ISO 16000-10:2006 specifies a general laboratory test method for determination of the area specific emission rate of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from newly produced building products or furnishing under defined climate conditions. The method can also, in principle, be applied to aged products. The emission data obtained can be used to calculate concentrations in a model room.

According to the definition of an emission test cell, it is also possible to perform non-destructive emission measurements on building products on-site in buildings. However, the procedure for such measurements is not described in ISO 16000-10:2006. An example of an emission test cell is described.

ISO 16000-10:2006 is also applicable to wood-based panels and other building products, in order to determine the emission rate of formaldehyde.