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 (GPGS) 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.

GS Introduction

What products can apply for GS certification

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.

4. Household electronic devices, such as audiovisual 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.

GS safety certification mark

The GS mark is a safety certification mark authorized by the German Ministry of Labor to be issued by organizations such as TUV and VDE.

The GS logo is a safety symbol widely accepted by customers in Europe. Usually, GS certified products have a higher selling price and are more popular.

2. EU CE regulation, starting from January 1997, regulates the "Low Voltage Directive (LVD)". GS already includes all the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive (LVD). So, after obtaining the GS mark, TUV will issue a CE certificate (COC) for the LVD of the product for free, and TUV South Germany Group and TUV Rheinland's certificates after 1997 will include the LVD certificate in the GS certificate. The manufacturer obtained LVD certification while applying for GS.

3. GS certification requires products and documents to undergo type testing according to European safety standards- The product structure must meet the standard requirements- The instruction manual (in German and English) must comply with the standards- The English documents such as "Structural Diagram", "Circuit Diagram", and "Parts List" prepared according to TUV requirements will be used for product testing based on the parameters provided in these documents.

4. GS certification has strict requirements for the factory's quality assurance system, requiring the factory to conduct audits and annual inspections: - It requires the factory to establish its own quality assurance system based on ISO9000 system standards when bulk shipments are made. The factory should at least have its own quality control system, quality records, and sufficient production and inspection capabilities- Before issuing the GS certificate, the new factory must be reviewed and approved before the GS certificate can be issued- After issuing the certificate, the factory should be inspected at least once a year. No matter how many TUV marks the factory applies for, the factory review only needs to be conducted once.

Scope of GS certification

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

2. Household machinery.

3. Sports equipment.

4. Household electronic devices, such as audiovisual 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.

GS certification process

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

2) Application: The applicant shall submit the required documents. For electrical products, it is necessary to submit the final assembly drawing, electrical schematic diagram, material list, product usage or installation manual, and explanation of differences between series and models.

3) Technical Meeting: After the testing agency has inspected the applicant's documents and information, a technical meeting will be arranged with the applicant's technical personnel.

4) Sample testing: The testing will be conducted in accordance with applicable standards and can be carried out in any laboratory of the manufacturer or inspection agency stationed in various countries.

5) Factory inspection: GS certification requires safety related procedural inspections to be conducted on the production site.

6) Issue GS certificate.

GS certification cycle

Generally speaking, 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. Overall, the required time is generally around 6 to 8 weeks.

GS certification fee

The cost includes one-time certification fee, factory inspection fee, and annual certificate fee. The specific number will be determined based on the product category and the required testing. After receiving the required documents submitted by the applicant, the certification body will provide you with a price reference. The market policies and credibility of each certification body may vary, and the price may differ.

The relationship between GS and LVD

The European Community CE regulation, starting from January 1, 1997, regulates the Low Voltage Directive (LVD). GS already includes all the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive (LVD). So, after obtaining the GS mark, TUV will issue a CE certificate (COC) for the LVD of the product for free, and TUV South Germany Group and TUV Rheinland's certificates after 1997 will include the LVD certificate in the GS certificate. The manufacturer obtained LVD certification while applying for GS.

GS certification factory inspection requirements

1. Quality Management

1.1 Is there a management organization responsible for product quality independent of production, and is the name of the person in charge?

1.2 Have training plans been developed and implemented for various personnel, especially for key process personnel? How is the personnel assessment system?

1.3 Proportion of quality management personnel to production personnel.

1.4 Is there a production record for the key processes of the product, and is the product packaging numbered? If not, how can quality problems be identified?

Have warehouse management and production operators conducted relevant inspections

1.5.1 Raw Materials 1.5.2 Production Process 1.5.3 Finished Products

1.6 Is there a quality check? Who is responsible for it?

1.7 Whether regular quality analysis meetings are held to promptly address quality issues and provide feedback.

2. Production line for certified products

2.1 Whether there is a production process diagram and quality control point diagram for certified products, as well as a clearly defined production system.

2.2 The equipment, instruments, and quantities on the production line have a maintenance free system and a regular inspection system with records.

2.3 Whether there are key production equipment, process equipment, and testing equipment, what is the accuracy, and provide a relevant list.

3. Raw materials, purchased parts, and components

3.1 Provide a catalog of key components and materials.

3.2 Explain how to ensure the quality of raw materials, purchased parts, and components (whether there are established inspection standards for components and raw materials). Is there a system for receiving and storing.

4. Measurement

4.1 Is there a metrology institution?

4.2 Scope of work and personnel profile of the metrology institution (has it passed the assessment of the metrology department?)

4.3 If there is no measuring institution, please explain in what units the measurement is conducted.

5. Factory testing institution

5.1 List the names and manufacturers of the main testing equipment, whether there is a certificate of conformity and a valid identification certificate (accuracy, grade), and what tests can be conducted.

5.2 Test Environment

6. Technical documents and materials

6.1 Product drawings, technical specifications, and process documents.

6.2 Test reports for products applying for certification within the past six months.

6.3 The percentage of waste and defective products detected in the past six months to the total production.

7. Technical Services

How are the situation records and user evaluations?

Materials required to apply for GS certification

1. Fill out the application form

2. Sign the general agreement

3. Information required for safety assessment

CB certificate and report for the product can be provided, which must include group differences in Europe Or provide the necessary information for conducting safety assessments

-User manual for the product (including safety warnings, maintenance instructions, instructions for installing accessories, etc.)

-Parts list (provide information on key safety components used in the product according to relevant standards. Parts information may include manufacturer, model, parameters, and certification information. Requirements for parts need to consider the requirements of part standards and final product standards)

-Circuit diagram and layout

-Product structure diagram

-Specifications for Transformers and Other Components

4. Parts in contact with food (if any)

Please provide food hygiene permit documents issued by authoritative institutions for accessible black materials (plastics, coatings, etc.), or relevant testing and evaluation (PAH) is required.

5. Nameplate (German, requires the correct size GS logo.)

6. Electromagnetic Compatibility Assessment Report (EMC) and Factory Declaration of Conformity (DOC)

7. German manual

8. Samples during the shipment period to complete structural review, type testing, or ergonomic testing and evaluation

9. If applicable product category, evaluation reports for Noise and EN50332 are required

10. If applicable, evaluation reports for DMF and EMF are required.

The role of GS certification

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.