diff --git a/examples/python/bufr_check_table.py b/examples/python/bufr_check_table.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..2fc5f6730
--- /dev/null
+++ b/examples/python/bufr_check_table.py
@@ -0,0 +1,126 @@
+# (C) Copyright 2005- ECMWF.
+#
+# This software is licensed under the terms of the Apache Licence Version 2.0
+# which can be obtained at http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0.
+#
+# In applying this licence, ECMWF does not waive the privileges and immunities granted to it by
+# virtue of its status as an intergovernmental organisation nor does it submit to any jurisdiction.
+#
+#
+# Description: Verify the given BUFR table (B or D) are correctly formed for ecCodes
+#
+
+from __future__ import print_function
+
+import getopt
+import os
+import sys
+import traceback
+import numpy as np
+
+MIN_NUM_COLUMNS = 8
+LEN_DESCRIPTOR = 6  # FXY
+ALLOWED_TYPES = ("long", "double", "table", "flag", "string")
+
+
+def isNumeric(a_str):
+    result = True
+    try:
+        int(a_str)
+    except ValueError:
+        result = False
+    return result
+
+
+def verify_table(table, filename):
+    if table == "D":
+        raise NotImplementedError("Table D verification: Not yet implemented.")
+
+    data = np.genfromtxt(filename, comments="#", dtype=str, delimiter="|")
+
+    # If there is only 1 row, then we get a plain list and not list of lists
+    if len(data.shape) == 1:
+        data = np.asarray([data])
+
+    for i, a_row in enumerate(data):
+        # print(f"Checking {a_row}")
+        linenum = 1 + i
+        numcols = len(a_row)
+        if numcols < MIN_NUM_COLUMNS:
+            print(f"{a_row}")
+            print(
+                f"Error in line {linenum}: Number of columns (={numcols}) < required miniumum (={MIN_NUM_COLUMNS})"
+            )
+            return 1
+        a_code = a_row[0]
+        a_key = a_row[1]
+        a_type = a_row[2]
+        a_unit = a_row[4]
+        a_scale = a_row[5]
+        a_ref = a_row[6]
+        a_width = a_row[7]
+        if not isNumeric(a_code):
+            print(f"Error in line {linenum}: Code '{a_code}' (column 1) is not numeric")
+            return 1
+        if len(a_code) != LEN_DESCRIPTOR:
+            print(
+                f"Error in line {linenum}: Code '{a_code}' (column 1) should be {LEN_DESCRIPTOR} digits long"
+            )
+            print(
+                f"\tAll descriptors have a F-X-Y structure: 1 digit for F, 2 for X and 3 for Y"
+            )
+            return 1
+        if not a_key:
+            print(f"Error in line {linenum}: Key '{a_key}' (column 2) is not valid")
+        if a_type not in ALLOWED_TYPES:
+            print(f"Error in line {linenum}: Type '{a_type}' (column 3) is not valid")
+            print(f"\tPlease choose from: {ALLOWED_TYPES}")
+            return 1
+        if not isNumeric(a_scale):
+            print(
+                f"Error in line {linenum}: Scale '{a_scale}' (column 6) is not numeric"
+            )
+            return 1
+        if not isNumeric(a_ref):
+            print(
+                f"Error in line {linenum}: Reference '{a_ref}' (column 7) is not numeric"
+            )
+            return 1
+        if not isNumeric(a_width):
+            print(
+                f"Error in line {linenum}: Width '{a_width}' (column 8) is not numeric"
+            )
+            return 1
+
+    print("All OK")
+    return 0
+
+
+def usage():
+    progname = os.path.basename(sys.argv[0])
+    print("Usage: ", progname, "option file")
+    print("Options:")
+    print("\t-B:  Input is Table B (element.table)")
+    print("\t-D:  Input is Table D (sequence.def)")
+    print("")
+
+
+def main():
+    if len(sys.argv) != 3:
+        usage()
+        return 1
+    if sys.argv[1] == "-B":
+        table = "B"
+    elif sys.argv[1] == "-D":
+        table = "D"
+    else:
+        assert False, "Invalid option. Specify -B or -D"
+    filename = sys.argv[2]
+
+    print(f"Processing {filename}")
+    status = verify_table(table, filename)
+    return status
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    sys.exit(main())