EN 12608-1:2026

• Abstract:

  This document specifies the classifications, requirements and test methods for non-covered unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) profiles intended to be used for the fabrication of windows and doors.; NOTE For editorial reasons in this document the term “window” is used for window/door.

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 04-Aug-2026
• ICS: 83.140.99 - Other rubber and plastics products
• ICS: 91.060.50 - Doors and windows
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 249 - Plastics
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 249/WG 21 - Profiles for windows and doors
• Current Stage: 6060 - Definitive text made available (DAV) - Publishing
• Start Date: 05-Aug-2026
• Due Date: 11-Dec-2026
• Completion Date: 05-Aug-2026
• Ref Project: SIST EN 12608-1:2026 - Unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) profiles for the fabrication of windows and doors - Classification, requirements and test methods - Part 1: Non-covered PVC-U profiles

• Replaces: EN 12608-1:2016+A1:2020 - Unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) profiles for the fabrication of windows and doors - Classification, requirements and test methods - Part 1: Non-coated PVC-U profiles with light coloured surfaces
• Effective Date: 29-May-2024
• Referred By: EN 17410:2021 - Plastics - Controlled loop recycling of PVC-U profiles from windows and doors
• Effective Date: 12-Aug-2026
• Referred By: EN 12608-4:2024 - Unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) profiles for the fabrication of windows and doors - Classification, requirements and test methods - Part 4: PVC-U profiles with thermo-laminated foils
• Effective Date: 12-Aug-2026

Overview

EN 12608-1:2026 is a European Standard developed by CEN that specifies classifications, requirements, and test methods for non-covered unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) profiles used in the fabrication of windows and doors. This standard serves as a key reference for manufacturers, installers, and quality inspectors focusing on the production and assessment of PVC-U profiles without surface coverings or coextruded exterior layers.

The document defines the essential criteria to ensure the durability, mechanical performance, and suitability of non-covered PVC-U profiles for both residential and commercial window and door applications across Europe.

Key Topics

• PVC-U Profile Classification: The standard introduces profiles classification based on climatic zones (moderate and severe), resistance to artificial weathering, impact resistance at low temperatures, and wall thickness of external walls.
• Material Requirements: Specifies the qualities and permissible materials, including the use of virgin and recovered PVC-U, with specific requirements for visible and non-visible surfaces.
• Mechanical and Physical Properties: Details requirements on profile straightness, dimensional tolerances, linear weight, heat reversion, and weldability.
• Testing Methods: Provides standardized procedures for:
  • Visual inspection of appearance
  • Measurement of dimensions and tolerances
  • Determination of colorimetric coordinates
  • Assessment of impact resistance, heat reversion, and artificial weathering
  • Linear weight determination
• Traceability: Outlines identification and traceability requirements, ensuring clear marking regarding material type (e.g., rPVC, FR) and production codes for quality control.

Applications

EN 12608-1:2026 is highly relevant for:

• Manufacturers: Establishes the basis for the production and quality control of non-covered PVC-U profiles, enabling compliance with European industry expectations and regulations.
• Window and Door Fabricators: Helps ensure that assembled units are produced from profiles with verified mechanical properties and performance, optimizing their durability and aesthetic quality.
• Installers and Contractors: Provides reassurance that the profiles used will perform reliably in specific climatic zones, helping to avoid premature product failure.
• Testing Laboratories: Offers standardized test methodologies for certifying the performance of profiles, supporting accurate and comparable quality assessments.
• Specifiers and Architects: Guarantees the use of compliant PVC-U profiles in project specifications, particularly for energy-efficient and long-lasting building envelopes.

Related Standards

EN 12608-1:2026 is part of a harmonized set of standards dedicated to PVC-U profiles for windows and doors. Professionals should be aware of related documents:

• EN 12608-2: PVC-U profiles with laminated foils bonded with adhesives
• EN 12608-3: PVC-U profiles covered with paint (in preparation)
• EN 12608-4: PVC-U profiles with thermo-laminated foils
• EN 12608-5: PVC-U profiles with coextruded coloured top-layer (in preparation)

Normative references within EN 12608-1 include key standards on test methods and material definitions, such as EN 477 (impact resistance), EN 478 (appearance after heating), EN 479 (heat reversion), EN 513 (artificial weathering), and EN ISO standards for colorimetry and mechanical properties.

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By adhering to EN 12608-1:2026, stakeholders across the construction and fenestration sector can ensure that non-covered PVC-U profiles for windows and doors meet harmonized European requirements for performance, safety, and durability. Regular updates to this standard help maintain industry best practices and support compliance efforts throughout Europe.

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-oktober-2026
Profili iz trdega polivinilklorida (PVC-U) za izdelavo oken in vrat - Razvrščanje,
zahteve in preskusne metode - 1. del: Neprevlečeni PVC-U profili
Unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) profiles for the fabrication of windows and
doors - Classification, requirements and test methods - Part 1: Non-covered PVC-U
profiles
Profile aus weichmacherfreiem Polyvinylchlorid (PVC-U) zur Herstellung von Fenstern
und Türen – Klassifizierung, Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren – Teil 1: Nicht
beschichtete PVC-U-Profile
Profilés de poly(chlorure de vinyle) non plastifié (PVC-U) pour la fabrication des fenêtres
et des portes - Classification, exigences et méthodes d'essai - Partie 1 : Profilés en PVC-
U non revêtus
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 12608-1:2026
ICS:
83.140.99 Drugi izdelki iz gume in Other rubber and plastics
polimernih materialov products
91.060.50 Vrata in okna Doors and windows
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN 12608-1
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
August 2026
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 83.140.99 Supersedes EN 12608-1:2016+A1:2020
English Version
Unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) profiles for the
fabrication of windows and doors - Classification,
requirements and test methods - Part 1: Non-covered PVC-
U profiles
Profilés de poly(chlorure de vinyle) non plastifié (PVC- Profile aus weichmacherfreiem Polyvinylchlorid (PVC-
U) pour la fabrication des fenêtres et des portes - U) zur Herstellung von Fenstern und Türen -
Classification, exigences et méthodes d'essai - Partie 1 : Klassifizierung, Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren -
Profilés en PVC-U non revêtus Teil 1: Nicht beschichtete PVC-U-Profile
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 5 July 2026.

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, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2026 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 12608-1:2026 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 4
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Classifications. 10
4.1 General . 10
4.2 Classification of climatic zones . 10
4.3 Classification of material to the resistance to artificial weathering . 11
4.4 Classification of main profiles according to the wall thickness of the external walls . 11
5 Requirements . 12
5.1 Material . 12
5.2 Appearance . 13
5.3 Dimensions and tolerances . 13
5.3.1 General . 13
5.3.2 Nominal shape. 13
5.3.3 Wall thickness of main profiles . 14
5.3.4 Tolerances on other dimensions . 14
5.3.5 Deviation from straightness of the main profiles . 14
5.4 Linear weight of the main profiles . 14
5.5 Heat reversion. 14
5.5.1 Main profiles . 14
5.5.2 Auxiliary profiles . 14
5.6 Behaviour after heating at 150 °C . 14
5.7 Weldability . 14
5.7.1 General . 14
5.7.2 Tensile bending test . 14
5.7.3 Compression bending test . 15
5.8 Optional properties . 15
6 Test methods . 15
6.1 Visual inspection . 15
6.2 Determination of dimensions . 15
6.2.1 Measuring devices . 15
6.2.2 Test specimen. 15
6.2.3 Conditioning . 15
6.2.4 Procedure . 15
6.3 Determination of the linear weight of the profile . 16
6.3.1 General . 16
6.3.2 Using a balance . 16
6.4 Determination of the thickness of a co-extruded layer . 17
6.5 Determination of colorimetric coordinates . 17
6.6 Determination of the ash content . 17
6.7 Determination of the resistance of main profiles to impact by falling mass . 17
7 Traceability . 18
Annex A (normative) Requirements for materials . 19
A.1 General . 19
A.2 Preparation of test specimens . 22
A.2.1 General . 22
A.2.2 Preparation of pressed plates . 22
A.2.3 Material properties . 22
Annex B (normative) Calculation method for the determination of the radiant exposure and
exposure time to be used for artificial weathering . 23
B.1 General . 23
B.2 Calculation. 23
Bibliography . 26

European foreword
This document (EN 12608-1:2026) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 249 “Plastics”,
the secretariat of which is held by SIS.
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 February 2026, and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by February 2026.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN 12608-1:2016+A1:2020.
This document includes the following significant technical changes with respect to
EN 12608-1:2016+A1:2020:
— the restriction of profile colour and the exclusion of fibre reinforced material in Clause 1 have been
deleted;
— material definitions in Clause 3 have been deleted and replaced by reference to EN 17508;
— requirements for materials have been summarized in new Annex A;
— the use of RUVM for non-sight visible surfaces has been permitted;
— classification of main profiles according to the resistance to impact by falling mass has been deleted
and the test method has been moved to Clause 6 as optional property;
— the determination of the ash content has been added as an additional test method for an optional
property to Clause 6;
— editorial changes have been made and normative references have been updated.
EN 12608, Unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) profiles for the fabrication of windows and doors —
Classification, requirements and test methods consists of the following parts:
— Part 1: Non-covered PVC-U profiles
— Part 2: PVC-U profiles covered with laminated foils bonded with adhesives
— Part 3: PVC-U profiles covered with paint (in preparation)
— Part 4: PVC-U profiles with thermo-laminated foils
— Part 5: PVC-U profiles with co-extruded coloured top-layer (in preparation)
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: 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 the United
Kingdom.
1 Scope
This document specifies the classifications, requirements and test methods for non-covered unplasticized
poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) profiles intended to be used for the fabrication of windows and doors.
NOTE For editorial reasons in this document the term “window” is used for window/door.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 477, Plastics — Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) based profiles — Determination of the resistance to impact of
profiles by falling mass
EN 478, Plastics — Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) based profiles — Determination of the appearance after
exposure at 150 °C
EN 479, Plastics — Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) based profiles — Determination of heat reversion
EN 513, Plastics — Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) based profiles — Determination of the resistance to artificial
weathering
EN 514, Plastics — Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) based profiles — Determination of the strength of welded
corners and T-joints
EN 15346, Plastics — Recycled plastics — Characterization of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) recyclates
EN 17508, Plastics — Unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) profiles for the fabrication of windows and
doors — Terminology of PVC based materials
EN 20105-A02, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part A02: Grey scale for assessing change in colour
(ISO 105-A02)
EN ISO 105-A01:2010, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part A01: General principles of testing
(ISO 105-A01:2010)
EN ISO 178, Plastics — Determination of flexural properties (ISO 178)
EN ISO 179-1, Plastics — Determination of Charpy impact properties — Part 1: Non-instrumented impact
test (ISO 179-1)
EN ISO 306, Plastics — Thermoplastic materials — Determination of Vicat softening temperature (VST)
(ISO 306)
EN ISO 3451-5, Plastics — Determination of ash — Part 5: Poly(vinyl chloride) (ISO 3451-5)
EN ISO 8256, Plastics — Determination of tensile-impact strength (ISO 8256)
EN ISO 18314-1, Analytical colorimetry — Part 1: Practical colour measurement (ISO 18314-1)
EN ISO 21306-2:2019, Plastics — Unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) moulding and extrusion
materials — Part 2: Preparation of test specimens and determination of properties (ISO 21306-2:2019)
EN ISO/CIE 11664-1, Colorimetry — Part 1: CIE standard colorimetric observers
EN ISO/CIE 11664-2, Colorimetry — Part 2: CIE standard illuminants
EN ISO/CIE 11664-4, Colorimetry — Part 4: CIE 1976 L*a*b* Colour space
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 17508 and the following 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
profile
product produced by extrusion
3.2
non-covered profile
profile without any surface covering and without any co-extruded layer(s) that are not made of PVC-U
EXAMPLE Profiles without laminated foils or painted surfaces.
Note 1 to entry: Profiles covered with a co-extruded layer other than PVC-U will be covered by a separate part of
this standard series (in preparation).
3.3
main profile
profile, which defines the structure of the window
Note 1 to entry: See Figure 1.
3.4
auxiliary profile
profile intended to be used for the fabrication of a window which is not a main profile
Note 1 to entry: Main and auxiliary profiles can be different according to the window construction techniques in
the individual countries.
Note 2 to entry: See Figure 1.
Key
1 transom
2 sash
3 frame
4 mullion
Figure 1 — Illustration of main profiles
3.5
external wall (of a main profile)
wall of a main profile corresponding to its sight and non-sight surfaces
3.6
sight surface
surface of a profile exposed to view when the installed window is closed
Note 1 to entry: See Figure 2.
3.7
visible surface
any surface or parts of surface of a profile which can be exposed to UV radiation after installation of the
window, open or closed (sight surface and non-sight visible surface)
Note 1 to entry: See Figure 2.
Key
1 + 2 sight surfaces
3 non-sight visible surface (rebate that is visible when the window is open)
4 non-visible surface
5 frame profile
6 sash/casement profile
NOTE Types of profiles are given as examples only.
Figure 2 — Designation of profile surfaces by the example of frame profile and sash profile
3.8
co-extruded profile
profile produced by using more than one extruder with different PVC-U materials according to EN 17508
in one production process without mixing them
3.9
nominal profile shape
shape and dimensions of a profile, as specified by the manufacturer
3.10
deviation from straightness
deviation of the longitudinal axis of a profile from the straight line
3.11
depth (of a profile)
d
dimension, measured at right angles to the glazing plane, between the front and the back sight surfaces
of a profile
Note 1 to entry: See “d” in Figure 3.
3.12
overall width (of a profile)
w
largest dimension, measured in the direction of the glazing plane, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis
of a profile
Note 1 to entry: See “w” in Figure 3.

Key
d depth of a profile
w overall width of a profile
Figure 3 — Cross-section of a typical profile
4 Classifications
4.1 General
The selection of appropriate classes necessary to fulfil national requirements may be given in a national
foreword of EN 12608-1.
4.2 Classification of climatic zones
For the purposes of this document, geographical Europe is divided in two zones, climate M (moderate)
and climate S (severe) as defined in Table 1. These climatic zones do not cover climates outside of
geographical Europe.
Table 1 — Classification of climatic zones in Europe
Class M (moderate climate) S (severe climate)
2 2
a
< 5 GJ/m ≥ 5 GJ/m
Annual total solar radiant exposure on horizontal
surface
and or
a
Average temperature of the warmest month per year < 22 °C ≥ 22 °C
NOTE For the purpose of this document, “moderate climate” refers in general to warm and humid weathering
conditions and “severe climate” to hot and dry weathering conditions. The relevant moderate and severe test
methods for artificial weathering can be found in EN 513.
a
Values measured according to the specifications of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

Profiles which are designed to be used in a severe climate (S) may also be used in a moderate climate (M).
In those countries where the two climatic zones exist, care should be taken that profiles designed for a
moderate climate (M) are not used in the severe climate (S).
4.3 Classification of material to the resistance to artificial weathering
For the resistance to artificial weathering, the material used for the surface of the profile shall be
classified according to Table 2. For calculation of the exposure time see Annex B.
Table 2 — Classification of material according to the resistance to artificial weathering
Class RUVM M S
Method 1 Method 1 Method 2
Test method according to EN 513
(climate M) (climate M) (climate S)
Radiant exposure in wavelength
2 2 2
1 GJ/m 8 GJ/m 12 GJ/m
range (300 to 800) nm
approximate exposure time (for
500 h 4 000 h 6 000 h
information)
4.4 Classification of main profiles according to the wall thickness of the external walls
For the wall thickness of the external walls, the main profiles shall be classified according to Figure 4 and
Table 3.
Figure 4 shows the areas of typical main profiles where the wall thicknesses of external walls shall satisfy
the requirements given in Table 3.

NOTE The types of walls are explained in Table 4.
Figure 4 — Areas of two typical main profiles with required external wall thicknesses
Table 3 — Classification of main profiles according to external wall thickness
Type of external wall Class A Class B Class C
(see Figure 4)
sight surface ≥ 2,8 mm ≥ 2,5 mm No requirement

non-sight surface ≥ 2,5 mm ≥ 2,0 mm No requirement

seal groove ≥ 2,0 mm ≥ 2,0 mm No requirement

not to consider No requirement No requirement No requirement

NOTE The classification of main profiles according to the wall thickness is intended to represent the
wide variations in profile and window design for the various systems which are in use in Europe. It is not
intended to imply differences in profile quality or in the performance of windows provided that the relevant
performance requirements for both profiles and windows are met.

In order to be classified for either class A or B both minimum requirements for the wall thickness shall
be fulfilled.
5 Requirements
5.1 Material
All requirements for materials are given in Annex A.
Recovered material rPVC-U may be re-stabilized and/or enhanced with additives (e.g. modifiers,
pigments, lubricants) before use.
The use of permitted materials on surfaces of profiles is given in Table 4.
Table 4 — Use of materials on surfaces of profiles
Visible surface Non-visible surface
Sight surface Non-sight visible surface
Any UV resistant material Any UV resistant material (class Any material according to
(class M or S) M or S) or reduced-UV resistant Annex A
material (class RUVM)
In the core of the profile any material according to Annex A may be used where any visible surfaces are
completely covered by co-extrusion with a material suitable for these surfaces according to Table 4.
The minimum value of thickness of the co-extruded surface layer shall be
— for sight surfaces 0,5 mm;
— for non-sight visible surfaces 0,2 mm.
There is no requirement concerning the thickness of the co-extruded surface layer
— for the inner surface of grooves with an entry width ≤ 5 mm;
— for grooves pro
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