This document specifies a laboratory test method for the determination of the aerobic biodegradability of textile materials in seawater by measuring the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) or the amount of evolved carbon dioxide.

This method involves a test under an aerobic condition, which is intended to replicate the sea surface area conditions. It applies to textile materials, such as staple fibres, tops, yarns and fabrics. This test method is not intended for evaluating anaerobic biodegradation of textile materials, as simulating deep sea environments is out of the scope of this document.