GS stands for the German term Geprüfte Sicherheit, meaning “Tested Safety”, also commonly referred to as Germany Safety. Based on the German Product Safety Act, GS certification is a voluntary certification scheme tested against harmonised European EN standards or German DIN industrial standards. It is a widely recognised German safety mark for the European market.

      The GS mark demonstrates that product safety has been evaluated by an authoritative independent testing body. Although GS marking is not legally mandatory, manufacturers remain subject to strict German (European) product safety legislation if product failures lead to accidents. Therefore, the GS mark serves as a powerful marketing asset to boost customer confidence and purchasing intention. While GS originates from German requirements, it is accepted across most European countries. Products meeting GS requirements will generally also satisfy the requirements for the EU CE marking. Unlike CE marking, GS is not a legal requirement. However, consumer safety awareness is high, and electrical products bearing the GS mark usually enjoy stronger market competitiveness.

      The GS mark is a voluntary German safety mark, yet it is highly valued by consumers. Many products such as power tools, IT equipment and household appliances face difficulties entering the German and neighbouring markets without the GS mark.

Product Assessment, Certification and Pre‑licensing Inspection

      Product assessment is built upon harmonised European standards with reference to the Low Voltage Directive, EMC Directive and Machinery Directive. Where no relevant European standard exists for products eligible for GS certification, certificates may be issued against IEC standards and remain valid for five years.

      Pre‑licensing inspection is a mandatory prerequisite, followed by annual factory surveillance audits.

      In addition to electrical safety clauses in harmonised European standards plus German National Deviations, product assessment also follows documents issued by ZEK and guidelines drafted by the GS interpretation panel EK1 (Exchange of Experience Forum 1). Certain product categories require ergonomic testing.

      In accordance with ZEK 01-08, starting from 1 April 2008, all products applying for GS certification must undergo PAHs assessment to meet regulatory requirements and prevent health hazards. This mandatory requirement applies to all PAH-containing materials that may come into contact with human skin or enter the mouth under normal use or reasonably foreseeable misuse. Products that obtained GS certification before 1 April 2008 were required to complete PAHs assessment by 31 March 2009. The revised version ZEK 01.1-08 was published and enforced on 25 June 2008.

      Ergonomic testing required for the German GS mark covers various IT products, including LCD / CRT displays, desktop computers, laptops and other computer peripherals (such as keyboards, mice, printers, scanners, etc.), all of which must comply with relevant ergonomic specifications laid out in EK1-ITB 2000.