SIST 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
• Public Enquiry End Date: 09-Jun-2025
• Publication Date: 20-Aug-2026
• ICS: 83.140.99 - Other rubber and plastics products
• ICS: 91.060.50 - Doors and windows
• Technical Committee: IPMA - Polimer materials and products
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 13-Aug-2026
• Due Date: 18-Oct-2026
• Completion Date: 21-Aug-2026
• Ref Project: 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

• Referred By: SIST EN 12608-4:2025 - 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
• Referred By: SIST EN 17410:2021 - Plastics - Controlled loop recycling of PVC-U profiles from windows and doors
• Effective Date: 12-Aug-2026
• Revises: SIST 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

Overview

SIST EN 12608-1:2026 defines the classifications, requirements, and test methods for non-covered unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) profiles used in the fabrication of windows and doors. Developed by the Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo (SIST), this standard applies specifically to profiles without additional surface coverings or coextruded layers. By setting consistent performance and quality criteria across Europe, SIST EN 12608-1:2026 ensures that manufacturers, builders, and regulators benefit from clarity and harmonization in the production and use of PVC-U window and door profiles.

Key Topics

• Classification of Profiles

  • Profiles are categorized based on climatic zones (moderate and severe), material resistance to artificial weathering, resistance to impact by falling mass, and wall thickness.
  • Profiles designed for severe climates may also be used in moderate climates, but not vice versa.

• Technical Requirements

  • Material: Only specified types of PVC-U materials may be used, ensuring UV and weather resistance where applicable.
  • Appearance: Surfaces must be clean, uniformly colored, and free from visible defects except where invisible after installation.
  • Dimensions: Strict tolerances exist for external dimensions, wall thickness, and straightness to support quality and reliable fit.
  • Linear Weight: Main profiles must meet minimum linear weight criteria to ensure structural integrity.
  • Physical Tests: Includes measures like heat reversion, resistance to impact, behavior after heating, and weldability.

• Test Methods

  • Testing includes visual inspection, dimensional analysis, measurement of linear weight, assessment of coextruded layer thickness (if present), and colorimetry.
  • Specific standard references are used for each test, supporting reproducibility across different laboratories and contexts.

• Traceability and Identification

  • Profiles must be identified with manufacturer, material class, traceability code, “contains recovered PVC” if applicable, and standard reference at regular intervals.

Applications

SIST EN 12608-1:2026 is instrumental for:

• Manufacturers of PVC-U Profiles: Ensuring compliance with quality, safety, and durability benchmarks, enhancing market acceptance and interoperability across Europe.
• Window and Door Fabricators: Using compliant profiles supports reliable product performance, longevity, and regulatory compliance in new builds and renovations.
• Construction Projects: Designers and constructors reference this standard for specifying suitable window and door products, promoting durability and weather resistance.
• Quality Assurance and Testing Laboratories: Provides standardized test methods and classifications necessary for consistent performance evaluation and certification processes.

The standard is particularly relevant in:

• Residential and commercial building construction
• Renovation and retrofitting of window and door systems
• Supply chain auditing and regulatory inspection

Related Standards

For comprehensive compliance and enhanced performance, the following standards should be considered alongside SIST EN 12608-1:2026:

• EN 477: Impact resistance of PVC profiles by falling mass
• EN 478: Appearance after exposure to high temperatures
• EN 479: Heat reversion of PVC-U profiles
• EN 513: Resistance to artificial weathering
• EN 514: Strength of welded corners and T-joints
• EN 17508: Terminology for PVC-based materials
• EN ISO 105-A01 / EN 20105-A02: Colour fastness tests
• EN ISO 178/179-1/306/3451-5/8256: Mechanical and thermal property tests

Practical Value

By adhering to SIST EN 12608-1:2026, industry stakeholders can ensure product reliability, meet legal and market requirements, and uphold the performance and sustainability qualities expected of modern PVC-U window and door systems. This contributes to safer, more energy-efficient, and aesthetically consistent building environments across 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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