In Germany, certification marks are issued in two areas: the so-called legally regulated and non-regulated sectors.
Legally Regulated Marks
Certification marks that confirm compliance with legal regulations fall under the legally regulated sector.
GS MARK
The most well-known example of a legally regulated certification mark is the GS mark (“GS” stands for Geprüfte Sicherheit, or “Tested Safety”). It confirms that the product or device is presumed to meet the requirements of the Product Safety Act (ProdSG) and other relevant legal provisions.
The GS mark is voluntary. Relevant standards are generally used to define the test criteria. The validity of the GS mark is limited to five years. Its award requires a type examination and control measures to monitor the product’s manufacturing process.
Testing is conducted by independent laboratories and certification bodies accredited by the Central Office of the Federal States for Safety Technology (ZLS).
CE MARK
The CE mark is a mandatory label under EU law for electrically adjustable furniture as well as for electrical equipment such as lights, monitors, keyboards, computer mice and peripheral devices. By affixing the CE mark to a product, the manufacturer declares that it conforms to the relevant European directives.
The CE marking may be based on the manufacturer’s self-declaration or a test conducted by an independent institute.
Other Certification Marks
The following quality and certification marks belong to the non-regulated sector:
QUALITY OFFICE
Quality Office is a quality mark awarded on the basis of the guideline L‑Q 2022 – Quality Criteria for Office Workstations. This guideline is jointly published by the German Institute for Standardisation (DIN), the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV), the Industry Association for Office and the Working Environment (IBA), the German Office Network (DNB) and the Stationery and Office Supply Trade Association (HBS). Office furniture and professional workplace consultants can be certified. The Quality Office label for products covers requirements for safety, functionality, application flexibility, durability, and environmental friendliness. The Quality Office mark for consultants attests to the necessary expertise and practical application skills in workplace design and consulting.
www.quality-office.org
AGR SEAL OF APPROVAL
The Aktion Gesunder Rücken (Campaign for Healthier Backs) tests products for ergonomic qualities that help prevent or alleviate back problems. In the office sector, this certificate is awarded, for example, to task chairs and sit-stand desks.
www.agr-ev.de
BLUE ANGEL
The Blue Angel is a label for environmentally friendly products and services. The label is owned by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. Its administration has been delegated to RAL, the German Institute for Quality Assurance and Labelling. In the office furniture sector, low-emission wood and wood-based products are certified under RAL-UZ 38.
www.blauer-engel.de
Level
Since 2018, LEVEL has offered a comprehensive sustainability certification for office and contract furniture used in indoor environments. The initiative was launched by the umbrella association of the European office furniture industry, FEMB. The basis is the FEMB sustainability standard, accredited by the German Accreditation Body (DAkkS). It combines environmental responsibility with social accountability. The certification covers product properties, the manufacturing process, and organisational aspects. Established national eco-labels such as the Blue Angel can be used as proof of compliance with individual criteria. Testing and certification are carried out by independent, accredited testing bodies.
www.levelcertified.eu
TÜV RHEINLAND CERTIFIED
Since 2013, all certification marks of the TÜV Rheinland Group have been unified under a single visual identity. Marks are awarded, for example, in the categories of “Safety”, “Functionality”, “Ergonomics”, and “Quality”.
