ISO 13500:2008 covers physical properties and test procedures for materials manufactured for use in oil- and gas-well drilling fluids. The materials covered are barite, haematite, bentonite, nontreated bentonite, OCMA-grade bentonite, attapulgite, sepiolite, technical-grade low-viscosity carboxymethylcellulose (CMC‑LVT), technical-grade high-viscosity carboxymethylcellulose (CMC-HVT), starch, low-viscosity polyanionic cellulose (PAC-LV), high-viscosity polyanionic cellulose (PAC-HV) and drilling-grade Xanthomonas campestris (Xanthan gum).

ISO 13500:2008 is intended for the use of manufacturers of named products.