GS mark

The GS mark (Geprüfte Sicherheit = tested safety) granted by SGS Fimko is a well-known and respected impartial certification mark indicating the safety and quality of a product. The GS mark verifies to the consumer that the product is tested and certified according to the German Act GPSG (Geräte- und Produktisicherheitgesetz = Equipment and Product Safety Act).The GS mark can only be used on products that have a valid GS certificate granted by SGS Fimko. Information about safe electrical equipment may be obtained from SGS Fimko’s register of certified products.

Which countries recognize the GS mark?

The GS mark is well-known in all the countries of the European Economic Area. It proofs that the products complies with the safety standard and the special requirements of the GS certification scheme. It also provides the basis for certification in many other countries. A GS certified product must also fulfill the requirements of the EMC directive. GS certification and SGS Fimko’s other services provide a reliable basis for the European Union CE marking.

For which product types is the GS mark granted?

For GS mark testing European EN standards are usually used. The GS mark is thus valid for most electrical consumer products e.g. lighting fittings, household appliances, handheld tools, toys, cord extension sets etc.

The conditions for granting the GS mark include:

• Order in writing: application forms can be obtained from SGS Fimko
• Type testing at SGS Fimko
• Regular factory inspections according to European requirements, which can be carried out at the same time as the factory inspection required by FI certification.

The GS certificate will be valid under the condition that:

• Factory inspections are carried out annually.
• The products manufactured are identical with the type-tested one.
• GS maintenance fee is paid annually for each product type. If the product already is FI certified, the GS maintenance fee is halved. With the maintenance fee income, SGS Fimko supervises, among others, the use of the GS mark, maintains the register of certified products and the register service, and drafts client letters.
• Use of the GS mark is also supervised through factory inspection and random tests on products taken from the market.

Use of the GS Mark

The GS mark can appear on the certified product, in the User’s Manual and Installation Guide, in product catalogues and in newspaper, TV and radio advertisements. Additional information regarding the use of the GS mark can be obtained from us. The GS mark is available also in electrical form.