Air Filter Media, Technology & Accessories for HVAC and Air Conditioning

From EN 779 to ISO 16890 – what has changed?

With the introduction of DIN EN ISO 16890 in December 2016, the previous standard DIN EN 779 was gradually phased out. During a transition period, both standards were valid, but in 2018 EN 779 was officially withdrawn. For manufacturers, this meant that all filters had to be tested and labelled according to the new requirements. For planners, installers and users, the transition brought new filter classes and standards. It was crucial that everyone – from producers and technicians to end customers – understood these changes when purchasing or replacing filters. Important: Filters certified under EN 779 may still be used until they need replacing. However, for new purchases or retrofits, ISO 16890 should always be applied.

Air filters according to ISO 16890 – the new classification

ePM1: removes ultrafine particles smaller than 1 µm, such as smoke, bacteria and some viruses.
ePM2.5: reduces particles up to 2.5 µm, including fine dust, pollen and mould spores.
ePM10: filters larger particles up to 10 µm, such as coarse dust and insect spores.
ISO Coarse: captures larger impurities like insects, leaves or coarse dust, often used as pre-filters to extend the lifespan of finer filters.

Efficiency is usually expressed as a percentage, indicating how reliably a filter removes particles of a given size.

Conclusion for webshop selection

ISO 16890 makes filter performance transparent and comparable. When purchasing a new air filter, the right choice depends on the application: For highly sensitive environments, ePM1 filters are ideal. For offices or living spaces, ePM2.5 filters are often the best option. ePM10 or Coarse filters are mostly used as pre-filters or in less demanding settings. This ensures reliable operation, clean air quality and extended service life of your systems.