BAM is the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing. Its competences are to improve safety and reliability in chemical and materials technologies through research and development, testing, analysis, approvals, advice and information.

Within the interconnected fields of materials, chemistry, environment and safety, the main areas are:

• Statutory functions relating to technical safety in the public domain, especially as regards dangerous materials and substances
• Collaboration in developing statutory regulations, for example on safety standards and threshold values
• Advising the Federal Government and industry on safety aspects of materials and chemical technology
• The development and supply of reference materials and methods, in particular for chemical analysis and materials testing
• Assisting in the development of standards and technical regulations for the evaluation of substances, materials, structures and processes with reference to damage prediction and preservation of national economic values.

Division III.1 Areas of expertise

Safety assurance and development in the transportation and handling of dangerous goods, both packaged and in bulk.

The division's work is entirely related to public technical safety (safety in the transport of dangerous goods) in its role as the central competent authority in Germany. This includes recognising competent and neutral bodies to undertake testing, inspection and supervision and organizing the exchange of information and the uniform application of the rules. It supports the Federal government, especially the Federal Ministry for Transportation, Construction and Housing (BMVBW), in the implementation and evolution of technical provisions, the related standardization work, both nationally and internationally and performs research and development work in this context. The division also provides for detailed information on the national and international transport regulations.