GS certification (Geprüfte Sicherheit = Tested Safety) is one of the most recognized safety marks in Germany and across Europe. While technically voluntary under the German Product Safety Act (ProdSG), GS certification has become a de facto requirement for B2B buyers, retailers, and distributors who prioritize product safety and liability protection.
Unlike CE marking, which is a self-declaration by manufacturers, GS certification requires independent third-party testing by accredited bodies such as TÜV Rheinland, TÜV SÜD, or VDE. This fundamental difference explains why GS-certified products command higher trust and often higher prices in the German market.
• CE: Self-declaration, mandatory for EU market access • GS: Third-party tested, voluntary but highly trusted • GS testing covers: electrical safety, mechanical safety, chemical emissions, ergonomics, and noise levels • GS certificate validity: Typically 5 years with annual factory inspections
For 45W power banks targeting Germany, the core testing standard is EN 62368-1 (Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology Equipment Safety), which replaced the older EN 60950-1 and EN 60065 standards. The 2026 version (EK1-ITB 2000:2026) includes 55 technical updates covering battery compartment safety, insulation requirements, fire enclosure standards, and USB Power Delivery protocols [5].
Additional certifications often required alongside GS:
- UN38.3: Mandatory for air transport of lithium batteries
- RoHS: Restriction of hazardous substances (EU requirement)
- REACH: Chemical registration for EU market
- WEEE: Waste electrical and electronic equipment compliance
GS certification is not just a compliance checkbox—it's a market access enabler. German B2B buyers consistently prefer GS-certified suppliers because it reduces their liability risk and simplifies their own due diligence processes. For Southeast Asian exporters, GS certification signals commitment to quality and long-term partnership [2].

