Overview
EN ISO 15528:2020 (ISO 15528:2020) specifies standardized procedures for the sampling of paints, varnishes, coating powders and raw materials used in their manufacture. Published by CEN/ISO in 2020, this European/International standard covers sampling from a wide range of product forms - liquids, materials that can be liquefied by heating, powders, granules and pastes - and from typical containers such as cans, drums, tanks, tank wagons, ships' tanks, barrels, sacks, big‑bags, silos and conveyor belts. EN ISO 15528:2020 focuses on correct sampling operations; it does not cover subsequent sample preparation or size reduction for testing (see ISO 1513).
Key topics and technical requirements
The standard addresses essential sampling principles and equipment, including:
- Terms and definitions used in sampling (batch, lot, individual/representative/average sample, top/middle/bottom/all‑layer, composite, continuous/intermittent samples, storage sample).
- General requirements (qualified personnel, cleanliness and documentation).
- Sampling equipment and devices: scoops, sampling tubes for liquids, sampling bottles/cans, bottom or zone samplers, spatulas, shovels, branch pipes and appropriate sample containers.
- Sampling procedures: pre‑sampling inspection, number of individual samples and homogeneity considerations, procedures for liquids, paste/pasty products, solids and powder coatings.
- Post‑sampling essentials: reduction in sample size (note: preparation for testing is in ISO 1513), labelling, storage and preparing the sampling report.
- Normative references include ISO 4618 (terms for paints) and ISO 6206 (sampling vocabulary).
Applications and who uses this standard
EN ISO 15528:2020 is used wherever reliable, representative sampling of paints, varnishes and related raw materials is required:
- Paint and coating manufacturers - incoming raw material inspection, batch release and quality control.
- Laboratories and testing houses - obtaining representative test specimens for conformity and performance testing.
- Suppliers and purchasers - sampling at receipt, during transport (tank wagons, ships' tanks) and at storage facilities (silos, big‑bags).
- Regulators, inspectors and dispute resolution experts - providing objective sampling methods for compliance checks and claims handling.
- Logistics and storage operators - standardized sampling during handling and transfer operations.
Related standards
Keywords: EN ISO 15528:2020, ISO 15528:2020, paints sampling, varnishes sampling, coating powders sampling, sampling procedure, sample containers, representative sample.