The Berlin-based Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) is a higher federal authority and research institute for science and technology. According to its guidelines on "material and chemical safety" and in line with its statutory duties (e. g. in areas such as hazardous materials law, explosives law, and chemicals law), the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing is responsible for ensuring the safe and environmentally compatible use of technical facilities and products, as well as the provision of reference procedures and reference materials. The BAM works in close co-operation with universities, other research institutes, industry, and as part of European and international networks to conduct research and development activities and engage in knowledge and technology transfer. It is also involved in standardisation and in developing other technical rules for assessing substances, materials, structures, and procedures. In addition, the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing engages in technical co-operation with developing countries and emerging economies, particularly as part of twinning projects.

The Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing is responsible for the following tasks:

  • The advancement of material and chemical safety, not least by conducting its own research and development in BAM's fields of expertise
  • Fulfilling its statutory duties to ensure technical safety, particularly in the area of hazardous substances and hazardous materials
  • Implementation and evaluation of the physical and chemical testing of materials and equipment, including the preparation of reference procedures and reference materials to ensure that national objectives such as technical safety, public health, environmental protection, and the safeguarding of economic assets are met
  • Conformity assessment under European law, e. g. in the fields of explosive materials, pyrotechnics, or construction products
  • Knowledge and technology transfer in BAM's fields of expertise
  • Cooperation with national and international organisations and bodies in the fields of materials engineering and chemicals and in the development of standards and statutory regulations, for example in the establishment of safety standards and thresholds
  • Advising the Federal Government and business

The Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing undergoes external evaluation and accreditation procedures itself to ensure that it possesses the necessary expertise to conduct its work.