S Mark for EU
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The S stands for safety
The S Mark is a symbol which shows that electrical and electronic products have been independently tested and certified by a third party, Intertek, and that they comply with applicable European safety requirements. As a part of the certification, a yearly inspection of the manufacturing site is included. The purpose of the inspection is to verify that the manufacturer has a well-functioning production control system, which ensures that the product always fulfils the requirements.

The S Mark is a customer- and consumer-friendly mark which can be used in all EU countries. It conveys safety to the 450 million people who live in the EU: to customers, retailers and consumers. The S stands for safety. Throughout Europe, it does not matter how you say "Safety"… Sicherheit (German), Seguridad (Spanish), Sécurité (French), Sicurezza (Italian), Segurança (Portuguese), Säkerhet (Swedish). In Europe, "Safety" begins with S.

Today there are approximately 40 000 different products that are S Marked. The S Mark is only issued by Intertek. You find the S Mark not only on consumer products like lighting, household appliances and home electronics, but also on, for example, industrial appliances, medical devices and components. You need only recognise one single mark to know that the product is safe.

What´s the difference between the S Mark and CE marking?

Why does a company choose to S Mark the products?
Technical reasons:

• By independent certification, the manufacturer/importer ensures that the products fulfil the legal product safety requirements within the EU.
• The S Mark certifies independently to all customers that the product fulfils the relevant requirements within the EU – the S Mark is accepted in all European countries.
• The certification makes the process easier. It gives the technical basis and documentation required for CE marking, which may be asked for by the authorities or customers.
• In the event of a liability issue, the certification is good evidence that the manufacturer has taken his/her responsibility.
• Gives increased safety for certificate holders with relocated production since it includes an annual inspection of the manufacturing site to verify that the manufacturer has a well functioning production control system. This ensures that the product always fulfils the requirements.

• It makes market access within the EU easier since authorities and commercial players trust Intertek as an independent testing laboratory.
• It safeguards the brand of the product or the manufacturer/importer by avoiding safety deficiencies in the product, thus offering protection against claims for damages. The staff can sell the products confidently since they know the products are safe.
• The S Mark strengthens the importer’s/manufacturer’s brand by signalling that safety is an important issue to them. It is a customer-oriented mark which can be used in marketing and sales.
• The S Mark communicates safety (Sicherheit, Seguridad, Safety) throughout the EU, to 450 million people.
• Backing up CE marking with the S Mark can increase the sales. Surveys show that when a consumer is aware of the difference between the S Mark and the CE marking 80 % say that they prefer a to buy product that has been S marked.

For more information on how you can use the S Mark in your marketing, contact Louise Borglund