This International Standard provides guidance on the selection of methods used for the determination of trace elements in coal. The trace elements of environmental interest include antimony arsenic, beryllium, boron, cadmium, chlorine, chromium, cobalt, copper, fluorine, lead, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, selenium, thallium, vanadium and zinc. To this list can be added the radioactive trace elements, thorium and uranium. This International Standard does not prescribe the methods used for the determination of individual trace elements. The analysis of appropriate CRMs is essential to confirm the accuracy of any method used (see ISO Guide 33).