EN 196-1 Certified Reference Sand for Cement and Mortar Testing
Alliance Silica® is an authorised regional distributor of SNL (Société Nouvelle du Littoral) certified standard sand, manufactured in France in accordance with the EN 196-1 international standard. Recognised as the global reference sand, it is widely used for cement testing, mortar strength evaluation, and laboratory quality control.
Through our authorised partnership, we ensure full traceability from source to site. Each batch is certified, particle size distribution is strictly controlled, and complete technical documentation is readily available
The International Standard for Cement and Mortar Testing
EN 196-1 standard sand is a precisely graded natural silica sand required by testing laboratories, cement manufacturers, and quality control departments worldwide. It serves as the reference material for determining the compressive strength of cement under controlled conditions - ensuring consistency and comparability across every test performed.
Alliance Silica® supplies this product directly from SNL in France - the sole authorised manufacturer of EN 196-1 certified standard sand. Our authorised distributor status means every shipment comes with full certification, verified batch traceability, and guaranteed compliance with the international standard.
Technical Specifications
- Certified to EN 196-1 international standard products
- Natural silica sand, sourced and manufactured in France
- Controlled grain size distribution (0.08 mm to 2.00 mm)
- SiO₂ content ≥ 98%
- Low Fe₂O₃ content
- French origin
- Consistent moisture levels across all batches
- Batch-traceable from manufacture to delivery
- Full technical data sheets available for download
Products Available from SNL
As an authorised distributor, Alliance Silica® can supply the following products from SNL (Société Nouvelle du Littoral):
- CEN Standard Sand - EN 196-1 - 1.35 kg plastic bags, packaged in boxes of 16 bags, pallets of 45 boxes
- SNL Graded Sand - 25 kg bags, pallets of 40 bags
- SNL 20-30 Sand - 25 kg bags, pallets of 40 bags
- Other sand and reference materials supplied by SNL - available on request
Get Your Certified Sand in Three Steps
EN 196-1 certified sand is a straightforward purchase. Download the full technical data sheet, confirm your requirements, and get in touch - we'll handle the rest.
A Top Authorised Distributor in the Region
SNL certified standard sand can only be sourced from one manufacturer worldwide. As the authorised regional distributor, Alliance Silica® gives you direct access to that product - with full certification documentation, verified batch traceability, and the assurance that what you receive is exactly what the standard requires.
We are an authorised distributor of SNL certified standard sand, and the only authorised distributor in Sudan. Every shipment carries official certification from the manufacturer , not a third-party claim.
Every batch is traceable from French origin. Complete certification documentation is included with every order.
Full technical data sheets are available for download without a form submission. Review the complete specification before you place an order.
Headquartered in Dubai with supply capability across the UAE, GCC, and Africa. We manage export documentation and customs clearance as standard.
FAQs
We supply two main product lines: SNL Certified Standard Sand (EN 196-1 certified reference sand for laboratory testing and cement quality control) and Specialty Silica Sand (natural graded silica for construction, industrial, sports, filtration, and energy applications). We also source custom-graded solutions for projects with specific technical requirements.
We supply silica sand across five core sectors: Construction, Specialty Industrial (glass, foundry, ceramics, coatings), Sports & Leisure (golf bunkers, turf infill, equestrian surfaces), Filtration (water treatment, desalination, pool filtration), and Oil & Gas (frac sand, well cementing).
We source natural graded silica sand from multiple origins worldwide, including South Africa, France, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. This multi-origin approach allows us to match the right material to each application and maintain consistent supply regardless of regional availability.
Alliance Silica® operates in line with internationally recognised standards, with key accreditations including EN 196-1 (via SNL France), ISO certification, ICV registration, and DEWA approval.Our compliance framework is continuously evolving, allowing us to meet additional certification and project-specific requirements on demand.
It starts with a conversation. Tell us about your project, application, and technical requirements. We'll recommend the right grade, provide specifications or a TDS, and agree pricing and delivery terms. Once confirmed, we handle sourcing, quality verification, documentation, and logistics through to delivery.
Yes. We manage export documentation and customs clearance as standard on every international order. Whether you need delivery within the UAE, across the GCC, or to Europe or Africa, we handle the logistics end to end.