EN 438-5:2016

• Abstract:

  This European Standard applies to six classes of flooring grade laminates less than 2 mm thick produced by using a high pressure process, intended for bonding to supporting substrates, to produce HPL flooring elements. For laminate floor covering applications they meet the surface property requirements specified in EN 13329.; High-pressure decorative flooring laminates are characterised by their high resistance to abrasion, aesthetic qualities and durability. They have good hygienic and anti-static properties and are easy to clean and maintain.; The requirements in this document apply only to the high-pressure laminate, and additional properties will need to be specified in order to define the functional performance of the finished flooring product.; This European Standard applies only to decorative laminates as defined in Clause 3.; EN 438-2 specifies the methods of test relevant to this European Standard.

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 16-Feb-2016
• 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: 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
• Start Date: 03-Sep-2021
• Completion Date: 17-Sep-2026
• Ref Project: SIST EN 438-5:2016 - High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) - Sheets based on thermosetting resins (Usually called Laminates) - Part 5: Classification and specifications for flooring grade laminates less than 2 mm thick intended for bonding to supporting substrates

• Replaces: EN 438-5:2005 - High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) - Sheets based on thermosetting resins (Usually called Laminates) - Part 5: Classification and specifications for flooring grade laminates less than 2 mm thick intended for bonding to supporting substrates
• Effective Date: 12-Sep-2012
• Refers: EN 61340-4-1:2004 - Electrostatics - Part 4-1: Standard test methods for specific applications - Electrical resistance of floor coverings and installed floors
• Effective Date: 09-Feb-2026
• Refers: EN ISO 11925-2:2026 - Reaction to fire tests - Ignitability of products subjected to direct impingement of flame - Part 2: Single-flame source test (ISO 11925-2:2026)
• Effective Date: 04-Feb-2026
• Refers: EN ISO 9239-1:2025 - Reaction to fire tests for floorings - Part 1: Determination of the burning behaviour using a radiant heat source (ISO 9239‑1:2025)
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: EN 13722:2004 - Furniture - Assessment of the surface gloss
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: EN 16094:2021 - Laminate floor coverings - Test method for the determination of micro-scratch resistance
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: EN 13501-1:2018 - Fire classification of construction products and building elements - Part 1: Classification using data from reaction to fire tests
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: EN ISO 11925-2:2020 - Reaction to fire tests - Ignitability of products subjected to direct impingement of flame - Part 2: Single-flame source test (ISO 11925-2:2020)
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: EN ISO/CIE 11664-2:2022 - Colorimetry - Part 2: CIE standard illuminants (ISO/CIE 11664-2:2022)
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: EN ISO 1183-1:2025 - Plastics - Methods for determining the density of non-cellular plastics - Part 1: Immersion method, liquid pycnometer method and titration method (ISO 1183-1:2025)
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: EN 316:2009 - Wood fibre boards - Definition, classification and symbols
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: EN 12721:2009+A1:2013 - Furniture - Assessment of surface resistance to wet heat
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: EN ISO 10874:2012 - Resilient, textile and laminate floor coverings - Classification (ISO 10874:2009)
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: EN 13329:2023 - Laminate floor coverings - Specifications, requirements and test methods
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: EN 438-2:2016 - High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) - Sheets based on thermosetting resins (usually called laminates) - Part 2: Determination of properties
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026

Overview

EN 438-5:2016 is the CEN standard that specifies classification and technical specifications for flooring grade high‑pressure decorative laminates (HPL) less than 2 mm thick intended to be bonded to supporting substrates. It applies to six abrasion classes (AC1–AC6) used together with EN ISO 10874 “level of use” categories for laminate flooring applications and ensures HPL sheets meet surface property requirements referenced in EN 13329. The standard covers inspection, dimensional tolerances, surface and reverse‑side requirements, and mandatory test methods (see EN 438‑2).

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and purpose
  • Applies only to decorative HPL sheets (thermosetting resin panels) manufactured by a high‑pressure process for bonding to substrates.
  • Requirements are for the laminate sheet itself; additional properties are needed to define finished flooring performance.
• Classification system
  • Six abrasion classes (AC1 to AC6) map to EN ISO 10874 levels of use (residential to very heavy commercial). Examples: AC1 for low‑use residential (bedrooms); AC4 for general commercial; AC6 for very heavy traffic (airports, department stores).
• Inspection and surface requirements
  • Visual inspection at 1.5 m, colour checks under D65 and illuminant A.
  • Gloss tolerances by surface type (Gloss >70 GU ±15; Semi‑gloss 30–70 GU ±10; Semi‑matt 10–30 GU ±5; Matt <10 GU ±3).
  • Reverse side must be suitable for adhesive bonding (sanded backs permitted with slight chatter marks).
  • Permissible surface defects quantified (contamination area and length per m).
• Dimensional tolerances
  • Thickness tolerances: 0.5–1.0 mm ±0.10 mm; 1.0–2.0 mm ±0.15 mm.
  • Length/width tolerance: +10 mm / −0 mm; straightness and squareness: max 1.5 mm/m; flatness: 60 mm/m.
• Testing
  • Test methods and property determinations are defined in EN 438‑2:2016 and other referenced standards (e.g., abrasion, reaction to fire).

Applications and users

• Who uses EN 438-5:2016
  • HPL manufacturers and quality managers (product classification, production control)
  • Flooring product specifiers, architects and interior designers (selecting appropriate AC class)
  • Flooring installers and fabricators (bonding, edge and surface inspection criteria)
  • Test laboratories and certification bodies (compliance testing per EN 438‑2)
  • Procurement teams and building clients specifying performance for residential, commercial or heavy‑traffic flooring
• Practical benefits
  • Ensures consistent abrasion resistance, aesthetic quality and dimensional stability of thin HPL sheets for bonded flooring systems.
  • Facilitates material selection by linking abrasion class to intended use and traffic levels.

Related standards

• EN 438 series (Part 1…9) - HPL family (EN 438‑2:2016 for test methods)
• EN 13329 - Laminate floor coverings requirements
• EN ISO 10874 - Classification of floor coverings (level of use)
• EN 13501‑1, EN ISO 9239‑1, EN ISO 11925‑2 - Fire classification and tests
• EN 13722, EN 16094, EN 61340‑4‑1 - Surface gloss, micro‑scratch and electrostatic tests

Keywords: EN 438-5:2016, high‑pressure decorative laminates, HPL flooring, flooring grade laminates, abrasion class, EN 438‑2, EN ISO 10874.

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-april-2016
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High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) - Sheets based on thermosetting resins
(Usually called Laminates) - Part 5: Classification and specifications for flooring grade
laminates less than 2 mm thick intended for bonding to supporting substrates
Dekorative Hochdruck-Schichtpressstoffplatten (HPL) - Platten auf Basis härtbarer Harze
(Schichtpressstoffe) - Teil 5: Klassifizierung und Spezifikationen für Schichtpressstoffe
für Fußböden mit einer Dicke kleiner 2 mm, vorgesehen zum Verkleben auf ein
Trägermaterial
Stratifiés décoratifs haute pression (HPL) - Plaques à base de résines
thermodurcissables (communément appelées stratifiés) - Partie 5: Classification et
spécifications des stratifiés pour revêtement de sols d' épaisseur inférieure à 2 mm
destinés à être collés sur des supports
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 438-5:2016
ICS:
83.140.20 /DPLQDWQHSORãþH Laminated sheets
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN 438-5
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
February 2016
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 83.140.20 Supersedes EN 438-5:2005
English Version
High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) - Sheets based
on thermosetting resins (usually called laminates) - Part 5:
Classification and specifications for flooring grade
laminates less than 2 mm thick intended for bonding to
supporting substrates
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 5: Classification et - Teil 5: Klassifizierung und Spezifikationen für
spécifications des stratifiés pour revêtement de sols Schichtpressstoffe für Fußböden mit einer Dicke
d'épaisseur inférieure à 2 mm destinés à être collés sur kleiner 2 mm, vorgesehen zum Verkleben auf ein
des supports Trägermaterial
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 13 December 2015.

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, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, 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
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2016 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 438-5:2016 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 3
1 Scope . 4
2 Normative references . 4
3 Terms and definitions, symbols and abbreviations . 5
3.1 Terms and definitions. 5
3.2 Symbols . 5
4 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 . 7
5.2.5 Visual inspection . 7
5.3 Dimensional tolerance requirements . 7
5.4 Test requirements . 8
5.4.1 General requirements . 8
5.4.2 Notes on requirements for reaction to fire . 10
5.5 Supplemental properties . 10

European foreword
This document (EN 438-5:2016) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 249 “Plastics”, the
secretariat of which is held by NBN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by August 2016, and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by August 2016.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent
rights.
This document supersedes EN 438-5:2005.
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
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and the United Kingdom.
1 Scope
This European Standard applies to six classes of flooring grade laminates less than 2 mm thick
produced by using a high pressure process, intended for bonding to supporting substrates, to produce
HPL flooring elements. For laminate floor covering applications they meet the surface property
requirements specified in EN 13329.
High-pressure decorative flooring laminates are characterised by their high resistance to abrasion,
aesthetic qualities and durability. They have good hygienic and anti-static properties and are easy to
clean and maintain.
The requirements in this document apply only to the high-pressure laminate, and additional properties
will need to be specified in order to define the functional performance of the finished flooring product.
This European Standard applies only to decorative laminates as defined in Clause 3.
EN 438-2 specifies the methods of test relevant to this European Standard.
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 316, Wood fibre boards — Definition, classification and symbols
EN 438-2:2016, High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) — Sheets based on thermosetting resins
(usually called laminates) — Part 2: Determination of properties
EN 12721, Furniture — Assessment of surface resistance to wet heat
EN 13329, Laminate floor coverings — Elements with a surface layer based on aminoplastic
thermosetting resins — Specifications, requirements and test methods
EN 13501-1, Fire classification of construction products and building elements — Part 1: Classification
using data from reaction to fire tests
EN 13722, Furniture — Assessment of the surface gloss
EN 16094, Laminate floor coverings — Test method for the determination of micro-scratch resistance
EN 61340-4-1, Electrostatics — Part 4-1: Standard test met
...