GS certification

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

The GS logo indicates that the safety of the product has been tested by a credible independent organization. The GS mark, although not mandatory by law, can indeed subject manufacturers to strict German (European) product safety laws in the event of product failure causing accidents. So the GS logo is a powerful market tool that can enhance customers' confidence and purchasing desire. Although GS is a German standard, the vast majority of European countries recognize it. Moreover, while meeting the GS certification, the product will also comply with the CE marking requirements of the European Community. Unlike CE, there is no legal requirement for the GS mark, but due to the deepening of safety awareness among ordinary consumers, an appliance with the GS mark may have greater competitiveness in the market compared to ordinary products.

The GS mark is a voluntary safety mark in Germany; But highly valued by consumers. Many products, including power tools, information technology equipment, and home appliances, are difficult to sell within or around Germany without the GS logo.

Product evaluation, certification, and pre licensing inspection

Product evaluation is based on harmonized European standards, referencing the Low Voltage Directive, EMC Directive, and Machinery Directive. If there are no relevant European standards for products that meet GS requirements, an IEC standard certificate will be issued with a validity period of five years.

Pre license inspection is a necessary condition, followed by an annual factory inspection.

Product evaluation should not only be based on the electrical safety specifications of European harmonization standards and German National Deviations, but also on the ZEK documents developed by ZEK and the documents written by GS Interpretation Group EK1 (Exchange of Experience Forum 1). Some products also require ergonomic testing.

According to document ZEK 01-08, starting from April 1, 2008, products applying for GS certification must undergo PAHs assessment to comply with regulatory requirements and avoid health hazards. This mandatory requirement applies to all materials that may contain PAHs and come into contact with the human body or be placed in the oral cavity under normal use or foreseeable reasonable misuse. Products that have obtained GS certification before April 1, 2008 must complete PAHs assessment before March 31, 2009. The revised version of ZEK 01-08 document was published and implemented on June 25, 2008. The ergonomic testing required by the German GS mark covers a wide range of information technology products, including LCD/CRT display devices, computers, laptops, and other computer peripherals such as keyboards, mice, printers, scanners, etc., all of which must comply with the relevant ergonomic specifications in the EK1-ITB 2000 standard.

The products that can apply for GS certification are:

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

2. Household machinery.

3. Sports equipment.

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

6. Industrial machinery and experimental measuring equipment.

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