GS certification
GS means German "Geprufte Sicherheit" (certified for safety) and also means "Germany Safety" (German Safety). GS certification is a voluntary certification based on the German Product Safety Law (GPGS) and tested in accordance with the European Union ’s 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 apply for GS certification
Products that can apply for GS certification are:
1. Household appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, kitchen appliances, etc.
2. Household machinery.
3, sports supplies.
4. Household electronic equipment, such as audiovisual equipment.
5. Electrical and electronic office equipment, such as copiers, fax machines, paper shredders, computers, printers, etc.
6. Industrial machinery and experimental measurement equipment.
7. Other safety-related products such as bicycles, helmets, ladders, furniture, etc.
GS safety certification mark
1.GS mark is a safety certification mark issued by TUV, VDE and other organizations authorized by the German Ministry of Labor.
The GS mark is a safety mark accepted by customers in Europe. GS-certified products usually sell at higher prices and are more popular.
2. The European Community CE regulations, since 1997.1.1. Regulate the "Low Voltage Directive (LVD)". The GS already contains all the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive (LVD). Therefore, after obtaining the GS mark, TUV will exceptionally issue a CE certificate (COC) for the LVD of this product for free. TUV SÜD and TUV Rheinland's certificates after 1997 include the LVD certificate in the GS certificate. The manufacturer obtained the LVD certificate when applying for GS.
3. GS certification requirements for products and documents:-The product must pass the type test of European safety standards. -The product structure must meet the requirements of the standard. -The instruction manual (German, English) must meet the standard. -English documents such as "Structure Diagram", "Circuit Diagram" and "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 must be reviewed and annual inspections:-When the factory is shipped in batches, it is required to establish its own quality assurance system in accordance with the ISO9000 system standard. The factory must have at least its own quality control system, quality records and other documents and sufficient production and inspection capabilities. -Before issuing a GS certificate, a new factory must be qualified before it is issued. -After issuing the certificate, the factory shall be reviewed at least once a year. No matter how many products the factory applies for TUV mark, the factory inspection only needs one time.
GS certification issued by TUV
GS certification scope
1. Household appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, kitchen appliances, etc.
2. Household machinery.
3, sports supplies.
4. Household electronic equipment, such as audiovisual equipment.
5. Electrical and electronic office equipment, such as copiers, fax machines, paper shredders, computers, printers, etc.
6. Industrial machinery and 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 submits documents that meet the requirements. For electrical products, it is necessary to submit the product assembly drawing, electrical schematic diagram, bill of materials, product use or installation instructions, and the differences between the series models.
3) Technical meeting: After the inspection agency has checked the applicant's documents, it will arrange a technical meeting with the applicant's technical staff.
4) Sample test: The test will be performed in accordance with the applicable standards, and can be performed in any of the manufacturer's laboratories or inspection agencies in laboratories in various countries.
5) Factory inspection: GS certification requires a safety-related process inspection of the production site.
6) Issue GS certificate.
GS certification cycle
Generally, 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 issuing fee, a factory inspection fee, and an annual certificate fee. The exact number will be determined based on the product category and required testing. After receiving the documents required by the applicant, the certification body will provide you with a price reference. Each certification body has different market policies and credibility, and the price will vary.
Relationship between GS and LVD
The European Community CE regulation 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, TUV will exceptionally issue the CE certificate (COC) of the product LVD for free. TUV SÜD and TUV Rheinland's certificates after 1997 include the LVD certificate in the GS certificate. The manufacturer obtained the LVD certificate when 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 the name of the person in charge?
1.2 Has a training plan for all types of personnel been developed and implemented, especially for key process personnel? What is the personnel assessment system?
1.3 The ratio of quality management personnel to production personnel.
1.4 Is there a production record for the key product process, and is there a serial number for the product packaging?
1.5 Whether the warehouse management and production operations personnel carry out relevant inspections:
1.5.1 Raw materials 1.5.2 Production process 1.5.3 Finished products
1.6 Is there a quality check and who is responsible for it?
1.7 Whether regular quality analysis meetings are held to 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 chart with and without certified products, and clearly stipulated production system.
2.2 The equipment, instruments and quantities on the production line have a non-maintenance system, a regular inspection system and records.
2.3 Is there any critical production equipment, process equipment and test equipment?
3. Raw materials, purchased parts, parts
3.1 Provide a catalog of key parts and materials.
3.2 Explain how to ensure the quality of raw materials, purchased parts, and parts (whether or not there are any inspection specifications for parts and raw materials). Is there a system for receiving and keeping?
4.Measurement
4.1 Is there a measurement agency?
4.2 Working scope and personnel profile of the measurement agency (Are they approved by the measurement department?)
4.3 If there is no measurement mechanism, please indicate in which unit the measurement is made.
5. Factory test institutions
5.1 List the name of the main test equipment and the manufacturer, and whether there is a certificate of conformity and a valid appraisal certificate (precision, grade) which tests can be performed.
5.2 Test environment
6. Technical documents and information
6.1 Product drawings, product technical conditions, and process files.
6.2 Test report of the product applying for certification within the last six months.
6.3 The percentages of waste and defective products detected in the past six months accounted for the total output.
7, technical services
7.1 What is the situation record and user evaluation?
Documents to be submitted for GS certification
1.Fill in the application form
2. Sign the general agreement
3. Information required for safety assessment
Can provide the product's CB certificate and report, which must include the European group difference. Or provide the information required for safety assessment
-Instruction manual for the product (including safety warnings, maintenance instructions, instructions for installing the accessories, etc.)
-Parts list (According to relevant standards, provide key safety parts information used in products. Parts information may include manufacturers, models, parameters, certification information, parts requirements need to consider parts standards And final product standards)
-Circuit diagram and layout
-Structure of the product
-Specifications of transformers and other components
4.Food contact parts (if any)
Please provide food sanitation permits issued by authorities for accessible black materials (plastics, coatings, etc.), or require a related test assessment (PAH).
5. Nameplate (German, requires the correct size GS logo.)
6.Electromagnetic compatibility assessment report (EMC) and factory compliance statement (DOC)
7.German manual
8. Samples during shipment to complete structural review, type test or ergonomic test evaluation
9. For applicable product categories, evaluation reports of Noise and EN50332 are required
10. If applicable product categories, evaluation reports of DMF and EMF are required.
The role of GS certification
The GS mark indicates that the product's safety has been tested by credible independent agencies. Although the GS mark is not required by law, it can indeed make manufacturers subject to strict German (European) product safety laws when a product fails and causes an accident. Therefore, the GS mark is a powerful market tool that can enhance customer confidence and purchase desire. Although GS is the German standard, most countries in Europe agree. And while meeting the GS certification, the product will also meet the requirements of the European Community CE mark. Unlike CE, there is no legal requirement for the GS mark, but because safety awareness has become common among consumers, an appliance with the GS mark may be more competitive in the market than ordinary products.
