This European Standard specifies the performance requirements and the corresponding test methods for all natural stone slabs, for external paving use. External paving use includes all pavements typical of road works, such as pedestrian and trafficked areas, outdoor squares and similar to be used in an outdoor condition that are subject to the weathering agents, such as temperature changes, rain, ice, wind, etc. It provides for product marking and for the evaluation of conformity of the product to this European Standard. This European Standard covers also characteristics that are of importance to the trade. It does not cover internal flooring tiles or slabs or any paving functionally related to buildings, in these cases reference should be made to EN 12058. At present it does not cover the effect of de-icing salts (see clause 4.3) as there is no agreed test method.