Introduction to Various Certifications

GS [European Union]

The meaning of GS is "Geprufte Sicherheit" in German (which means safety has been certified), and it also has the meaning of "Germany Safety". GS certification is a voluntary certification based on the German Product Safety Act (SGS), and it is tested according to the unified EU standard EN or the German industrial standard DIN. It is a German safety certification mark recognized in the European market.

The GS mark indicates that the safety of using this product has been tested by an independent and credible institution. Although the GS mark is not legally mandatory, it does subject the manufacturer to strict German (European) product safety laws in the event of an accident caused by a product failure. Therefore, the GS mark is a powerful marketing tool that can enhance customers' confidence and purchasing desire. Although GS is a German standard, it is recognized by the vast majority of European countries. Moreover, while meeting the requirements of GS certification, the product will also meet the requirements of the CE mark of the European Community. Unlike the CE mark, the GS mark is not legally required, but due to the deep-rooted safety awareness among ordinary consumers, an electrical appliance with a GS mark may have greater competitiveness in the market compared to general products.

Scope of Application

The FCC certification applies to more than 50 states in the US, the District of Columbia, and US - affiliated regions. To ensure the safety of radio and wire communication products related to life and property, the Office of Engineering and Technology of the FCC is responsible for the technical support of the commission and also handles matters related to equipment approval. Many radio - application products, communication products, and digital products are required to obtain FCC approval to enter the US market. The FCC investigates and studies all stages of product safety to find the best solutions. Additionally, the FCC is also involved in the testing of radio devices and aircraft.

The US has been China's second - largest trading partner for several consecutive years, and the trade volume between China and the US has been on the rise year by year. Therefore, exports to the US should not be underestimated. The product technical standards and import regulations in the US are among the strictest in the world. Understanding the US market access rules will help Chinese products further penetrate the US market.

For unintentional radiating products, excluding products subject to DOC requirements and intentional radiating products, a VOC report should be prepared. After affixing the FCC mark and printing the text description required by the FCC, the products can be shipped.

VOC testing usually includes conducted and radiated emissions, and the tests are carried out in FCC 2.948 - listed laboratories. Common products subject to FCC certification include audio - video products.

GS Certification Institutions

German Certification Institutions: Commonly, well-known German local GS certification issuing institutions in China include TUV SUD, TUV RHEINLAND, VDE, etc., which are GS certification issuing institutions directly recognized by Germany.

(2) Other Certification Institutions: Usually, other GS certification issuing institutions in Europe that cooperate with Germany include SGS, KEMA, ITS, NEMKO, DEMKO, Eurofins, etc.

Scope of Certification

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

2.Household machinery.

3.Sports goods.

4.Household electronic devices, such as audio-visual equipment.

5.Electrical and electronic office equipment, such as copiers, fax machines, paper shredders, computers, printers, etc.

6.Industrial machinery, experimental measurement equipment.

7.Other safety-related products such as bicycles, helmets, ladders, furniture, etc.

GS Certification Process

(1) Initial Meeting: Through the initial meeting, the testing institution or the agency will explain the specific procedures of the certification and relevant standards to the applicant's product engineer, and provide the document forms that need to be submitted.

(2) Application: The applicant submits the required documents. For electrical products, it is necessary to submit the general assembly drawing of the product, the electrical schematic diagram, the bill of materials, the product usage or installation instructions, the description of the differences between series models, and other documents.

(3) Technical Meeting: After the testing institution has reviewed the applicant's documents, a technical meeting will be arranged with the applicant's technical personnel.

(4) Sample Testing: The testing will be carried out in accordance with the applicable standards, and it can be conducted in the manufacturer's laboratory or any laboratory of the inspection institution located in various countries.

(5) Factory Inspection: GS certification requires an inspection of the production site for safety-related procedures.

(6) Issuance of the GS Certificate.

GS Certification Cycle Generally speaking, the length of time depends on whether the product needs to be modified or the speed at which the manufacturer submits the required product documents. Overall, the time required is generally about 6 to 8 weeks.

The European Community's CE regulations stipulate that since January 1, 1997, the "Low Voltage Directive (LVD)" has been regulated. GS already includes all the requirements of the "Low Voltage Directive (LVD)". Therefore, after obtaining the GS mark, the issuing institution will exceptionally issue the CE certificate (COC) for the LVD of this product free of charge.