This document defines test and calculation methods for the determination of the reflection and transmission characteristics to be used to determine the thermal and visual comfort performance classes of external blinds, internal blinds and shutters, as specified in EN 14501. This document also specifies the method to determine opacity characteristics of dim-out/black-out external blinds, internal blinds and shutters, as specified in EN 14501. This document applies to the whole range of shutters, awnings and blinds defined in EN 12216, described as solar protection devices in the present document. Some of the characteristics (e.g. gtot) are not applicable when products are not parallel to the glazing (e. g. folding-arm awnings). Products using fluorescent or retroreflecting materials are out of the scope of this document.