Introduction to ISO 16890 Air Filter Testing Standard

ISO 16890 was officially released in 2016, fully replacing the European EN 779 standard used for over 20 years beginning in 2018, becoming the international testing and classification benchmark for general ventilation air filters. In contrast to EN 779 which used 0.4μm single particle size filtration efficiency as classification basis, ISO 16890 introduces three particle size-based classifications more aligned with actual air quality: ePM1 (0.3-1.0μm), ePM2.5 (0.3-2.5μm), and ePM10 (0.3-10μm), directly corresponding to WHO air quality indicators for PM1, PM2.5, and PM10.

The testing process mainly includes three stages: first perform initial efficiency testing with DEHS oil mist and KCl salt mist, obtaining segmented efficiency curves for different particle size ranges; next conduct dust loading testing using ISO 12103-1 A2 dust to simulate actual filter efficiency changes during use; finally average initial and post-loading efficiency to obtain final ePM value. If average efficiency is below 50%, that grade level is not designated.

Classification rules are as follows: if ePM1 average efficiency ≥50%, classified as ISO ePM1 grade; if ePM1 <50% but ePM2.5 ≥50%, classified as ISO ePM2.5 grade; and so on through ePM10. For example, a filter tested achieving ePM1 of 65%, ePM2.5 of 82%, ePM10 of 95%, has complete designation as "ISO 16890 - ISO ePM1 65%".

Recommendations for engineering practical selection: General office buildings should use at least ISO ePM2.5 ≥50% grade; medical institutions and schools should use ISO ePM1 ≥50% and above; as pre-filtration for high-efficiency filters (HEPA), recommend selecting ISO ePM1 ≥80% high-efficiency intermediate filters to extend downstream HEPA filter life. Baisheng Technology's intermediate filter series has been completely tested and marked according to ISO 16890. Welcome to contact us for complete test reports.