This European Standard specifies a system for the classification of coating materials and coating systems for exterior wood surfaces by categories of end use, appearance and exposure conditions. It is applicable to all coating materials and coating systems intended for decoration and protection of exterior wood surfaces including those which contain biologically protective ingredients for the protection of coatings and their interface with the wood surface (film preservation). The coating materials may include biologically active ingredients for the protection of the liquid coating material, for example during storage (in-can preservation). This European Standard is not applicable to wood preservatives. Guidance on selection criteria and the procedures for users’ selection are given for information in annex A.