ISO 15528:2020

Overview - ISO 15528:2020 (Sampling paints and varnishes)

ISO 15528:2020 specifies standardized procedures for the sampling of paints, varnishes, coating powders and raw materials used in their manufacture. It applies to liquids, heat-liquefiable materials, powders, granules and pastes taken from a wide range of containers (cans, drums, tanks, tank wagons, ships’ tanks, barrels, sacks, big-bags, silos, conveyor belts, etc.). The standard defines how to obtain representative samples for testing, while sample preparation and reduction for testing are covered separately by ISO 1513.

Key topics and technical requirements

• General requirements: sampling must be performed by skilled personnel, considering health, safety, chemical compatibility, traceability and storage requirements.
• Terminology: clear definitions (batch, lot, individual/representative/average/top/middle/bottom/all-layer/composite samples, continuous/intermittent sampling).
• Sampling equipment: selection of device depends on product type, container and required sample size. Devices covered include:
  • Scoops (for solids and liquids; dimensions and operation described)
  • Sampling tubes (concentric, single-tube and valve types for liquids)
  • Sampling bottles/cans, bottom or zone samplers, spatulas, shovels and branch pipes
  • Requirements for material compatibility, ease of cleaning and handling
• Sampling procedures: pre-sampling inspection, number of samples and homogeneity assessment, methods for liquids, pastes and solids, sample-size reduction, labelling, storage and required sampling report content.
• Scope limits: ISO 15528 does not cover laboratory sample preparation/reduction procedures (see ISO 1513).

Practical applications and who uses ISO 15528

ISO 15528 is used to ensure representative, reproducible sampling across the paint and coatings supply chain. Typical users include:

• Paint, varnish and coating powder manufacturers (quality control, production)
• Raw material suppliers and procurement teams verifying incoming consignments
• Accredited testing laboratories and R&D departments preparing test samples
• Inspectors, auditors and regulatory bodies managing compliance and dispute resolution
• Logistics and shipping teams handling bulk transfers (tank wagons, ships’ tanks)

Practical benefits include improved test accuracy, reliable quality acceptance/rejection decisions, traceability for audits, and reduced sampling-related disagreements during transport or delivery.

Related standards

• ISO 1513 - Sample preparation and reduction for testing
• ISO 4618 - Paints and varnishes - Terms and definitions
• ISO 6206 - Chemical products for industrial use - Sampling - Vocabulary
• ISO 8130-9 - (historically related; powder coating sampling content was integrated into ISO 15528)

Keywords: ISO 15528:2020, sampling paints and varnishes, paint sampling, coating powders, sampling procedure, sampling equipment, representative sample.