German GS certification; the necessity and significance of GS certification

Product Specification

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

GS certification mark

The GS certification mark indicates that the safety of the product has been tested by a credible independent agency. Although the GS certification mark is not a legal requirement, it does make manufacturers subject to strict German (European) product safety laws when a product malfunctions and causes an accident. Therefore, the GS certification mark is a powerful marketing tool that can enhance customer confidence and desire to purchase. Although GS is a German standard, most countries in Europe agree with it. And while meeting the GS certification, the product will also meet the requirements of the European Community's CE mark. Unlike CE, there is no legal requirement for the GS certification mark. However, as safety awareness has penetrated into ordinary consumers, an electrical appliance with the GS certification mark may be more competitive in the market than ordinary products. Generally, GS certified products sell at higher unit prices and are more popular.

Certification meaning

Necessity of GS certification

1. As a mark of product safety and quality reliability, GS is more widely recognized by German and EU consumers;
2. Minimize manufacturers’ liability risks in product quality;
3. Enhance manufacturers’ confidence in product quality, safety, and compliance with legal requirements;
4. Emphasize to consumers the obligations of manufacturers on product quality and safety;
5. Manufacturers can ensure to end users that products with the GS mark have passed the testing of third-party testing agencies;
6. In many cases, the quality and safety of products bearing the GS logo exceed the legal requirements;
7. The GS mark can obtain higher recognition than the CE mark because the GS certificate is issued by a third-party testing agency with certain qualifications.

Applicable product range
1. Household appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, kitchen appliances, etc.
2. Household machinery.
3. Sports supplies.
4. Household electronic equipment, such as audio-visual equipment.
5. Electrical and electronic office equipment, such as copiers, fax machines, shredders, computers, printers, etc.
6. Industrial machinery and experimental measurement equipment.
7. Other safety-related products such as bicycles, helmets, ladders, furniture, etc.

application process
1. Application: The applicant shall submit documents that meet the requirements. For electrical products, it is necessary to submit the product’s general assembly drawing, electrical schematic diagram, material list, product usage or installation instructions, description of differences between series models and other documents.
2. Sample testing: The testing will be conducted in accordance with the applicable standards and can be conducted in the manufacturer's laboratory or any of the inspection agency's laboratories located in various countries.
3. Factory inspection: GS certification requires inspection of safety-related procedures at the production site.
4. Issue the GS certificate.

Application materials
1. Application form
2. General Agreement
3. Product CB certificate and report
4. Product instruction manual
5. Parts list
6. Circuit diagram and layout
7. Product structure diagram
8. Specifications of transformers and other components
9. Nameplate
10. Electromagnetic compatibility assessment report (EMC) and factory declaration of conformity (DOC)
11. German manual
12. Samples at the time of shipment