GS means German "Geprufte Sicherheit" (certified safety), also means "Germany Safety" (German Safety). GS certification is a voluntary certification based on the German Product Safety Law (SGS) and tested in accordance with the European Union's unified standard EN or German industrial standard DIN. It is a recognized German safety certification mark in the European market.

The GS mark indicates that the product's safety has been tested by credible independent agencies. Although the GS mark is not required by law, it can indeed make manufacturers subject to strict German (European) product safety laws when a product fails and causes an accident. Therefore, the GS mark is a powerful market tool that can enhance customer confidence and purchase desire. Although GS is the German standard, most countries in Europe agree. And while meeting the GS certification, the product will also meet the requirements of the European Community CE mark. Unlike CE, there is no legal requirement for the GS mark, but because safety awareness has become common among consumers, an appliance with the GS mark may be more competitive in the market than ordinary products.

GS certification body

Organizations eligible to issue GS certificate:

(1) German certification agency: TUV RHEINLAND, TUV PRODUCT SERVICES, VDE, etc. are usually well-known domestic GS certification agencies in Germany. They are directly recognized by Germany.

(2) Other certification agencies: Usually other GS certification agencies that cooperate with Germany in Europe include KEMA, ITS, NEMKO, DEMKO, etc.

Products that can apply for GS certification

Household appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, kitchen appliances, etc.

Household machinery.

Sporting goods.

Home electronics, such as audiovisual equipment.

Electrical and electronic office equipment, such as copiers, fax machines, paper shredders, computers, printers, etc.

Industrial machinery, experimental measurement equipment.

Other safety related products such as bicycles, helmets, ladders, furniture, etc.

GS certification process

(1) First meeting: Through the first meeting, the testing agency or agency will explain the specific certification procedures and relevant standards to the applicant's product engineer, and provide the required document forms.

(2) Application: The applicant submits documents that meet the requirements. For electrical products, it is necessary to submit the final assembly drawing of the product, electrical schematic diagram, bill of materials, product use or installation instructions, and description of the differences between the series models.

(3) Technical meeting: After the inspection agency has checked the applicant's documents, it will arrange a technical meeting with the applicant's technical staff.

(4) Sample test: The test will be performed in accordance with the applicable standards. It can be performed in any of the manufacturer's laboratories or inspection agencies in laboratories in various countries.

(5) Factory inspection: GS certification requires a safety-related process inspection of the production site.

(6) Issue a GS certificate.

GS certification cycle

Generally, the length of time depends on whether the product needs to be modified or the speed at which the manufacturer submits the required product documentation. In general, the time required is generally about 6 to 8 weeks.

Difference between GS certification and CE certification

GS

CE

Voluntary certification

Compulsory certification

Applicable German safety regulations for testing GS

Applies to European standards (EN) for testing

Testing and issuance of GS mark certificates by independent third parties authorized by the German government

Under the premise of having complete technical documents (including test reports), you can declare CE yourself

Must pay annual fee

No annual fee

Factory inspections must be performed annually

No factory inspection required

The GS mark is issued by an authorized testing unit,

High credibility and market acceptance

Factory self-declaration of product compliance,

Low credibility and market acceptance

The relationship between GS certification and LVD

European Community CE regulation, "Low Voltage Directive (LVD)" has been regulated since 1997.1.1. The GS already contains all the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive (LVD). Therefore, after obtaining the GS mark, TUV will exceptionally issue the CE certificate (COC) of the product's LVD for free, and TUV Rheinland's certificate after 1997 includes the LVD certificate in the GS certificate. The manufacturer obtained the LVD certificate when applying for GS.