DIN CERTCO
DIN Group product certification.

Element Materials Technology
Materials testing and product certification.
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Frequently Asked Questions
EN 1425:2012 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Bitumen and bituminous binders - Characterization of perceptible properties". This standard covers: This European Standard specifies a method for the determination of the perceptible properties of bituminous binders at ambient temperature prior to testing for other properties. WARNING - The use of this standard may involve hazardous materials, operations and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
This European Standard specifies a method for the determination of the perceptible properties of bituminous binders at ambient temperature prior to testing for other properties. WARNING - The use of this standard may involve hazardous materials, operations and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
EN 1425:2012 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 75.140 - Waxes, bituminous materials and other petroleum products; 91.100.50 - Binders. Sealing materials. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 1425:2012 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 1425:1999/A1:2006, EN 1425:1999, EN 58:2012, EN 12594:2024, EN 12593:2007, EN 12594:2014, EN 12607-1:2024, EN 12592:2007, EN 1426:2024, EN 12607-2:2007, EN 12607-2:2014, EN 12606-1:2015, EN 12592:2014, EN 1431:2009, EN 12606-1:2007. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN 1425:2012 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Bitumen in bitumenska veziva - Ugotavljanje vidnih lastnostiBitumen und bitumenhaltige Bindemittel - Feststellung der äßeren BeschaffenheitBitumes et liants bitumineux - Caractérisation des propriétés sensoriellesBitumen and bituminous binders - Characterization of perceptible properties91.100.50Veziva. Tesnilni materialiBinders. Sealing materials75.140Voski, bitumni in drugi naftni proizvodiWaxes, bituminous materials and other petroleum productsICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 1425:2012SIST EN 1425:2012en,fr,de01-september-2012SIST EN 1425:2012SLOVENSKI
STANDARDSIST EN 1425:2000/A1:2006SIST EN 1425:20001DGRPHãþD
EUROPEAN STANDARD NORME EUROPÉENNE EUROPÄISCHE NORM
EN 1425
May 2012 ICS 75.140; 91.100.50 Supersedes EN 1425:1999English Version
Bitumen and bituminous binders - Characterization of perceptible properties
Bitumes et liants bitumineux - Caractérisation des propriétés sensorielles
Bitumen und bitumenhaltige Bindemittel - Feststellung der äußeren Beschaffenheit This European Standard was approved by CEN on 30 March 2012.
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. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists 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, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
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B-1000 Brussels © 2012 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CEN national Members. Ref. No. EN 1425:2012: ESIST EN 1425:2012
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