[en] One of the main objectives of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) is the testing of tritium breeding blankets for a subsequent DEMO power plant. This paper reviews the main features of the ITER device which are relevant for this mission. Space and remote handling provisions are addressed, and the main test objectives are described. The operation conditions of ITER are outlined, and commented in view of their relevance for blanket testing. While the pulse characteristics are fully appropriate, the wall loading, and in particular the neutron fluence provided by ITER, still require substantial extrapolation to DEMO conditions. These restrictions, together with the envisaged operation schedule, makes careful planning necessary to satisfy the testing intentions of the four ITER Home Teams. (orig.)