In the global market, certification certificates are often the “passport” for filter products to enter the high-end market. A filter supplier in Cologne, Germany, sends new products to authoritative laboratories around the world every quarter; this is not only a compliance requirement but also a verification of its technological commitment. In this world of precision testing, which laboratories truly hold the reins?
Europe: Birthplace of Standards and System Builders
As the birthplace of filter testing standards, Europe boasts the most comprehensive certification system. The EN 1822 standard, developed by theEuropean Committee for Standardization (CEN), was once a globally accepted guideline and has now been upgraded to the ISO 29463 international standard.
The Materials Research and Testing Association (MFPA) in Hanover, Germany, is one of the most respected testing organizations in Europe. This organization possesses the world’s only DAkkS -accredited 0.1-0.3 micron MPPS full-size scanning system, and its ISO 29463 certification enjoys the highest recognition in the medical and semiconductor industries.
The UK Health and Safety Laboratories (HSL) is a leading authority in bioaerosol detection. Their BSL-3 biosafety laboratory can conduct live microbial filtration efficiency testing, providing filtration data for medical-gradeHEPA filters against specific pathogens such as tuberculosis and influenza viruses.
North America: Pragmatism and Performance Verification
The North American market adheres to a “performance-oriented” principle, with its testing system focusing more on simulating real-world application scenarios.
Underwriters Laboratories (UL)‘s “Lifecycle Efficiency Degradation Test” has become an industry benchmark. This test not only measures initial efficiency but also simulates the efficiency change curve of a filter under typical operating conditions (temperature and humidity variations, particulate load) for six consecutive months. Products that pass this test can obtain UL 900 certification, a key qualification for inclusion in the procurement lists of US medical and educational institutions.
Of particular note is the N95 certification laboratory of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in the United States. While primarily focused on masks, its method for detecting 0.3-micron sodium chloride aerosols has been widely adopted in HEPA testing.
Asia: Rising Testing Power
As the world’s largest filter production base, Asia has witnessed a leap forward in its testing capabilities over the past decade.
The Clean Technology Center at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) in Japan possesses world-leading nanoparticle detection capabilities. Their electron microscopy-coupled system can perform component analysis on captured particles simultaneously with filtration testing. This technology is particularly suitable for verifying the filtration effectiveness of ULPA filters against specific metal particles in semiconductor manufacturing.
The Guangzhou Industrial Microbiology Testing Center in China pioneered a liquid challenge testing system compliant with ISO 29463-5 standards, capable of simulating filter performance under extreme humidity conditions. Their “oil mist resistance test” has become a mandatory testing item for the certification of air conditioning filters in China’s high-speed rail and new energy vehicles.
When facing certification requirements from different countries and regions, the following three key steps can be followed when selecting a testing organization:
Identify the Target Market and Standards: First, determine the core standards required or recognized by the product’s main sales regions (e.g., for the EU market, focus on EN 1822/ISO 29463; for the North American market, focus on IEST-RP-CC001). This should be the primary basis for selecting a laboratory.
Verify the Laboratory’s Qualifications and Capabilities: Prioritize laboratories with international accreditation or national official authorization (e.g., laboratories EPA-certified, whose qualifications can be verified on the US Environmental Protection Agency’s website). Simultaneously, examine whether they possess the complete capability to perform key tests such as MPPS efficiency scanning and leak testing.
Evaluate the Comprehensiveness and Added Value of the Testing: In addition to basic efficiency and resistance testing, assess whether the laboratory can provide testing services closer to real-world applications, such as dust holding capacity testing, long-term performance degradation assessment, and adaptability testing in harsh environments such as high humidity. This data is crucial for product design and lifespan prediction.
In conclusion, an authoritative third-party testing report is far more than just a compliance certificate. It serves as a bridge connecting advanced technology and reliable applications, and is a “health check report” of product performance. Trenntech insists on conducting authoritative third-party testing on its products to open the door to the market and win customer trust.