German GS Certification
Introduction to Certification
GS means "Geprufte Sicherheit" (safety certified) in German, and also means "Germany Safety". GS certification is based on the German Product Safety Law (GPGS), and is a voluntary certification that is tested in accordance with the EU unified standard EN or the German industrial standard DIN. It is a German safety certification mark recognized by the European market.

German GS

GS Certification Logo

The GS certification mark indicates that the safety of the product has been tested by an independent and credible organization. Although the GS certification mark is not a legal requirement, it does allow manufacturers to be subject to strict German (European) product safety laws when a product fails and causes an accident. Therefore, the GS certification mark is a powerful market tool that can enhance customer confidence and desire to buy. Although GS is a German standard, it is recognized by most European countries. Moreover, when meeting the GS certification, the product will also meet the requirements of the European Community's CE mark. Unlike CE, the GS certification mark is not a legal requirement, but because safety awareness has penetrated into ordinary consumers, an appliance with a GS certification mark may be more competitive in the market than general products. Usually, GS certified products are sold at a higher price and are more popular.

Certification significance

GS certification necessity

1. GS, as a symbol of product safety and quality reliability, is more widely recognized by German and EU consumers;

2. Minimize the manufacturer's liability risk in product quality;

3. Enhance the manufacturer's confidence in product quality, safety, and compliance with legal requirements;

4. Emphasize to consumers the manufacturer's obligations for product quality and safety;

5. Manufacturers can ensure to end users that products with the GS mark have passed the tests of third-party testing agencies;

6. In many cases, the quality and safety of products with the GS mark exceed the level required by law;

7. The GS mark can obtain higher recognition than the CE mark because the GS certificate is issued by a third-party testing agency with certain qualifications.

Applicable product range

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

2. Household machinery.

3. Sports equipment.

4. Household 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, experimental measuring equipment.
7. Other safety-related products such as bicycles, helmets, ladders, furniture, etc.
Application process
1. Application: The applicant shall submit documents that meet the requirements. For electrical products, it is necessary to submit the product's general assembly drawing, electrical schematic diagram, material list, product use or installation instructions, and differences between series models.
2. Sample testing: The test will be carried out in accordance with the applicable standards and can be carried out in the manufacturer's laboratory or any laboratory of the inspection agency stationed in various countries.
3. Factory inspection: GS certification requires a safety-related procedural inspection of the production site.
4. Issuance of GS certificate.
Application materials
1. Application form
2. General agreement
3. CB certificate and report of the product
4. User manual of the product
5. Parts list
6. Circuit diagram and layout
7. Product structure diagram
8. Specifications of transformer and other parts
9. Nameplate
10. Electromagnetic compatibility assessment report (EMC) and factory declaration of conformity (DOC)
11. German manual
12. Samples at the time of shipment
Certificate information
GS certification
Difference between GS certification and CE certification
GS certification
CE certification
Non-compulsory certification
Compulsory certification
Applicable German safety regulations GS testing
Apply European standards (EN) for testing
Testing and issuing GS mark certificate by an independent third party authorized by the German government
Can declare CE on its own with complete technical documents (including test reports)
Must pay annual fee
No annual fee
Many factory inspections are required every year
No factory inspections are required
GS mark is issued by authorized testing units, with high credibility and market acceptance
Factory self-declaration of product compliance, with low credibility and market acceptance
Greatly helpful in improving the reputation of product quality
No way to improve product quality
Accepted by the majority of customers in Europe
Accepted by general customers in Europe
Slightly higher cost
General cost
Usually 6-8 weeks
Usually 2-4 weeks