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233:1999
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Wallcoverings in roll |
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form Specification for |
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finished wallpapers, |
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wall vinyls and plastics |
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wallcoverings |
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The European Standard EN 233:1999 has the status of a |
British Standard |
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ICS 91.180 |
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NO COPYING WITHOUT BSI PERMISSION EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW
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BS EN 233:1999

National foreword
This British Standard is the English language version of EN 233:1999. It supersedes
BS EN 233:1997 which is withdrawn.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical Committee
CW/35, Wallcoverings, which has the responsibility to:

aid enquirers to understand the text;

present to the responsible European committee any enquiries on the
interpretation, or proposals for change, and keep the UK interests informed;
monitor related international and European developments and promulgate
them in the UK.

A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on request to

its secretary.
Cross-references
The British Standards which implement international or European publications
referred to in this document may be found in the BSI Standards Catalogue under the
section entitled International Standards Correspondence Index, or by using the
Find facility of the BSI Standards Electronic Catalogue.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, the EN title page,
pages 2 to 6, an inside back cover and a back cover.
The BSI copyright notice displayed in this document indicates when the document
was last issued.

This British Standard, having Amendments issued since publication

been prepared under the
direction of the Consumer Amd. No. Date Comments
Products and Services Sector
Committee, was published under
the authority of the Standards
Committee and comes into effect
on 15 October 1999

BSI 10-1999

ISBN 0 580 32654 3

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 233
NORME EUROPEENNE
EUROPAISCHE NORM June 1999

ICS 91.180 Supersedes EN 233:1989

English version

Wallcoverings in roll form Specification for finished wallpapers,

wall vinyls and plastics wallcoverings

Revetements muraux en rouleaux Specification Wandbekleidungen in Rollen Festlegungen fur

des papiers peints finis, des revetements muraux fertige Papier-, Vinyl- und
vinyles et des revetements muraux en plastique Kunstsoffwandbekleidungen

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 24 April 1999.

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 Central Secretariat 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 Central Secretariat has the
same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and
United Kingdom.

CEN
European Committee for Standardization
Comite Europeen de Normalisation
Europaisches Komitee fur Normung

Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart 36, B-1050 Brussels

1999 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CEN national
Members.
Ref. No. EN 233:1999 E
Page 2
EN 233:1999

Foreword Contents
This European Standard has been prepared by Page
Technical Committee CEN/TC 99 Wallcoverings, the
Secretariat of which is held by BSI. Foreword 2
This European Standard shall be given the status of a Introduction 3
national standard, either by publication of an identical 1 Scope 3
text or by endorsement, at the latest by 2 Normative references 3
November 1999, and conflicting national standards
shall be withdrawn at the latest by November 1999. 3 Definitions 3
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, 4 Categories 3
the national standards organizations of the following 5 Specifications 3
countries are bound to implement this European
6 Matching, application of adhesive,
Standard: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark,
removal and miscellaneous symbols 5
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland,
Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, 7 Marking, labelling, packaging 5
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. 8 Classification and designation 5
This European Standard replaces EN 233:1989 and Annex A (normative) Sampling for testing 6
EN 233:1989/A1:1996.
Annex B (informative) A-deviations 6
It specifies the requirements for finished wallpapers,
wall vinyls and plastics wallcoverings. The relevant test Bibliography 6
methods: dimensions, straightness, spongeability and
washability are described in EN 12956.
EN 233 includes an annex A, Sampling (normative) and
an informative annex B, A-deviation which are integral
parts of the standard.

BSI 10-1999

Introduction
A finished wallcovering is one that is not intended to
be decorated after hanging.
There are many types of wallcovering and varied
processes used in their manufacture. To ensure
satisfactory performance, it is important that the
decorators follow the manufacturer's recommended
hanging instructions for each particular product.
Various grades of washability and colour fastness to
light of finished wallcoverings are permitted. These
grades will facilitate the selection by the user of an
appropriate wallcovering and guide the decorator.
Other European Standards on the vocabulary used in
the wallcovering industry, wallcoverings for subsequent
decoration, textile wallcoverings and heavy duty
wallcoverings are also published:
EN 235, Wallcoverings in roll form Vocabulary and
symbols.
EN 234, Wallcoverings in roll form Specification for
wallcoverings for subsequent decoration.
EN 259, Wall coverings in roll form Specification
for heavy duty wall coverings.
EN 266, Wall coverings in roll form Specification
for textile wall coverings.
EN 12149, Wallcoverings in roll form
Determination of migration of heavy metals and
certain other elements, of vinyl chloride monomer and
of formaldehyde release.
EN 12956, Wallcoverings in roll form
Determination of dimensions, straightness,
spongeability and washability.
1 Scope
This European Standard:
specifies requirements for finished wallpapers,
wall vinyls and plastics wallcoverings;
specifies requirements for marking;
gives the designation system.
The marking requirements of this standard are
primarily for the consumer's information to enable
optimum selection of the product.
This standard applies to finished wallpapers, wall
vinyls and plastics wallcoverings not intended for
subsequent decoration supplied in rolls for hanging on
walls and ceilings by means of an adhesive covering
the whole of the interface between the wallcovering
and the support (wall or ceiling).
Excluded from this standard are rigid materials,
materials not attached or not wholly attached by
adhesive, wallcoverings for subsequent decoration,
textile wallcoverings and non-decorative wallcoverings
such as wall linings or those with special properties,
e.g. thermal or acoustic insulation.
BSI 10-1999
Page 3
EN 233:1999
2 Normative references
This European Standard incorporates by dated or
undated reference, provisions from other publications.
These normative references are cited at the
appropriate places in the text and the publications are
listed hereafter. For dated references, subsequent
amendments to or revisions of any of these
publications apply to this standard only when
incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For
undated references the latest edition of the publication
referred to applies.
EN 235, Wallcoverings in roll form Vocabulary and
symbols.
EN 12149, Wallcoverings in roll form Determination
of migration of heavy metals and certain other
elements, of vinyl chloride monomer and of
formaldehyde release.
EN 12956, Wallcoverings in roll form Determination
of dimensions, straightness, spongeability and
washability.
EN 20105-B02, Textiles Tests for colour fastness
Part B02: Colour fastness to artificial light
(Xenon arc fading lamp test).
(ISO 105-B02:1988)
EN ISO 186, Paper and board Sampling to
determine average quality.
(ISO 186:1994)
3 Definitions
3.1 Definitions
For the purposes of this standard the definitions given
in EN 235 apply, together with the following:
3.1.1
frieze
decorative element in roll form, of width not less than
32 mm and not greater than 500 mm
3.1.2
reference sample
sample used for reference purposes to evaluate the
changes that have occurred after the various tests
carried out on the specimens
4 Categories
For the purposes of this standard:
Category 1 designates the wallcoverings covered by
this standard and characterized by a specific width
and area;
Category 2 designates the wallcoverings covered by
this standard and characterized by a minimum
nominal width threshold; and
Category 3 designates friezes.
5 Specifications
5.1 General
The dimensions specified for the three categories of
covering shall be measured in accordance with the
requirements of EN 12956. See annex A.
Page 4
EN 233:1999

5.2 Dimensions 5.6 Colour fastness to light

5.2.1 Category 1 5.6.1 The numerical rating for colour fastness to light
The area of the roll shall be 5 326 m2 3 % shall be determined in accordance with the
requirements of EN 20105-B02 at a relative humidity of
The nominal width and length of a roll shall be 60 % to 70 % and a maximum black panel temperature
marked. The actual width and length shall not deviate of 45 8C.
from the nominal values by more than 1,5 %.
A wallcovering conforming to this standard shall have
The nominal width shall be not less than 50 cm and a rating of not less than 4.
not greater than 53 cm.
5.6.2 The symbols illustrating the levels of colour
5.2.2 Category 2 fastness to light shall be as given in EN 235.
The nominal width and length of a roll shall be 5.7 Maximum migration of heavy metals and
marked. The tolerance on the actual width and length certain other elements
shall be 1,5 %.
5.7.1 Test method
The nominal width shall be not less than 60 cm.
The test method shall be method A of EN 12149.
5.2.3 Category 3 (friezes) 5.7.2 Requirements
The nominal length of a roll shall be marked. The The migration of heavy metals and specific elements,
tolerance on the actual length shall be 1,5 % in the expressed as mg/kg of wallcovering, shall not exceed
case of roll of length not less than 10 m, the values in Table 1.
otherwise 3 %.
5.7.3 Interpretation of results
The nominal width shall be not less than 32 mm.
The analytical results obtained from the tests specified
5.3 Straightness and parallelity of the edges in EN 12149 shall be corrected by subtracting the value
The straightness and parallelity of the edges shall be of the analytical correction factors given in Table 2 in
measured in accordance with the requirements order to obtain a corrected analytical result.
of EN 12956. Wallcoverings shall be considered to meet the
The edges of the roll shall be straight and parallel over requirements of this European Standard if the
its entire length, with the following tolerances: corrected analytical result does not exceed the limits
straightness: over any 1 m length, the edges shall indicated in Table 1.
NOTE 1 Given the precision of the methods specified in this
not deviate more than 1 mm from straight; European Standard, it is necessary to use the corrected analytical
parallelity: the 3 width measurements taken in result to take into account the results of interlaboratory tests
accordance with the requirements of EN 12956 shall (see annex D of EN 71-3:1994).
not differ by more than 1 mm. EXAMPLE Analytical result for lead: 120 mg/kg.
Corresponding analytical correction in Table 2: 30 %.
5.4 Spongeability Corrected analytical result = 120 2 (120 3 30) / 100 =
For a wallcovering conforming to this standard, it shall 120 2 36 = 84 mg/kg. This is regarded as satisfying the
be possible to wipe off the hanging adhesive while it is requirements of the standard (lead: 90 mg/kg).
NOTE 2 The measuring methods used in EN 12149 are derived
still damp from the front face of the wallcovering with directly from EN 71-3:1994 on the safety of toys. Annex D of
a damp cloth or sponge without causing visible EN 71-3:1994, in particular D.4 Statistical uncertainty of the test
damage. procedure and interpretation of results justifies the introduction
of a correction factor.
Accordingly, a wallcovering subjected to the
spongeability test described in EN 12956 shall exhibit Table 1 Maximum migration of heavy metals
no damage or change likely to alter its appearance as a and other elements
wallcovering. Heavy metal Symbol Maximum migration in
This symbol indicating this spongeable level shall be or element mg/kg of wallcovering
as given in EN 235. Antimony* Sb 20
5.5 Washability Arsenic** As 8
5.5.1 If a wallcovering is claimed to be washable Barium Ba 1 000
during its life after hanging, it shall be qualified as
Cadmium Cd 25
washable, extra-washable or scrubbable according
to its grade of washability. Chromium Cr 60
5.5.2 When tested under the test conditions specified Lead Pb 90
for each level of washability by EN 12956, a Mercury Hg 20
wallcovering shall exhibit no damage or change likely
Selenium Se 165
to alter its appearance as a wallcovering compared
with the reference sample. * The limit for Sb is not applicable to wallcoverings that have
fire reaction properties that appear in an evaluation test report.
5.5.3 The symbols indicating the washability levels ** The limit for As is not applicable to wallcoverings that claim
shall be as given in EN 235. to have undergone anti-fungal or anti-bacterial treatment.

BSI 10-1999

Table 2 Analytical correction factor
Element Sb As Ba Cd Cr Pb Hg
Analytical 60 60 30 30 30 30 50 60
correction factor
(in percentage)
5.8 Maximum vinyl chloride monomer (VCM)
content
5.8.1 Test method
The test method shall be method B of EN 12149.
5.8.2 Requirements
The maximum vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) content,
measured as mg/kg of wallcovering, shall not
exceed 0,2.
5.9 Maximum formaldehyde release
5.9.1 Test method
The test method shall be method C of EN 12149.
5.9.2 Requirements
The maximum formaldehyde release, measured as
mg/kg of wallcovering, shall not exceed 120.
6 Matching, application of adhesive,
removal and miscellaneous symbols
6.1 The symbols indicating pattern matching shall be
as given in EN 235.
6.2 The symbols indicating means of application of
the adhesive shall be as given in EN 235.
6.3 The symbols indicating the method of removal
shall be as given in EN 235.
6.4 A symbol indicating overlapping joins and double
cutting and a symbol indicating a duplex embossed
wallcovering shall be as given in EN 235.
7 Marking, labelling, packaging
7.1 Visible marking
When compliance with this standard is claimed, the
roll, its packaging or a label inside the packaging of
the roll shall state the specific characteristics of the
wallcovering in such a way that the information below
can be read by the purchaser without removing the roll
from the packaging.
a) The number of this European Standard,
i.e. EN 233.
b) The name or identification mark of the
manufacturer, supplier or distributor.
c) The product description, using where appropriate,
the terms from EN 235.
d) The product identification, i.e. pattern number
and batch number.
e) The nominal width and length of the roll for
categories 1 and 2.
f) The nominal length for category 3 (friezes).
g) For a washable wallcovering, the symbol from
EN 235 corresponding to its grade of washability.
h) The symbol from EN 235 corresponding to its
grade of colour fastness to light.
BSI 10-1999
Page 5
EN 233:1999
j) The symbol(s) from EN 235 corresponding to the
Se
means of applying the adhesive.
k) The symbol from EN 235 indicating the need for
hanging in reverse alternate lengths if this is
essential to give a satisfactory appearance.
l) The symbol from EN 235 for design repeat
dimensions.
7.2 Additional marking
If appropriate, the following information shall be given
on the roll, on a label or on an information sheet
inside the packaging of the roll:
a) The symbol from EN 235 giving additional hanging
instructions.
b) The type of adhesive to be used.
c) The symbol from EN 235 for method of removal.
d) The symbol from EN 235 indicating whether the
wallcovering is duplex embossed.
7.3 Consistency of marking
The information given in promotional literature, in the
pattern book, marked on the pattern slip and on
cartons shall be consistent with the information given
with the roll as defined in 7.1 and 7.2.
8 Classification and designation
8.1 General
If a designation system is used for the wallcoverings
covered by this standard, it shall meet the following
requirements.
8.2 Designation
The designation comprises the optional explanatory
terms defined in EN 235 and a mandatory identification
system made up of an EN number box and specific
boxes as follows:
Wallcovering EN 233 1 1 1 3 2 2 2 2 3 4 5 6
where
1: designates the width boxes (3 boxes) where the
numbers giving the width of the roll rounded to
the nearest centimetre are inserted;
2: designates the length boxes (4 boxes) where the
numbers giving the length of the roll rounded to
the nearest centimetre are inserted;
3: designates washability box: insert the letter from
EN 235 corresponding to the grade of washability;
4: designates colour fastness to light box: insert the
corresponding figure;
5: designates application of adhesive box: insert the
corresponding letter from EN 235;
6: designates removal box: insert the corresponding
figure from EN 235.
EXAMPLE
A finished wallcovering, of width 0,53 m and
length 10,05 m, scrubbable, with good colour
fastness to light, prepasted and peelable is designated
as follows:
Wallcovering EN 233 053 3 1005 D 5 K 2
Page 6
EN 233:1999
Annex A (normative)
Sampling for testing
Samples for testing shall be taken from wallcoverings
not more than 14 days after manufacture, in
accordance with EN ISO 186, except that:
a) for the purposes of this standard, a making is
regarded as equivalent to a lot, and a roll is a unit.
Each lot making up part of a consignment consisting
of more than one shall be sampled separately;
b) the rolls selected for sampling may be chosen at
random or if the manufacturer, in marking, indicates
the order of packing, the selection may be made
with reference to this order of packing;
c) unless otherwise specified, the method of cutting
the samples shall be modified so that each test piece
is cut from at least 1 m from the end of the roll and
the test pieces are distributed over the whole width
of the roll and extending at least 500 mm along the
length;
d) the total area of the material taken from each roll
shall be at least twice the area required for the tests
in order to permit repeat tests without resampling.
Annex B (informative)
A-deviations
A-deviation: National deviation due to regulations, the
alteration of which is for the time being outside the
competence of the CEN/CENELEC member.
This European Standard falls under Directive
89/106/EC.
NOTE (from CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations Part 2:1994,
3.1.9): Where standards fall under EU Directives, it is the view of
the Commission of the European Communities (OJ No C 59,
9.3.1982) that the effect of the decision of the Court of Justice in
case 815/79 Cremonini/Vrankovich (European Court Reports 1980,
p. 3583) is that compliance with A-deviations is no longer
mandatory and that the free movement of products complying
with such a standard should not be restricted within the EU
except under the safeguard procedure provided for in the relevant
Directive.
A-deviations in an EFTA country are valid instead of
the relevant provisions of the European Standard in
that country until they have been removed.
Clause Deviation
5.9.2 Czech Republic ( 71 Article 2 letter a) of act
No 20/1966 Coll. and 2 Article 2 of Decree
No 45/1966 Coll.
Formaldehyde released shall not cause the
concentration in the air to exceed 0,035 mg/m3.
Bibliography
EN 71-3:1994, Safety of toys Part 3: Migration of
certain elements.
BSI 10-1999
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BS EN |
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233:1999 |
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