Iran has been a major ceramic and porcelain tile producer for decades, and Iranian tiles now reach more than 20 countries across Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and Eastern Europe. For a buyer sourcing tiles for the first time, though, the terminology and paperwork can be confusing. This guide covers the basics: the main body types, the sizes you'll typically be quoted, and the certifications worth asking about before you place an order.
Red body, white body, or porcelain?
Nearly every ceramic tile falls into one of three broad categories, and the difference matters for both price and where the tile is best used.
Red body tiles
Made from red clay, fired at a lower temperature than porcelain. Red body tiles are typically used for wall applications and lighter-duty flooring. They're the most economical option and are widely used in residential interiors.
White body tiles
Made from a lighter-colored clay body, white body tiles generally offer a cleaner base for glazing and printing, which shows up as more consistent color and pattern definition. They sit between red body and porcelain in both cost and durability.
Porcelain tiles
Fired at a higher temperature from a denser clay mix, porcelain tiles have lower water absorption and higher mechanical strength. That makes them suitable for higher-traffic floors, commercial spaces, and exterior applications where durability matters more than upfront cost.
Common export sizes
Size availability varies by product line, but two formats come up constantly in export orders: 60x60 cm and 60x120 cm. The larger 60x120 format has become increasingly popular for modern flooring and large-format wall cladding because it reduces the number of visible grout lines. Smaller and other formats are also produced -- if you have a specific project spec, it's worth checking availability and lead time directly rather than assuming a size is in stock.
Finishes
Beyond body type and size, tiles are also differentiated by surface finish -- matte, polished, and textured finishes are all common, and the right choice usually depends on whether the tile is going on a floor (where slip resistance matters) or a wall or feature surface (where appearance is the priority).
Certifications worth checking
Because international tile trade involves customs, quality inspections, and sometimes financing, it's reasonable for a buyer to ask a supplier about its certifications and standing before committing to an order. At minimum, look for:
- Iran National Standard mark -- confirms the product meets Iran's own manufacturing standard.
- ISO 9001 -- an internationally recognized quality management certification, indicating the manufacturer has documented, consistent production and quality-control processes.
- Chamber of Commerce membership -- membership in Iran's Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture is a basic marker of a legitimate, registered exporting business.
- Export track record -- a supplier that can point to a real, multi-year history of shipments to multiple countries (rather than a single market) has already worked through the logistics, documentation, and customs questions that a first-time buyer is likely to run into.
Why this matters for a first order
Sourcing tiles internationally is not just about picking a design from a catalog -- it also means trusting a supplier to package, document, and ship a container correctly, and to stand behind the shipment if something needs to be resolved after the fact. Khatam Ardakan has been manufacturing ceramic and porcelain tiles since 2000, and ir-build was set up specifically to handle the export side of that business: documentation, shipping method selection, and staying with the customer through to final delivery.
If you're evaluating suppliers for an upcoming order, feel free to get in touch through our quote form or browse the current catalog by material, size, or finish.