Common mark of seven independent TÜV groups - type testing and production surveillance according to the standard stated in the certificate.
The abbreviation “TÜV” in a datasheet indicates that the product was tested by one of the TÜV groups. The abbreviation alone does not identify the body, test standard or certificate number. TÜV Rheinland grants components (plugs, power supplies, switches) the “Bauart geprüft / Type Approved” mark after testing electrical safety, mechanical construction and operating conditions according to applicable product standards.
TÜV SÜD grants the octagonal mark in “Safety tested, production monitored” (Mark P) and “Type tested, production monitored” (Mark E) versions, and a separate EMC mark.
The mark demonstrates that a TÜV body carried out type testing according to the standard identified in the certificate and inspected the manufacturing facility (initial inspection and production surveillance). It confirms compliance with the standard listed in the certificate and only within the stated scope.
A mark without a certificate number and the name of the TÜV body cannot be verified.
TÜV Rheinland describes the process as: define the product and application scope, laboratory testing (or testing at the manufacturer where IEC rules permit), test report, initial inspection and follow-up production surveillance, certificate issuance, and permission to use the mark after successful testing and the first factory inspection.
TÜV SÜD requires a manufacturer quality system (incoming inspection, material documentation, final testing, equipment calibration) and conducts regular factory inspections; an unapproved product change results in certificate withdrawal and loss of the right to use the mark.
TÜV Rheinland certificates are entered in Certipedia, updated daily; TÜV SÜD certificates are entered in Certificate Explorer.
Check the body name (e.g. TÜV Rheinland LGA Products, TÜV SÜD Product Service), certificate number / ID shown with the mark, and test-standard number; then verify the record in Certipedia (TÜV Rheinland) or Certificate Explorer (TÜV SÜD).
