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2026-04-09ISO 16890 Standard Interpretation and Selection Guide
From EN 779 to ISO 16890: A Revolution in Air Filter Classification
Abstract
In 2022, the European Committee for Standardization officially withdrew the decades‑old EN 779:2012 standard, replacing it with the new ISO 16890 series. This change has profoundly impacted the testing, classification, and selection of air filters. This guide systematically explains the core changes in ISO 16890, the new classification system, its relationship with old standards, and provides ISO 16890‑based filter selection methods and procurement tips – helping engineers, buyers, and facility managers make the right decisions under the new standard.
1. Why ISO 16890 Was Needed
1.1 Limitations of EN 779
EN 779:2012, “Particulate air filters for general ventilation,” had been the European standard since the 1960s, but it had several shortcomings:
Issue Specifics Consequence Single test particle size Only used 0.4μm DEHS aerosol Does not reflect real efficiency across different particle sizes Fixed final pressure drop Test ended at 250Pa Differs from actual replacement pressure drop (often 450Pa) No electrostatic discharge treatment Did not remove static charge Test efficiency may be higher than real‑world performance Non‑intuitive grading F5‑F9 does not directly relate to health effects Cannot easily answer “how much PM2.5 does it remove?” 1.2 Growing Health Awareness
The World Health Organization has classified PM2.5 as a Group 1 carcinogen, and public and industry attention to indoor air quality has never been higher. A standard that can directly express a filter’s ability to capture health‑relevant particles like PM2.5 and PM1 became essential – this is the core value of ISO 16890.
2. Core Changes in ISO 16890
2.1 Comprehensive Test Method Upgrade
Comparison EN 779:2012 ISO 16890 Test aerosol 0.4μm DEHS liquid Solid KCl, polydisperse distribution Particle size range Single size Full range 0.3‑10μm Test endpoint Fixed 250Pa Clean resistance + efficiency curve up to final pressure drop Electrostatic treatment Not required Isopropanol immersion to eliminate static charge Efficiency type Average efficiency Minimum efficiency Key change: By removing electrostatic effects, ISO 16890 measures the filter’s minimum efficiency, which more closely represents average real‑world performance over its service life.
2.2 New Classification System
ISO 16890 no longer uses the “G/F” letter grades. Instead, it classifies filters by their counting efficiency for three particle size ranges:
Code Particle Size Range Health Relevance Typical Sources ePM1 0.3‑1.0μm Can reach alveoli, virus carriers Combustion products, tobacco smoke, virus aerosols ePM2.5 0.3‑2.5μm Respirable fine particles PM2.5, bacteria, mould spores ePM10 0.3‑10μm Respirable coarse particles Pollen, dust mite debris, road dust Efficiency labelling format:
ISO ePM1 65%: Counting efficiency for 0.3‑1.0μm particles ≥65%ISO ePM2.5 55%: Counting efficiency for 0.3‑2.5μm particles ≥55%ISO ePM10 70%: Counting efficiency for 0.3‑10μm particles ≥70%
2.3 Approximate Correspondence with EN 779
Because test methods differ, there is no strict mathematical conversion. Based on extensive comparative testing, the industry uses the following approximate correspondence:
EN 779 Grade Approx. ISO 16890 Level (typical) Efficiency Range G3 ePM10 < 40% — G4 ePM10 40‑70% Coarse F5 ePM2.5 40‑50% Basic medium F6 ePM2.5 50‑60% Medium F7 ePM1 50‑65% High medium F8 ePM1 65‑80% Sub‑HEPA F9 ePM1 > 80% Near‑HEPA Important: Due to test differences, an F7‑rated filter under EN 779 might achieve only ePM1 50% or as much as ePM1 65% under ISO 16890. Procurement should always be based on the ISO 16890 test report.
3. ISO 16890‑Based Selection Guide
3.1 Selecting Efficiency by Application
Application Recommended ISO Grade Reason Residential fresh air ePM10 ≥ 50% (G4) Capture pollen, dust Commercial office ePM1 ≥ 50% (F7) Ensure PM2.5 compliance General hospital areas ePM1 ≥ 65% (F8) Bacterial and viral protection Data centers ePM1 ≥ 65% (F8) Server protection while controlling pressure drop Pharmaceutical cleanroom pre‑filtration ePM1 ≥ 80% (F9) Protect HEPA Operating rooms ePM1 ≥ 80% + HEPA Sterile environment 3.2 Balancing Efficiency and Pressure Drop
ISO Grade Typical Initial ΔP (Pa @ 2.5 m/s) Recommended Applications ePM10 50% (G4) 30‑50 Pre‑filtration ePM1 50% (F7) 80‑100 General HVAC ePM1 65% (F8) 100‑130 Data centers, hospitals ePM1 80% (F9) 130‑180 Cleanroom pre‑filtration Selection principle: Among products meeting the required efficiency, always choose the one with the lowest pressure drop.
3.3 Multi‑Stage Filtration Configuration Recommendations
Application Stage 1 (Pre‑filter) Stage 2 (Main filter) Stage 3 (Polishing) Commercial HVAC ePM10 50% (G4) ePM1 50% (F7) — Data center ePM10 50% (G4) ePM1 65% (F8) Optional chemical filter Hospital ePM10 50% (G4) ePM1 65% (F8) HEPA Pharmaceutical cleanroom ePM10 50% (G4) ePM1 80% (F9) H14 4. Procurement and Verification Essentials
4.1 Require Complete Test Reports
When purchasing, require the supplier to provide a complete ISO 16890 test report from an ILAC‑accredited laboratory. The report should include:
Specific efficiency values for ePM1, ePM2.5, and ePM10 (at least three significant digits)
Initial pressure drop and pressure drop curve at different air velocities
Efficiency‑versus‑particle‑size curve (0.3‑10μm)
Description of electrostatic discharge treatment
4.2 Common Procurement Misconceptions
Misconception Reality “F7 means ePM1 50%” It could be 40% or 65% – you must see the actual test report “All ISO reports are the same” Different laboratories may give different results; choose an accredited lab “Higher efficiency is always better” Excessively high efficiency increases pressure drop; you must balance with energy consumption “Imported brands automatically comply” Always request a test report; do not rely on verbal claims 4.3 On‑Site Verification
Install a differential pressure gauge and monitor whether the operating pressure drop stays within expected range
Use a particle counter to test supply air quality and verify filtration effectiveness
Periodically send filter samples to a third‑party laboratory for re‑testing
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is ISO 16890 valid in China?
A: Yes. The Chinese national standard GB/T 14295‑2019, “Air filters,” has equivalently adopted the core content of ISO 16890.
Q2: EN 779 has been withdrawn – can I still buy F7/F8 filters?
A: Products labelled F7/F8 are still available on the market, but you should ask the supplier to also provide an ISO 16890 test report.
Q3: How does ISO 16890 correspond to ASHRAE 52.2 (MERV)?
A: There is no direct one‑to‑one correspondence. As a rough guide: MERV 13‑14 ≈ ePM1 50‑65%, MERV 15‑16 ≈ ePM1 65‑80%. However, always rely on the ISO 16890 report.
Q4: Why can the same product give different test results in different laboratories?
A: Possible reasons include differences in test dust, equipment calibration, and operator technique. Request tests from an ILAC‑accredited laboratory and consider the average of multiple reports.
Q5: Are ISO 16890 filters more expensive?
A: Initial purchase cost may be similar or slightly higher, but because the tests are more scientific, the actual performance is more reliable and the total cost of ownership (TCO) is usually lower.
6. Conclusion
ISO 16890 marks a shift in air filter classification from “vague experience” to “scientific transparency”. For users, this means you can now more intuitively understand a filter’s ability to capture health‑relevant particles and make better‑informed selection decisions.
Action recommendations:
Review the ISO 16890 test reports for your existing filters
For new projects, include ISO 16890 as a mandatory requirement in procurement technical specifications
Train your procurement and technical teams to understand the core changes of the new standard
Keywords: #ISO16890 #EN779 #AirFilterStandards #ePM1 #FilterClassification #ASHRAE52_2 #SelectionGuide
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