AAS法的原理在于将试验溶液吸入乙炔/空气火焰中。测量由镉空心阴极或镉放电灯发射的选定光谱线在228,8 nm范围内的吸收。极谱法的原理是在极谱池中电解试验溶液，测量相应的电位台阶高度。该方法适用于“可溶性”镉含量在约0.05%（m/m）至5%（m/m）范围内的涂层材料。在发生争议的情况下，应使用AAS法作为仲裁方法。第二版取消并取代ISO 3856/4- 1980.

The principle of the AAS method consists in inspiration of the test solution into an acetylen/air flame. Measurement of the absorption of the selected spectral line emitted by a cadmium hollow-cathode or cadmium discharge lamp, in the region of 228,8 nm. The principle of the polarographic method consists in electrolysis of the test solution in a polarographic cell measurement of the corresponding heigth of the potential step. The method are applicable to coating materials having "soluble" cadmium contents in the range of about 0,05 % (m/m) to 5 % (m/m). The AAS method should be used as the referee method in cases of dispute. This second edition cancels and replaces ISO 3856/4-1980.