EN 12608-3:2026
(Main)Unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) profiles for the fabrication of windows and doors - Classification, requirements and test methods - Part 3: PVC-U profiles covered with paint
- Abstract
This document specifies the classifications, requirements and test methods for unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) profiles covered with paint designed for external uses which are intended to be used for the fabrication of windows and doors.
NOTE 1 The terms lacquer, varnish and coating are used as synonyms for paint.
NOTE 2 For editorial reasons in this document the term “window” is used for window/door.
NOTE 3 For the purpose of production control, test methods other than those specified in this document can be used.
- Status
- Not Published
- Publication Date
- 13-Oct-2026
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 249 - Plastics
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 249/WG 21 - Profiles for windows and doors
- Current Stage
- 6055 - CEN Ratification completed (DOR) - Publishing
- Start Date
- 24-Aug-2026
- Due Date
- 13-Nov-2026
- Completion Date
- 24-Aug-2026
EN 12608-3:2026 is a CEN standard for unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) profiles covered with paint. It specifies how these profiles are classified, what properties they have to meet, and which test methods are used for external applications in windows and doors.
For engineers, quality managers and buyers, it is the document to use when you need painted PVC-U window and door profiles with defined weathering, appearance, impact and traceability expectations.
What does EN 12608-3:2026 specify?
EN 12608-3:2026 specifies classifications, requirements and test methods for PVC-U profiles covered with paint for external use and intended for the fabrication of windows and doors. The standard also states that lacquer, varnish and coating are used as synonyms for paint, and that the term window is used to mean window/door.
The document is organized into clauses 1 to 9 on scope, normative references, terms, classifications, requirements for base profiles, paints and painted profiles, test methods, and traceability, plus one normative annex.
| Annex | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Annex A | Determination of the reflection behaviour of paints by spectral analysis |
A practical note in the scope says that other test methods may be used for production control.
What are the key requirements of EN 12608-3:2026?
EN 12608-3:2026 ties together three things: the base PVC-U profile, the paint system, and the finished painted profile. In practice, a supplier has to control all three, because compliance depends on the base material, the coating performance, and the final appearance after processing.
Classification and base-profile rules
Clause 4 classifies main base profiles by wall thickness of the external walls, resistance to impact by falling mass, base profile material resistance to artificial weathering, and paint resistance to artificial weathering. The paint classes are M 8 and S 12, linked to radiant exposure in the 300 to 800 nm range.
This matters because the selected class becomes part of the product definition and the traceability record. Clause 4 also notes that national requirements may be reflected in the national foreword.
Clause 5 says that if the base profile already conforms to EN 12608-1, no further base-profile requirements apply. For other base profiles, material, appearance, dimensions and tolerances, linear weight, heat reversion, and impact resistance have to follow the same requirements used for EN 12608-1 base profiles.
Paint requirements
Clause 6 requires the paint to be defined, suitable for coating PVC-U window profiles, and intended for external use. The paint has to be tested for resistance to artificial weathering using EN 513 Method 1 or Method 2 for the exposure time linked to its class.
After weathering, the paint has to retain colour fastness and visual integrity. For uniform colours, colour change can be checked by CIEDE2000; for metallic or non-uniform colours, visual assessment is used. In practice, this means the coating must not show spots, blisters, cracks or separation from the base profile.
Clause 6 also covers solar direct reflectance, which is tested by Annex A and calculated according to EN 410. The darkest paint, or the one with the highest carbon black content, is the one selected for this check.
Painted-profile requirements
Clause 7 sets requirements for the finished painted profile. Appearance has to be uniform, with no significant difference from the reference sample and no cracks, holes, blisters or other defects.
Colour is checked either instrumentally or by grey scale, depending on the colour type. Straightness of painted main profiles is limited, resistance to cross cut has to reach class 0, and paint thickness has to stay within the manufacturer’s tolerances while fully covering the PVC material.
Clause 7 also requires welded corners and T-joints of painted main profiles to meet the same strength requirements as the corresponding base profiles. After artificial weathering, the painted profile has to keep class 0 in the cross cut test and limit the reduction in mean Charpy impact strength to 40%.
Traceability
Clause 9 requires traceability information for the extruder and paint supplier, the relevant classes, production codes, and identification of recovered PVC or fibre reinforcement where applicable. Main profiles have to be identified at least every 2 m.
What terms does EN 12608-3:2026 define?
- Base profile - a profile without covering paint, intended to be painted later.
- Painted profile - a profile covered with paint.
- Paint - one or more layers of lacquer or varnish that cover a base profile.
- M 8 / S 12 - paint classes used for resistance to artificial weathering, linked to specified radiant exposure levels.
- rPVC - recovered PVC, which has to be identified in traceability information when used.
- FR - the marking used for fibre reinforced PVC material in traceability information.
Who uses EN 12608-3:2026?
EN 12608-3:2026 is used by PVC-U profile extruders, paint suppliers, profile coaters, and window and door manufacturers. It is also used by test laboratories, quality assurance teams, and buyers who need to specify or verify painted external profiles for fenestration products.
In practice, these users rely on it for product qualification, incoming inspection, type testing, process control, and traceability records.
Which standards are used with EN 12608-3:2026?
- EN 410 - used to calculate solar direct reflectance.
- EN 513 - gives the artificial weathering exposure methods used for paint and profile weathering tests.
- EN 514 - gives the welded corner and T-joint strength test.
- prEN 12608-1:2025 - provides the base-profile classes, requirements and test methods that EN 12608-3 builds on.
- EN 17508 - supplies PVC-U terminology used in this part.
- EN 20105-A02 - provides the grey scale used for visual colour assessment.
- EN ISO 179-1 - gives the Charpy impact test method used after weathering.
- EN ISO 2409 - provides the cross-cut test for coating adhesion.
- EN ISO 4892-2:2013 - defines the specimen-holder arrangements for weathering exposure.
- EN ISO 16474-1 - gives general guidance for laboratory light-source exposure and cleaning.
- EN ISO/CIE 11664-4 - defines the Lab* colour space and ΔE*ab.
- EN ISO/CIE 11664-6 - gives the CIEDE2000 colour-difference formula used for uniform colours.
What does the EN 12608-3:2026 document contain?
The document contains classification tables for base profiles and paints, including the weathering classes. It also contains a material-surface table that distinguishes visible and non-visible surfaces, plus colour acceptance criteria and straightness, adhesion and impact requirements for painted profiles.
Annex A provides the spectral method for measuring reflection behaviour, including the apparatus, specimen preparation, reflectance determination and the test report items. The main text also includes a traceability scheme with identification marks, rPVC and FR marking, and a pictogram reference.
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Frequently Asked Questions
EN 12608-3:2026 is a draft published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) profiles for the fabrication of windows and doors - Classification, requirements and test methods - Part 3: PVC-U profiles covered with paint". This standard covers: This document specifies the classifications, requirements and test methods for unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) profiles covered with paint designed for external uses which are intended to be used for the fabrication of windows and doors. NOTE 1 The terms lacquer, varnish and coating are used as synonyms for paint. NOTE 2 For editorial reasons in this document the term “window” is used for window/door. NOTE 3 For the purpose of production control, test methods other than those specified in this document can be used.
This document specifies the classifications, requirements and test methods for unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) profiles covered with paint designed for external uses which are intended to be used for the fabrication of windows and doors. NOTE 1 The terms lacquer, varnish and coating are used as synonyms for paint. NOTE 2 For editorial reasons in this document the term “window” is used for window/door. NOTE 3 For the purpose of production control, test methods other than those specified in this document can be used.
EN 12608-3:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 83.140.99 - Other rubber and plastics products; 91.060.50 - Doors and windows. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 12608-3:2026 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)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN 12608-3:2025
01-oktober-2025
Profili iz nemehčanega polivinilklorida (PVC-U) za izdelavo oken in vrat -
Razvrščanje, zahteve in preskusne metode - 3. del: Profili PVC-U, prevlečeni z
barvo
Unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) profiles for the fabrication of windows and
doors - Classification, requirements and test methods - Part 3: PVC-U profiles covered
with paint.
Profile aus weichmacherfreiem Polyvinylchlorid (PVC-U) zur Herstellung von Fenstern
und Türen - Klassifizierung, Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren - Teil3: PVC-U-Profile mit
Lackierung
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 3 : Profilés
en PVC‐U avec un revêtement laqué
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 12608-3
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
oSIST prEN 12608-3:2025 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
oSIST prEN 12608-3:2025
oSIST prEN 12608-3:2025
DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
prEN 12608-3
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
July 2025
ICS 83.140.99; 91.060.50
English Version
Unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) profiles for the
fabrication of windows and doors - Classification,
requirements and test methods - Part 3: PVC-U profiles
covered with paint.
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 3 : Klassifizierung, Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren -
Profilés en PVC-U avec un revêtement laqué Teil3: PVC-U-Profile mit Lackierung
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 249.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, 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.
This draft European Standard was established by CEN 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.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.
Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2025 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 12608-3:2025 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
oSIST prEN 12608-3:2025
prEN 12608-3:2025 (E)
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
1 Scope . 4
2 Normative references . 4
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Classifications . 5
4.1 General. 5
4.2 Classification of main base profiles according to the wall thickness of the external walls 5
4.3 Classification of main base profiles according to the resistance to impact by falling mass5
4.4 Classification of base profile materials according to the resistance to artificial weathering
............................................................................................................................................................................. 5
4.5 Classification of paints according to the resistance to artificial weathering . 5
5 Requirements for base profiles . 6
5.1 Base profiles in conformance with EN 12608-1 . 6
5.2 Other base profiles . 6
5.2.1 Material . 6
5.2.2 Appearance . 6
5.2.3 Dimensions and tolerances of base profiles . 6
5.2.4 Linear weight of the base profiles . 6
5.2.5 Heat reversion . 6
5.2.6 Resistance to impact by falling mass of the base profiles . 7
6 Requirements for paints . 7
6.1 General. 7
6.2 Resistance to artificial weathering . 7
6.3 Solar direct reflectance . 8
7 Requirements for painted profiles . 8
7.1 General. 8
7.2 Appearance . 8
7.3 Colour . 8
7.4 Deviation from straightness of the painted main profiles . 8
7.5 Resistance to cross cut . 9
7.6 Layer thickness . 9
7.7 Strength of welded corners and T-joints of painted main profiles . 9
7.8 Resistance to artificial weathering . 9
8 Test methods . 10
8.1 Visual inspection . 10
8.2 Determination of colorimetric coordinates . 10
9 Traceability . 10
Annex A (normative) Determination of the reflection behaviour of paints by spectral analysis11
oSIST prEN 12608-3:2025
prEN 12608-3:2025 (E)
European foreword
This document (prEN 12608-3:2025) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 249 “Plastics”,
the secretariat of which is held by SIS.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
EN 12608, Unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) profiles for the fabrication of windows and
doors — Classification, requirements and test methods, is currently composed with the following parts:
— Part 1: Non-covered PVC-U profiles
— Part 2: PVC-U profiles with laminated foils bonded with adhesives
— Part 3: PVC-U profiles covered with paint
— Part 4: PVC-U profiles with thermo-laminated foils
— Part 5: PVC-U profiles with coextruded coloured top-layer (in preparation)
oSIST prEN 12608-3:2025
prEN 12608-3:2025 (E)
1 Scope
This document specifies the classifications, requirements and test methods for unplasticized poly(vinyl
chloride) (PVC-U) profiles covered with paint designed for external uses which are intended to be used
for the fabrication of windows and doors.
NOTE 1 The terms lacquer, varnish and coating are used as synonyms for paint.
NOTE 2 For editorial reasons in this document the term “window” is used for window/door.
NOTE 3 For the purpose of production control, test methods other than those specified in this document can be
used.
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 410, Glass in building — Determination of luminous and solar characteristics of glazing
EN 513, Plastics — Poly(vinylchloride) (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
prEN 12608-1:2025, 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
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 179-1, Plastics — Determination of Charpy impact properties — Part 1: Non-instrumented impact
test (ISO 179-1)
EN ISO 2409, Paints and varnishes — Cross-cut test (ISO 2409)
EN ISO 4892-2:2013, Plastics — Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources — Part 2: Xenon-arc
lamps (ISO 4892-2:2013)
EN ISO 16474-1, Paints and varnishes — Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources — Part 1: General
guidance
EN ISO/CIE 11664-4, Colorimetry — Part 4: CIE 1976 L*a*b* colour space (ISO/CIE 11664-4)
EN ISO/CIE 11664-6, Colorimetry — Part 6: CIEDE2000 colour-difference formula (ISO/CIE 11664-6)
oSIST prEN 12608-3:2025
prEN 12608-3:2025 (E)
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
base profile
profile without covering paint intended for painting
3.2
painted profile
profile covered with paint
3.3
paint
one or several layer(s) of lacquer (e.g. acrylic or polyurethane resin) or varnish (clear coating material)
that cover(s) a base profile
4 Classifications
4.1 General
The selection of appropriate classes necessary to fulfil national requirements may be given in the national
foreword of this document.
4.2 Classification of main base profiles according to the wall thickness of the external
walls
For the wall thickness of the external walls, the main base profiles shall be classified according to
prEN 12608-1:2025, 4.5.
4.3 Classification of main base profiles according to the resistance to impact by falling
mass
For the resistance to impact by falling mass, the main base profiles shall be classified according to
prEN 12608-1:2025, 4.4.
4.4 Classification of base profile materials according to the resistance to artificial
weathering
For the resistance to artificial weathering, the base profile materials shall be classified according to
prEN 12608-1:2025, 4.3.
4.5 Classification of paints according to the resistance to artificial weathering
The resistance to artificial weathering of paints shall be classified according to Table 1 after testing
according to 6.2.
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