Official specifications and certification requirements for all equipment used in ICTTF-sanctioned competition.
The ICTTF Equipment Standards Rulebook is the definitive guide to all permitted equipment across the three classic table tennis disciplines governed by the federation. This document is updated annually at the Annual General Meeting.
All equipment used in ICTTF World Cup, World Tour, and sanctioned national events must conform to these standards. Equipment that has not been approved or certified may not be used in official competition.
| Item | Sand Bat | Hard Bat | Wood Bat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blade Material | Natural wood only - no composites | Natural wood only - no composites | Natural wood only - no composites |
| Surface Material | 180-220 grit only | ICTTF-listed short pips, no sponge | None — bare wood only |
| Handle Type | Any approved handle | Any approved handle | Any approved handle |
| Colour Restriction | No Restriction | No Restriction | |
| Certification Required | Yes — ICTTF Cert. label | Yes — ICTTF Cert. label | Yes — ICTTF Cert. label |
| Ball Specification | ICTTF approved 40mm+ plastic | ICTTF approved 40mm+ plastic | ICTTF approved 40mm+ plastic |
| Table Specification | ICTTF standard 9×5ft | ICTTF standard 9×5ft | ICTTF standard 9×5ft |
Only ICTTF-certified sandpaper bats may be used in official competition. The ICTTF maintains an approved equipment list which is updated twice annually. Your bat must display the current ICTTF certification sticker on the blade face.
Only 180-220+ grit sandpaper is allowed…
Finer grits (200+) are allowed.
No. Under ICTTF Hard Bat rules, no sponge layer of any thickness is permitted. The rubber must be applied directly to the blade surface.
Composite blades (including carbon, aramid, and glass fibre) are permitted in Sand Bat and Hard Bat categories subject to ICTTF certification. In the Wood Bat category, only natural wood blades are permitted — No composites blades (including carbon, aramid, and fibre) of any kind are permitted or allowed in Classic Table Tennis. Only natura;l wood blades are allowed.
Contact the ICTTF Ezquipment department ' phrase hot, send an email to ICTTF.Chair@gmail.com and ensure subject is Equipment Committee.
