Robert Falco, director of sales at TUV Rheinland, outlines the differences between the familiar CE mark and the TUV GS mark in terms of product testing and safety
What is the difference between products bearing the CE marking only and those that additionally bear the TUV GS mark? What are the benefits for manufacturers and consumers? This article offers a brief explanation of these two symbols and a factual examination of the key differences.
The TUV GS Mark has its roots in the German equipment safety law but the literal translation of 'GS' does not stand for German safety, but rather "safety tested." Typically, the electrical safety aspects of a product are evaluated, tested and certified in conjunction with the issuance of this marking.
The TUV GS mark is most often a voluntary certification and has long been a recognised symbol in Germany for safety-tested products.
In the past decade, members of the European Union have become accustomed to seeing the mark on consumer products.
The TUV GS mark demonstrates the following: a representative sample of the product has been evaluated, tested and approved for safety; production line is inspected on an annual basis; TUV GS mark may also provide you with a marketing advantage since it is a voluntary mark.
In contrast, CE marking is the manufacturer's self-declaration, and does not prove compliance with all applicable directives.
For most products sold in the EU, the use of the CE marking and a Declaration of Conformity are mandatory.
With the exception of some high-risk products, most products can be self declared by the manufacturer to meet the 'Essential Requirements'.
While the CE marking does permit a product's access to the EU, it is not an approval, certification, or quality mark; nor is it a marketing tool.
CE marking is only a declaration of the supplier's own responsibility.
While enabling products to be placed on the European market, it allows for the free movement of goods and permits the withdrawal of nonconforming products - but no more.
The CE marking should not be confused with other approval marks or certifications issued by EU-accredited certification bodies.
As stated in the European Commission's guide to the implementation of community harmonisation directives: "Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that the products they place on the market meet all relevant regulations.
Where these regulations do not require mandatory certification, manufacturers often seek voluntary certification to assure themselves that their products do meet the requirements set by law." TUV GS mark.
Voluntary.
Only appears on approved products.
Proof testing and certification through an independent third party before the product is introduced to the market.
Continuous product and production surveillance by independent third parties for the life of the license.
Valuable marketing with linkage to well-known, European-based test agency. A symbol for safety and compliance of products.
CE mark. Required.
Appears on all products.
Testing is assumed but not proven.
Product and production surveillance is not implied or required.
No marketing advantage, simply a manufacturer's self-declaration of conformity.
A symbol for trade with the assumption of conformity.
Authored by Robert Falco, Director of Sales, TUV Rheinland of North America (USA) TUV Rheinland of North America and TUV International UK are both part of the TUV Rheinland/Berlin-Brandenburg Group
