This document specifies requirements for the biobanking of bacteria and archaea. It includes management of microbial material associated data as well as biosafety and biosecurity requirements. This document is applicable to all organizations performing biobanking with bacteria and archaea used for research and development. This document does not apply to processing methods for microbial materials intended for food/feed production, laboratories undertaking food/feed analysis or therapeutic use. NOTE International, national or regional regulations or requirements, or multiple of them, can also apply to specific topics covered in this document.