ISO 16890 is an international standard used to classify general ventilation air filters based on their efficiency in removing particulate matter from the air. Unlike earlier standards that relied on laboratory particle sizes, ISO 16890 evaluates filter performance using particle size ranges that correspond to real atmospheric particulate matter, including PM1, PM2.5, and PM10.
“This approach provides a more realistic assessment of filter performance in actual operating environments.“
The ISO 16890 classification system is based on three particulate matter fractions.
| Classification | Particle Size Range |
| ePM1 | particles ≤ 1 µm |
| ePM2.5 | particles ≤ 2.5 µm |
| ePM10 | particles ≤ 10 µm |
These categories correspond to commonly used air quality indicators for airborne particles. The efficiency reported for each category represents the average removal efficiency of particles within the defined size range.
The test procedure defined in ISO 16890 includes several steps:
These steps ensure that filters relying on electrostatic charges are evaluated under realistic long-term performance conditions.
|
Filter Class |
Description |
|
ISO ePM1 |
high efficiency for fine particles |
|
ISO ePM2.5 |
moderate efficiency for fine particles |
|
ISO ePM10 |
efficiency for larger particles |
|
ISO Coarse |
filters primarily removing large dust particles |
Stable and repeatable measurement conditions are essential to ensure that efficiency results reflect actual filter performance. ISO 16890 is widely used for testing filters applied in ventilation systems, including:
Filtration testing systems designed for ISO 16890 procedures typically support:
These systems enable laboratories and manufacturers to perform reliable filter verification according to international standards.
Tell us your filter type, testing standard, and application scenario.
Our engineers will help you identify the most suitable testing solution — from standard systems to fully customized platforms.
Our experts are ready to engineer a custom solution for you. Tell us about your project, and let’s verify your quality with precision and speed.
*We respect your confidentiality and all information are protected.
Unsure which international standard applies to your project? Speak with our senior engineers for a personalized technical assessment based on our 10-year industry expertise.
