Introduction:
GS certification, German "Geprüfte Sicherheit" (Safety Certified), is a voluntary certification based on the German Product Safety Act and has become a recognized safety certification mark in the European market. In this article, Mr. Ye will analyze the background, significance and importance of GS certification in the market.
First, GS certification introduction:
GS certification (short for Geprüfte Sicherheit) is a safety certification mark that is widely recognized in the German market and in Europe. The certification is based on the German Product Safety Act and ensures that the products comply with the European harmonised standard EN or the German industrial standard DIN through rigorous testing procedures. Although not required by law, the GS mark is an important symbol of product quality and safety on the German market.
1.1 The origin and development of GS certification:The origins of GS certification can be traced back to the constant concern for product safety. The history of the certification reflects a high level of responsibility for the health and safety of consumers. The German Accreditation Council ZLS plays a key role in the establishment and development of GS certification, ensuring the rigor and reliability of certification standards.
1.2 The difference between GS certification and other certification marks:Compared with other certification marks, GS certification focuses on the overall performance of the product and the user's safety experience. Compared with CE certification and other examples, GS certification is more stringent and requires products to be thoroughly tested by an independent testing institute recognized by ZLS. This makes the GS mark a highly regarded mark in the market, as it represents a higher level of product safety and quality.
Second, the scope of application of GS certification:
GS certification is widely used in a wide range of product areas. The following is the range of products to which GS certification applies and provides some specific examples for readers to better understand.
2.1 Household Appliances:This includes, but is not limited to: refrigerators, washing machines, kitchen utensils (blenders, ovens, etc.).
2.2 Household Machinery:Suitable for all kinds of household machinery, such as: lawn mowers, power tools (drills, chainsaws, etc.).
2.3 Sports Goods:Such as: bicycles, ball sports equipment (football, basketball, etc.).
2.4 Household Electronic Devices:It covers a wide range of household electronic devices, including: audio-visual equipment (televisions, sound systems, etc.).
2.5 Electrical & Electronic Office Equipment:For example: copiers, fax machines, shredders, computers, printers, etc.
2.6. Industrial machinery, experimental measuring equipment:Such as: industrial machine tools, laboratory instruments, etc.
2.7 Other safety-related products:In addition to this, GS certification also includes other safety-related products such as: helmets, ladders, furniture, etc.
Third, SG certification process:
3.1 Select a certification body:First of all, manufacturers need to choose a certification body that is accredited by the German Accreditation Council (ZLS). This agency will be responsible for conducting the testing and auditing of the GS certification.
3.2 Submit an application:Submit an application for GS certification. The application** usually contains detailed information about the product, such as technical specifications, use, materials, etc.
3.3 Prepare test samples:Prepare product samples that meet GS certification standards. These samples will be used for various tests to ensure that they meet safety and quality requirements.
3.4 Product Testing:The certification body conducts various tests on the product to verify that it meets the relevant standards for GS certification. The tests cover electrical safety, mechanical safety, chemical safety, etc.
3.5 Review Documents:The certification body reviews the documents submitted by the manufacturer regarding the product, including technical specifications, manufacturing process documents, etc. Ensure compliance and accuracy of all documents.
3.6 Factory Inspection:Conduct on-site factory inspections to ensure that the production process meets standards and verify that samples are consistent with actual produced products.
3.7 Issuance of Certificates:After all tests and audits are completed, the certification body will issue a GS certification certificate certifying that the product has passed all necessary safety and quality tests.
3.8 Use the GS mark:After passing the GS certification, the GS mark can be added to their products. This mark is a visible sign that the product complies with German and European safety standards.
Fourth, information needs to be provided:
4.1 Fill out the application formProvide a completed GS certification application**, ensuring that all required information is included.
4.2. Sign the General Agreement:Provide a GM certification master agreement signed by the manufacturer to ensure a clear understanding of all terms and conditions.
4.3 Information required for safety assessment:
4.3.1 Provide CB certificates and reports, including Group Difference in Europe.
4.3.2. The instruction manual of the product, including safety warnings, maintenance instructions, instructions for the installation of accessories, etc.
4.3.3. Parts list, including key information such as manufacturer, model, parameters, certification information, etc.
4.3.4 Circuit diagram and layout.
4.3.5 Structure diagram of the product.
4.3.6. Specifications for transformers and other parts.
4.4 Parts in contact with food (if any):Provide a food hygiene license issued by an authoritative organization, or a relevant test assessment (PAH).
4.5 Nameplates:Provide the correct size of the GS mark, which needs to be marked in German.
4.6 Electromagnetic Compatibility Assessment Report (EMC) and Factory Declaration of Conformity (DOC):
4.6.1. Provide electromagnetic compatibility assessment report.
4.6.2 Provide a factory declaration of conformity to confirm that the product meets the relevant standards and requirements.
4.7 Instruction manual in German:Provide the product instructions in German to ensure a clear and accurate description of the product's use and safety information.
4.8 Samples at the time of shipment:Ship-ready samples are available for structural review, type testing, or ergonomic test evaluation.
4.9 Evaluation reports for NOISE and EN50332 are required for applicable product categories.
4.10 If applicable, DMF and EMF evaluation reports are required.
5. GS certification test standards:
GS certification is usually tested using different European or German national standards depending on the type and characteristics of the product. The following are examples of common GS certification test standards that apply to different product categories:
5.1 Household Appliances:
5.1.1 EN 60335-1:2012+A11:2014 - Safety of household and similar electrical appliances - Part 1: General requirements.
5.1.2 EN 60335-2 series - Special requirements for the safety of household and similar electrical appliances.
5.2 Electronic Office Equipment:
5.2.1 EN 60950-1:2006+A11:2009+A1:2010+A12:2011 - Security of information technology equipment - Part 1: General requirements.
5.2.2 EN 62368-1:2014 - Safety of branded stand-alone devices and components - Part 1: General requirements, etc.
5.3 Sports Goods:
EN 957 Series - Safety standards for sports and fitness equipment, etc.
5.4 Industrial Machinery:
EN 60204-1:2018 - Electrical equipment for mechanical equipment - Part 1: General requirements, etc.
5.5 Experimental Measuring Equipment:
EN 61010-1:2010 - Safety of electrical measurement, control and laboratory equipment - Part 1: General requirements, etc.
5.6 Household Machinery:
EN 60335-1:2012+A11:2014 - Safety of household and similar electrical appliances - Part 1: General requirements, etc.
5.7 Other Product Categories:
Depending on the product characteristics, it can meet other relevant EN standards or German national standards.
Sixth, the list of materials required for factory audit.
6.1 Quality Management:
6.1.1. The existence and person in charge of the quality management organization.
6.1.2. Implementation of training plan and assessment system.
6.1.3. The proportion of quality management personnel in production personnel.
6.1.4. Records and packaging numbers of key processes of the product.
6.1.5. Inspection of warehouse management and production operators, including inspection of raw materials, production process and finished products.
6.1.6. Regular quality check and quality analysis meeting.
6.2 Production line of certified products:
6.2.1. Provide production flow charts, quality control point diagrams and clearly stipulated production systems for certified products.
6.2.2. Maintenance system and regular inspection system for equipment, instruments and measuring tools on the production line.
6.3 Raw materials, purchased parts, parts:
6.3.1. Provide a catalog of key parts and key materials.
6.3.2. Explain the quality assurance measures for raw materials, purchased parts and parts, including inspection specifications and collection and storage systems.
6.4 Metering:
6.4.1 Existence, scope of work and personnel profile of the metrology agency. (Whether it has been assessed by the metrology department).
6.4.2 If there is no measuring institution, the unit and method of measurement shall be stated.
6.5 Factory Test Facility:
List the main test equipment and its valid identification certificates, including the tests that can be performed.
6.6 Technical documents and information:
6.6.1. Provide product drawings, technical conditions and process documents.
6.6.2. Provide the test report of the product applying for certification within half a year.
6.6.3 Provide the percentage of waste and defective products in the total output within half a year.
6.7 Technical Services:
Record technical services and user evaluations.
6.8 Summary:
Factory audit is a mandatory requirement for GS certification, and the first factory audit needs to be completed before applying for GS, and then once a year. Factory audits require the relevant documents and information listed above to ensure compliance with GS certified quality and safety standards. The audit period needs to be within one year to maintain the validity of the certificate. If the annual factory audit is interrupted, you need to re-apply for the factory audit in the future. The factory audit of each product category needs to be analyzed according to the actual situation.
Seventh, customer confidence and market recognition:
The GS mark has a positive impact on customer confidence and market recognition, and plays an important role in both product sales and brand image. Here are the key points in terms of customer buying decisions and market recognition:
7.1 Symbol of product safety:The GS mark is a symbol of German safety certification and represents that the product meets the high safety requirements. For consumers, this is a strong signal that the products they are buying have undergone rigorous safety testing and certification.
7.2 Increased customer confidence:The presence of the GS mark enhances consumer confidence in the quality and safety of the products. Shoppers are more likely to choose products with GS certification, which represents the manufacturer's commitment to product quality and safety.
7.3 Competitive Advantages:In a highly competitive market, products with the GS mark have a clear competitive advantage. Consumers are more inclined to choose certified products because these products are more reliable in terms of safety and quality.
7.4 Compliance with regulations and standards:The presence of the GS mark indicates that the product complies with German and European safety regulations and standards. This not only has a positive impact on consumers, but also increases the acceptability of the product on the international market.
7.5 Eliminate doubts and risks:For those consumers concerned about the safety of their products, the GS mark is a key factor in reassuring doubts and reducing the risk of purchase. Because this reduces the likelihood of possible quality issues.
7.6 Conducive to brand building:GS certification is not only the certification of products, but also part of brand building. By obtaining the GS mark, the brand sends a message to consumers that the brand has a high focus on safety and quality, thereby enhancing the brand image.
7.7 Helps with marketing:The GS mark can be used as a powerful tool for marketing. Manufacturers can highlight GS certification in product packaging, advertising, and marketing materials to communicate to consumers the high quality and safety of their products.
VIII. Conclusion:
GS certification is not only a guarantee of product quality and safety, but also the key to a manufacturer's success in the market. Considering consumer concerns about safety, obtaining GS certification will be a powerful tool for products to gain trust in the market.