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 (SGS) 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.
The GS logo indicates that the safety of the product has been tested by an independent organization with public credibility. The GS certification mark, 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 certification mark is a powerful market tool that can enhance customer confidence and purchasing desire. Although GS certification is a German standard, the vast majority of European countries agree. Moreover, while meeting GS certification, the product will also meet the requirements of the CE certification mark of the European Community. Unlike CE certification, there is no legal requirement for the GS logo. However, as safety awareness has penetrated into ordinary consumers, an appliance with the GS certification logo may have greater competitiveness in the market compared to ordinary products.
The GS certification mark is a voluntary safety mark in Germany; But it is highly valued by consumers. Many products, including power tools, information technology equipment, and household appliances, cannot be sold within or around Germany without the GS certification mark.
Product evaluation, certification, and pre license inspection
Product evaluation is based on harmonized European standards, referencing low-voltage directives, EMC directives, and mechanical directives. If there are no relevant European standards for products that meet the GS certification 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.
The product evaluation should not only be based on the electrical safety regulations of European harmonised 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 ZEK 01-08 document, starting from April 1, 2008, products applying for GS certification must undergo PAHs evaluation to comply with regulatory requirements and avoid health hazards. This mandatory requirement applies to all materials that may contain PAHs that may come into contact with the human body or be placed in the mouth under normal use or foreseeable reasonable misuse. Products that have obtained GS certification before April 1, 2008 need to complete PAHs evaluation before March 31, 2009. The revised version of ZEK 01-08 document, ZEK 01.1-08, was announced and implemented on June 25, 2008. The ergonomic testing required by the German GS logo covers a variety of information technology products, including LCD/CRT display devices, computers, laptops, and other computer peripheral devices (such as keyboards, mice, printers, scanners, etc.), all of which must comply with the relevant ergonomic specifications in the EK1-ITB 2000 standard.