The OECD Guidelines for the testing of chemicals represent a basic set of tools that are primarily for use in regulatory safety testing and subsequent chemical product notification and chemical registration. They can also be used for a variety of other purposes including the selection/ranking of candidate chemicals during the development of new chemicals and products and in toxicology research.

OECD Test Guidelines should not be confused with data requirements, which are the prerogative of national authorities. It is also not possible to devise 'standard' test methods appropriate for all chemicals/chemical products. Therefore, judgement must be exercised in each case to assess the suitability of a particular method.

The Test Guidelines are periodically updated in order to keep pace with progress in science. In addition, new Test Guidelines are developed and agreed upon, based on specific needs identified by OECD Member countries. OECD-wide networks of National Coordinators  and national experts provide the opportunity for input from scientists in government, academia and industry. Detailed information on the process of Test Guideline development, including the structure of the Test Guidelines Programme and responsibilities of those involved is available in Guidance Document No.1.

The work on test method development includes the Special Activity on Endocrine Disrupters Testing and Assessment (EDTA). Details of that activity can be found at the dedicated WebPages for the Endocrine Activity.

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