The Manual of Tests and Criteria contains criteria, test methods and procedures to be used for classification of dangerous goods according to the provisions of Parts 2 and 3 of the Model Regulations, as well as of chemicals presenting physical hazards according to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. As a consequence, it supplements also national and international regulations.

This publication contains classification procedures, test methods and criteria relating to substances and articles such as explosives, self-reacting substances, organic peroxides, flammable aerosols, flammable liquids, oxidizing substances, corrosive substances, and miscellaneous other dangerous goods such as fertilizers and lithium cells and batteries.

The fifth revised edition includes revised provisions for the testing and classification of lithium metal and lithium ion batteries, new test methods for transport equipment, an additional test for assigning classification code 1.4S to certain articles, a new test for determining whether pyrotechnic substances are to be considered as flash compositions for the purpose of classification, as well as various other revised provisions.