ISO 13125:2013

Understanding ISO 13125:2013

Scope
Test method for antifungal activity of materials that contain a photocatalyst or have photocatalytic films on their surface. Determines the extent of efficacy of light activated antifungal treatments.

Products that can be tested to ISO 13125:2013

Ceramics, textiles and construction materials as per standard. Applicable to a wide variety of non-porous flat coated, sheet, board or plate form surfaces.

Description of Test

  • A specified concentration of fungal spores is introduced to surfaces with an antifungal coating and control materials without the coating.
  • After a period of light exposure, viable fungal spores are enumerated by surface extraction and detection om an appropriate agar.
  • The efficacy of the antimicrobial finish is quantified following calculations relating to the satisfaction of criteria for a valid test as outlined in the standard.
  • The test method commonly uses Aspergillus niger and Penicillium pinophilum however this can be adapted to include other bacterial or fungal species as requested by the client.

Third Party Validation
On passing this test, the product can be labelled as tested by airmid to ISO 13125:2013 in support of any claim relating to the test and data received.

Turnaround Time
4 weeks from receipt of samples

 

Frequently asked questions on ISO 13125:2013

What types of surfaces and materials can be tested to ISO 13125:2013?

The standard applies to non-porous flat surfaces in coated, sheet, board or plate form. This includes ceramics, textiles and construction materials. The key requirement is that the surface contains a photocatalyst or carries a photocatalytic film — the test is specifically designed to evaluate light-activated antifungal treatments rather than conventional chemical antimicrobial finishes.

Which fungal species are used in the test and can these be changed?

The standard method uses Aspergillus niger and Penicillium pinophilum as the challenge organisms, as these are widely recognised as robust and relevant test fungi. However, the test can be adapted to include other fungal or bacterial species if your product’s intended use or target claim requires it. Please discuss any bespoke species requirements with our team at the enquiry stage.

Why does the test require light exposure and how is this controlled?

Photocatalytic materials only become active in the presence of light — typically UV or visible light depending on the catalyst used. The test exposes both the treated surface and an untreated control to a defined period of light irradiation, after which viable fungal spores are extracted and counted. Controlling the light conditions precisely is essential to ensure results are valid, reproducible, and comparable across laboratories.

How is the antifungal efficacy calculated and what constitutes a pass?

After the light exposure period, viable fungal spores are recovered from both the treated and untreated control surfaces by extraction and counted on an appropriate agar medium. The efficacy of the antifungal finish is then calculated by comparing the two counts. The standard sets out specific criteria that must be satisfied for a test to be considered valid, and your full GLP report will detail the results against those criteria.

What certification can I use on my product if it passes?

Products that successfully pass ISO 13125:2013 testing can be labelled as tested by airmid to ISO 13125:2013, supporting any antifungal efficacy claim you make in relation to the test data. The 4-week turnaround from receipt of samples means you can plan your product launch or marketing timeline with confidence. If you require testing against additional standards — such as ISO 27447:2019 for antibacterial activity or ISO 18061:2014 for antiviral activity — these can often be run concurrently to save time.

 

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ASTM Standards

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