This International Standard specifies sample preparation methods for determining mercury levels in new tubular fluorescent lamps (including single capped, double capped, self-ballasted and CCFL for backlighting) containing 0,1 mg mercury or more. The intended resolution of the methods described in this standard is of the order of 5 %. Mercury level measurement of spent lamps is excluded, as during lamp operation, mercury gradually diffuses into the glass wall and reacts with the glass materials. The test method of this standard does not recover mercury that is diffused into or reacted with or otherwise incorporated irreversibly with the glass wall of discharge tubes. This standard does not contain information on measurement. Measurement is specified in IEC 62321.