The literal translation of "GS" stands for "safety-tested" in German. Typically, the electrical safety aspects of a product are evaluated, tested and certified in conjunction with the issuance of this Mark.
The GS-mark can be obtained for a variety of product categories:
• electrical and mechanical home appliances
• office equipment such as copy machines, fax machines, shredders, computers, printers
• laboratory and measuring equipment
• industrial equipment and machines
• toys
• others such as bicycles, helmets, ladders, furniture etc.
The GS mark, although not required by law, can and does make a great deal of difference in cases where a product's malfunction leads to an accident for which its manufacturer could be held responsible under Germany's (and the EU's) strict product liability laws. It is at the same time a convincing marketing aid creating customer confidence and purchasing motivation.