In industrial project procurement, customers often ask: What’s the difference between FFP2, FFP3, KN95 and N95? Can they replace each other?
● This is especially important in cross-border projects (Europe / Middle East / Africa / North America), where tender documents and site access requirements usually specify a certain standard. Choosing the wrong standard may cause:Certificates not accepted
● Project inspection failure
● PPE rejected at site entry
● Delivery delays affecting construction progress
Why Different Standards Are NOT Fully Interchangeable
Although FFP2, KN95, and N95 look similar and are all particulate respirator masks, in B2B procurement the standard determines whether the product is compliant, not just “good quality”.
Different standards vary in:
● Test methods
● Marking and labeling rules
● Certification systems
● Pass/fail criteria
That’s why the correct selection must match the project requirement. 
Quick Comparison of the 3 Major Standards
✅ EN149 (Europe): FFP2 / FFP3
EN149 is widely used in European industrial projects, suitable for: construction, cutting & grinding, cement dust, mineral dust, woodworking dust, welding fumes, and general industrial environments.
● FFP2: most common choice, widely accepted, cost-effective
● FFP3: higher protection level, for heavier dust exposure or stricter PPE requirements
Valved vs Non-valved
● Valved respirators: easier breathing, ideal for hot environments and heavy-duty work
● Non-valved respirators: more universal, easier for site-wide compliance management
✅ GB2626 (China): KN95 / KN100
GB2626 is a stable and popular option for overseas projects, especially in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
● KN95: high demand, great cost-performance for general distribution
● KN100: higher filtration level for heavier dust conditions
Basic concept:
● KN series: for non-oily particles (most construction dust environments)
● KP series: for both oily and non-oily particles (broader application)
✅ NIOSH (USA): N95
NIOSH is the standard system commonly required in North America. The most requested grade is NIOSH N95.
To reduce procurement risks, always verify:
● Clear NIOSH marking
● Correct N95 grade
● Product, packaging, and documents are consistent
● Ability to provide supporting technical documents (TDS) when needed
Grade Reference: FFP2 ≈ KN95 ≈ N95 (Comparable, Not Identical)
A common industry reference is:
FFP2 ≈ KN95 ≈ N95
However, the correct statement is:
✅ Comparable for quick reference
⚠️ Not identical due to different testing and certification rules
For project compliance, always follow the tender or site requirement. 
Recommended B2B Procurement Selection Process
1) Confirm the required standard first
● Europe: EN149 (FFP2/FFP3)
● North America: NIOSH (N95)
● Multi-country supply / general projects: GB2626 (KN95/KN100)
2) Choose the protection level based on working conditions
● General dust: FFP2 / KN95 / N95
● Heavy dust or higher requirement: FFP3 / KN100
3) Confirm valve type and document needs
For faster quotation and delivery, prepare: certificates, TDS, packing list, carton marks, OEM/ODM needs, etc.
Need Industrial Dust Respirators for Your Project?
Safeyear supplies FFP2 / FFP3 / KN95 / KN100 / NIOSH N95 respiratory protection products for industrial applications. We support B2B supply, OEM/ODM customization, and can provide certificates & technical documents upon request.
Contact us for quotation & lead time:
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