GS certification

GS certification

The meaning of GS is German "Geprufte Sicherheit" (safety certified), which also means "German Safety". GS certification is a voluntary certification based on the German Product Safety Act (GPGS) and tested according to the European Union unified standard EN or German industrial standard DIN. It is a recognized German safety certification mark in the European market. German GS certification

GS Introduction

What products can be applied for GS certification

The products that can apply for GS certification include:

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

2. Household machinery.

3. Sports equipment.

4. Household electronic devices, such as audiovisual devices.

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

6. Industrial machinery, experimental measurement 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 issued by TUV, VDE and other institutions authorized by the German Ministry of Labor.

The GS logo is a safety sign accepted by a large number of European customers. Usually, GS certified products have a higher selling price and are more popular.

2. The European Community CE regulations regulate the "Low Voltage Directive (LVD)" starting from July 1, 1997. GS already includes all the requirements for 'Low Voltage Directive (LVD)'. So, after obtaining the GS logo, TUV will exceptionally issue a CE certificate (COC) for the LVD of the product for free. TUV South Deutsche Group and TUV Rheinland's certificates after 1997 include the LVD certificate in the GS certificate. The manufacturer obtained LVD certification while applying for GS.

3. GS certification requirements for products and documents: - Products must pass type tests in accordance with European safety standards- The product structure should meet the standard requirements- The instructions (in German and English) must comply with the standards- According to the requirements of TUV, English documents such as "Structure Diagram", "Circuit Diagram", "Parts List", etc. will be prepared for product testing according to the parameters provided in these documents.

4. GS certification has strict requirements for the quality assurance system of factories, requiring them to conduct audits and annual inspections: - Require factories to establish their own quality assurance system in accordance with the ISO9000 system standards during bulk shipments. The factory should at least have its own quality control system, quality records and other documents, as well as sufficient production and inspection capabilities- Before issuing the GS certificate, a new factory must be reviewed and qualified before issuing the GS certificate- After issuing the certificate, the factory needs to be reviewed at least once a year. No matter how many products the factory applies for TUV markings, the factory review only needs to be conducted once.

GS certification issued by TUV

GS certification scope

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

2. Household machinery.

3. Sports equipment.

4. Household electronic devices, such as audiovisual devices.

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

6. Industrial machinery, experimental measurement 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 certification procedures and relevant standards to the applicant's product engineer, and provide the required document forms.

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

3) Technical meeting: After the testing agency has checked the applicant's documents, 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 conducted in the manufacturer's laboratory or any laboratory of the inspection agency stationed in various countries.

5) Factory inspection: GS certification requires a safety related procedural inspection of 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 certificate issuance 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 agency will provide you with a price reference. The market policies and credibility of each certification agency may vary, and the price may vary.

The relationship between GS and LVD

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

GS Certified Factory Inspection Requirements

1. Quality management

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

1.2 Has a training plan been developed and implemented for various personnel, especially for key process personnel? What is the personnel assessment system?

1.3 The proportion of quality management personnel to production personnel.

1.4 Is there a production record for the key processes of the product, is there a serial number for the product packaging? 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 audit and who is responsible?

1.7 Have quality analysis meetings been held regularly to promptly address quality issues and provide feedback.

2. Production line for certified products

2.1 Is there a production flowchart 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 non maintenance and regular inspection system and records.

2.3 Is there any key production equipment, process equipment, and testing equipment, and what is the accuracy? Provide relevant lists.

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 is a standard for component and raw material inspection). Is there a collection and storage system in place.

4. Measurement

4.1 Is there a measuring institution?

4.2 Scope of Work and Personnel Profile of the Metrology Institution (Has it passed the assessment by the Metrology Department?)

4.3 If there is no measurement institution, please specify the unit in which the measurement is carried out.

5. Factory testing agency

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, level), which tests can be conducted.

5.2 Test environment

6. Technical documents and materials

6.1 Product drawings, product technical conditions, 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 within the past six months in total production.

7. Technical Services

7.1 How are the situation records and user evaluations?

Materials to be submitted for GS certification

1. Fill out the application form

2. Signing the General Agreement

3. Information required for safety assessment

CB certificate and report for the product can be provided, which must include the group difference in Europe Alternatively, provide the necessary information for conducting safety assessment

-Product user manual (including safety warnings, maintenance instructions, accessory installation steps, etc.)

-Parts List (Provide information on key safety components used in the product in accordance with relevant standards. Parts information may include manufacturer, model, parameters, and certification information. The requirements for parts need to consider the requirements of the parts standard and the final product standard)

-Circuit diagram and layout

-Structure diagram of the product

-Specifications for transformers and other components

4. Components in contact with food (if any)

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

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

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

7. German instruction manual

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

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

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 an independent organization with public credibility. The GS logo, although not a mandatory requirement by law, can indeed subject manufacturers to strict German (European) product safety laws in the event of accidents caused by product malfunctions. So the GS logo is a powerful market tool that can enhance customer confidence and purchasing desire. Although GS is a German standard, the vast majority of European countries agree with it. Moreover, while meeting GS certification, the product will also meet the requirements of the European Community's CE mark. Unlike CE, the GS logo does not have legal mandatory requirements, but due to the safety awareness that has penetrated into ordinary consumers, an electrical appliance with the GS logo may have greater competitiveness in the market compared to ordinary products.