GS certification

The meaning of GS is German "Geprufte Sicherheit" (safety certified) and "Germany Safety" (German safety). GS certification is a voluntary certification based on the German Product Safety Law (GPGS) and tested according to the European Union Standard EN or the German Industrial Standard DIN. It is a recognized German safety certification mark in the European market. German GS certification

GS introduction

What products can apply for GS certification

Products that can apply for GS certification are:

1, household appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, kitchen appliances, and so on.

2, home machinery.

3, sports goods.

4, home 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 measuring equipment.

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

GS safety certification mark

1. The GS mark is a safety certification mark issued by the German Ministry of Labor authorized by TUV, VDE and other institutions.

The GS mark is a safety mark accepted by a wide range of customers in Europe. Usually GS certified products are sold at higher prices and are more popular.

2. The European Community CE regulates the “Low Voltage Directive (LVD)” from 1997.1.1. The GS already includes all the requirements for the Low Voltage Directive (LVD). Therefore, after obtaining the GS mark, TUV will issue the CE certificate (COC) of the product LVD for free. TUV SÜD, TUV Rheinland's certificate after 1997 includes the LVD certificate in the GS certificate. The manufacturer obtained the LVD certificate at the same time as the GS application.

3, GS certification requirements for products and documents: - Products must pass the type test of European safety standards. - The product structure must meet the standard requirements. - The instructions (German, English) are subject to the standard. - English documents such as "Structure Drawing", "Circuit Drawing", "Parts List" prepared according to TUV requirements, product testing will be carried out according to the parameters provided in these documents.

4. GS certification has strict requirements on the factory quality assurance system. The factory should be reviewed and annual inspection: - The factory is required to establish its own quality assurance system according to the ISO9000 system standard when it is shipped in bulk. The factory must have at least its own quality control system, quality records and other documents and sufficient production and inspection capabilities. - Before issuing the GS certificate, the GS certificate will be issued only after the new factory has been examined. - After issuing the certificate, the factory should be reviewed at least once a year. Regardless of how many TUV marks the product applies for, the factory inspection only needs one time.

GS certification scope

1, household appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, kitchen appliances, and so on.

2, home machinery.

3, sports goods.

4, home 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 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 will or the agency will explain the specific procedures of the certification and the relevant standards to the applicant's product engineer, and provide a document form that will submit the request.

2) Application: The applicant submits the documents that meet the requirements. For the electrical products, you need to submit the final assembly drawings, electrical schematics, bills of materials, product uses or installation instructions, and descriptions of differences between the serial models.

3) Technical meeting: After the testing organization has checked the applicant's documents and materials, it will arrange a technical meeting with the applicant's technical staff.

4) Sample testing: The test will be carried out in accordance with the applicable standards and can be carried out in any of the laboratories' laboratories or laboratories in the country's laboratories.

5) Factory inspection: GS certification requires safety-related procedures for the production site.

6) Issue a GS certificate.

GS certification cycle

In general, 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. In general, the time required is generally about 6 to 8 weeks.

GS certification fee

The fee includes a one-time license fee, factory inspection fee and certificate annual fee. The exact number will depend on the type of product and the test required. The certification body will provide you with a price reference after receiving the required documents from the applicant. The market policy and credibility of each certification body will be different and the price will be different.

The relationship between GS and LVD

The European Community CE regulates the “Low Voltage Directive (LVD)” from 1997.1.1. The GS already contains all the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive (LVD). Therefore, after obtaining the GS mark, the TUV will issue the CE certificate (COC) of the product LVD for free. TUV SÜD, TUV Rheinland's certificate after 1997 includes the LVD certificate in the GS certificate. The manufacturer obtained the LVD certificate at the same time as the GS application.

GS certification factory inspection requirements

1, quality management

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

1.2 Have you developed and implemented training programs for all types of personnel, especially for key craftsmen? What is the personnel assessment system?

1.3 The proportion of quality management personnel to production personnel.

1.4 Whether there are production records in the key processes of the product, whether the product packaging has no number, if not, the quality problem occurs, how to find the problematic product?

1.5 Whether the warehouse management and production operators have checked the relevant aspects:

1.5.1 Raw materials 1.5.2 Production process 1.5.3 Finished product

1.6 Is there any quality check, and who is responsible?

1.7 Whether to hold quality analysis meetings regularly, deal with quality issues in a timely manner, and do a good job of feedback.

2. Production line of certified products

2.1 Production flow chart and quality control point map with or without certified products and production system specified in the text.

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

2.3 With or without key production equipment, process equipment and test equipment, the relevant list is provided.

3. Raw materials, purchased parts, parts

3.1 Provide a list of key components and key materials.

3.2 Explain how to ensure the quality of raw materials, purchased parts and parts (with or without the preparation of parts and raw materials inspection specifications). Whether there is a system of collection and storage.

4, measurement

4.1 Is there a metering mechanism?

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

4.3 If there is no metering mechanism, please indicate in which unit the metering is performed.

5, factory test institutions

5.1 List the main test equipment name and the manufacturer, whether there is a certificate of conformity and a valid certificate (accuracy, grade) which tests can be carried out.

5.2 Test environment

6. Technical documents and materials

6.1 Product drawings and product technical conditions, process documents.

6.2 Test report for applying for certified products in the last six months.

6.3 The percentage of waste and defective products found in the last six months as a percentage of total production.

7, technical services

7.1 What is the case record and user evaluation?

Information to be submitted for GS certification

1. Fill in the application form

2. Sign the general agreement

3. Information required for safety assessment

CB certificates and reports for this product may be provided, must include a group difference in Europe. Or provide the information needed for a safety assessment

- Instructions for use of the product (including safety warnings, maintenance instructions, instructions for installation steps, etc.)

- Parts list (in accordance with the relevant standards, provide information on key safety parts used in the product. Parts information may include manufacturer, model, parameters, certification information, parts requirements need to consider parts standards And the requirements of the final product standard)

- circuit diagram and layout

- Structure drawing of the product

-Specifications for components such as transformers

4. Contact with food (if any)

Please provide a food hygiene permit document issued by an authority for accessible black materials (plastics, coatings, etc.) or a relevant test assessment (PAH).

5. Nameplate (German, you need the GS logo of the correct size.)

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

7, German manual

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

9. If applicable product categories, assessment reports for Noise and EN50332 are required.

10. If applicable product categories, an evaluation report of DMF and EMF is required.

The role of GS certification

The GS mark indicates that the safety of the product has been tested by an independent agency with credibility. The GS mark, although not legally mandated, does allow manufacturers to be subject to strict German (European) product safety laws in the event of a product failure causing an accident. So the GS logo is a powerful market tool that enhances customer confidence and desire to buy. Although GS is a German standard, most countries in Europe agree. 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 mark, but since the safety awareness has penetrated the average consumer, a GS-marked appliance may be more competitive in the market than the average product.