The shoreline and coastal zone protection is a major challenge faced by the coastal engineers in the recent times due to severe environmental changes taking place all over the world. Conventional materials such as rock and tetrapod units made of concrete are used for the construction of coastal protection structures. In the recent times, there is an increase in the usage of geosynthetics based products for the construction of various shore protection measures such as sea walls, groynes, breakwaters, perched beaches, etc. These materials are more environmental friendly when compared to the conventional materials. The challenge for the geosynthetics manufacturer lies in making the material durable under marine conditions. The tensile strength and elongation properties, apparent opening size, UV resistance, puncture strength, factory seam strength, abrasion resistance and water flow rate are some of the tests carried out on geosynthetic materials used for coastal protection. This paper provides an overview of the various testing requirements on geosynthetics used for coastal applications. ASTM, ISO and Indian standards are available for conducting the laboratory tests.