This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of the development, mechanisms of action, international testing procedures, and applications of antimicrobial polymers. It highlights the importance of these materials in preventing microbial growth and mitigating the spread of infectious diseases, particularly in the health and food packaging sectors. The paper discusses various surface modification approaches to render polymers with antimicrobial properties, including the use of leachable and non-leachable antimicrobial agents. It also details international standard protocols for evaluating the antimicrobial properties of modified materials and addresses the toxicity of antimicrobial additives in healthcare and food packaging applications. The review covers different types of polymers, such as biocidal-releasing polymers, polymer micelles, polymer vesicles, dendrimers, and polymeric hydrogels, and their mechanisms of action against a range of microorganisms. Additionally, it explores the design of surfaces to prevent microbial adhesion and the fabrication of biocidal active surfaces. The paper concludes by discussing the potential of antimicrobial polymers in various applications, emphasizing their role in combating infectious diseases and their economic and societal benefits.This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of the development, mechanisms of action, international testing procedures, and applications of antimicrobial polymers. It highlights the importance of these materials in preventing microbial growth and mitigating the spread of infectious diseases, particularly in the health and food packaging sectors. The paper discusses various surface modification approaches to render polymers with antimicrobial properties, including the use of leachable and non-leachable antimicrobial agents. It also details international standard protocols for evaluating the antimicrobial properties of modified materials and addresses the toxicity of antimicrobial additives in healthcare and food packaging applications. The review covers different types of polymers, such as biocidal-releasing polymers, polymer micelles, polymer vesicles, dendrimers, and polymeric hydrogels, and their mechanisms of action against a range of microorganisms. Additionally, it explores the design of surfaces to prevent microbial adhesion and the fabrication of biocidal active surfaces. The paper concludes by discussing the potential of antimicrobial polymers in various applications, emphasizing their role in combating infectious diseases and their economic and societal benefits.