German GS certification

What is GS certification?

The meaning of GS is German "GeprufteSicherheit" (safety has been certified), and it also means "Germany Safety" (German safety). GS certification is a voluntary certification based on the German Product Safety Law (GPGS) and tested in accordance with the European Union standard EN or the German industrial standard DIN. It is a recognized German safety certification mark in the European market.

GS certification mark

The GS certification mark indicates that the safety of the product has been tested by an independent organization with credibility. Although the GS certification mark is not a legally mandatory requirement, it can indeed make the manufacturer subject to strict German (European) product safety laws when the product fails and causes an accident. Therefore, the GS certification mark is a powerful market tool that can enhance customers' confidence and desire to purchase. Although GS is a German standard, most European countries agree. And while meeting the GS certification, the products will also meet the requirements of the European Community's CE mark. Unlike CE, the GS certification mark has no legal requirements, but because the safety awareness has penetrated into ordinary consumers, an electrical appliance with GS certification mark may be more competitive than ordinary products in the market. Generally, GS-certified products are sold at higher unit prices and are more popular.

The necessity of GS certification

1)     GS, as a symbol of product safety and reliable quality, has been more widely recognized by consumers in Germany and the European Union　;

2)     Maximize the reduction of the manufacturer’s liability risk in terms of product quality;

3)     Enhance manufacturers' confidence in product quality, safety, and compliance with legal requirements;

4)     Emphasize to consumers the manufacturer's obligations to product quality and safety;

5)     The manufacturer can ensure to the end user that the product with the GS mark has passed the test of the third-party testing agency;

6)     In many cases, the quality and safety of products affixed with the GS logo exceed the level required by law;

7)     The GS mark can obtain a higher degree of recognition than the CE mark, because the GS certificate is issued by a third-party testing organization with certain qualifications.

GS certification scope

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

2)     Household machinery.

3)     Sports goods.

4)     Home electronic equipment, such as audio-visual equipment.

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

6)     Industrial machinery, experimental measurement equipment.

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

GS certification application process

1)     Application: The applicant submits the documents that meet the requirements. For electrical products, it is necessary to submit the product assembly drawing, electrical schematic diagram, material list, product usage or use and installation instructions, between series models The difference description and other documents.

2)     Sample test: The test will be carried out in accordance with the applicable standards and can be carried out in the manufacturer’s laboratory or any laboratory of the inspection agency located in various countries.

3)     Factory inspection: GS certification requires safety-related procedural inspections on production sites.

4)     Issue GS certificate.

The difference between GS and CE