This European Standard specifies methods for reducing combined samples to laboratory samples and laboratory samples to sub-samples and general analysis samples. The methods described in this European Standard may be used for sample preparation, for example, when the samples are to be tested for bulk density, biomass determination, durability, particle size distribution, moisture content, ash content, ash melting behaviour, calorific value, chemical composition, and impurities. The methods are not intended to be applied to the very large samples required for the testing of bridging properties.