GS Mark CertificationCertification
GS Mark Certification
The GS Mark, which stands for “Geprüfte Sicherheit” in German and means Safety Tested, is a licensed mark of the German government. Furniture retailers and consumers are increasingly demanding products that are proven to meet safety requirements and to be of good quality. GS mark confirms that the product is safe. It includes electrical safety as well as ergonomics. The GS mark is applicable for “ready for use” products, not components or sub-assemblies. GS Mark certification enables the products to stand out from the crowd. The GS mark is a valuable aid for purchasing decisions and increases the customer's trust and confidence. The GS mark has developed over more than twenty years into a safety mark recognized throughout the world. Technical equipment may be labeled with the GS mark if:
1. After testing a type by an authorized, independent body, the latter certifies that the product meets the safety requirements.
2. The testing and certification body monitors that only products corresponding to the
type and the law are placed on the market (production monitoring).
If a manufacturer meets these requirements, a GS test certificate is issued. The GS mark is based on the German Product Safety Act. GS testing integrates several product-specific national and European directives and regulations and determines whether the instructions for use are correct and complete, and ensures that all GS mark requirements are met. The short testing times associated with the GS certification allow a rapid market launch of the tested and certified products.
The GS certificate has a high recognition value with consumers on the German and international markets and offers the customers a clear and conclusive decision-making aid. With a GS certificate, we minimize the probability of liability risks and gain a competitive edge. In particular, it informs the consumer that the appropriately marked, the ready-to-use product can be used safely and without danger as long as it is used as intended. As the GS mark can be awarded to both consumer products but also products used as work equipment, it also provides employers with a good orientation regarding their obligation to only provide work equipment to employees which is safe. The GS mark is not to be confused with the European "CE” conformity mark. The GS mark does not constitute a comprehensive quality seal for a product, it shows that it has been subjected to a prototype examination in terms of its safety and that the manufacturing process has been checked by a GS body. This does not allow any conclusions to be drawn about either the performance or the shelf life of a marked product. The GS mark is not intended only for products that are manufactured in Germany. The safety level is defined in the Product Safety Act itself. Throughout its service life, the marked product must not pose a risk to the safety or health of individuals or other possible legal interests when used under reasonably foreseeable conditions.
We can provide concurrent testing and certification for GS Mark certification saving your significant time and money. We provide a competitive advantage through our neutral and internationally recognized GS mark. It documents that your products conform to the standards, comply with the prescribed safety standards, and are of high quality. At the same time, you benefit from our quick testing times. Our experienced experts offer you a range of product-specific services with short testing times. We also reduce your company's liability risk. Certification with our test mark also enables you to access national and international markets quickly.
Key points about the GS Mark:
- Independent Certification: The GS Mark is typically awarded by independent testing and certification bodies, often referred to as "GS certification bodies." These organizations conduct tests and inspections to determine whether a product complies with safety requirements established by German or European standards.
- Safety Assurance: The GS Mark primarily focuses on safety aspects, and it is applied to a wide range of products, including electrical appliances, toys, tools, furniture, and more. It signifies that a product has met safety standards related to electrical, mechanical, chemical, and other potential hazards.
- Voluntary Certification: While the GS Mark is voluntary, many manufacturers choose to have their products certified with this mark to demonstrate their commitment to product safety and quality. It can help products stand out in the market by providing assurance to consumers.
- European Recognition: While the GS Mark originates from Germany, it is recognized and accepted in various European countries. It is seen as a credible symbol of product safety and can facilitate the movement of goods within the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA).
- Continuous Monitoring: The GS certification process often includes initial testing and regular follow-up inspections to ensure that certified products continue to meet safety standards over time.
It's important to note that the GS Mark is just one of several certification marks used globally to indicate product safety and compliance with specific standards. In addition to the GS Mark, other well-known certification marks include the CE mark in Europe, UL (Underwriters Laboratories) in the United States, and CCC (China Compulsory Certification) in China, among others.
When purchasing products with the GS Mark, consumers can have confidence that the product has been independently assessed for safety, which can help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries associated with the use of the product. Manufacturers, on the other hand, benefit from increased trust and market competitiveness by displaying the GS Mark on their products.