An important part in development of new chemicals and materials is to investigate their properties. This investigation is generally called characterisation. When energetic materials are developed, additional investigations related to safety and performance are needed due to their special nature to deflagrate or detonate. Characterisation is not only done on new materials but is also used in risk assessment of e.g. munition stored for long periods of time or munition carried in out of area operations intended for hometaking. This report focuses therefore on characterisation related to safety and performance of energetic materials (including propellants and explosives). Some of the test metods most commonly used by FOI in characterisation of energetic materials are summarised. The report deals also with a discussion about testing and qualification of insensitive munitions.