This part of ISO 16000 specifies a test method for determination of the area-specific emission rate of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) from newly produced building products or furnishings under defined climate conditions using a micro-chamber. The method can in principle also be applied to aged products. This measurement method is applicable to products and materials, such as board materials, wallpapers, flooring materials, insulation materials, adhesives, paints, and their combinations.

Sampling, transport and storage of materials to be tested, and preparation of test specimens are specified in ISO 16000-11. Air sampling and analytical methods for the determination of SVOCs are specified in ISO 16000-6 and ISO 16017-1.

An example of a micro-chamber is described in Annex B.