The catalytic behaviour of supported (zirconia, cordierite monoliths) and unsupported AMnO(3) (A=La, Didym-Di) perovskites was studied in the total oxidation of chlorinated hydrocarbons (CHC). By-products (higher chlorinated hydrocarbons, lower molecular coupling and cracking products) were formed at reaction temperatures <550 degrees C. Porous zirconia as support enhances the catalytic activity at low perovskite contents and diminishes the by-product formation. The preparation method (impregnation or precipitation-deposition of perovskites on zirconia and impregnation and coating of cordierite monoliths with perovskites) influences catalytic activity and by-product formation. LaMnO3 and DiMnO(3) perovskite-type oxides reveal similar catalytic behaviour.