Test Marks
Quality, environmental awareness, and social responsibility are now indispensable success factors in almost every business sector. Consumers are also placing increasing importance on product safety. Certifications and recognised test marks play a central role in this context: they enhance customer trust, influence purchasing decisions, and increase the perceived value of brands and suppliers.
CE Mark
CE Mark
By affixing the CE mark to products, the manufacturer declares that these products are in conformity with all applicable requirements of EU legislation. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may only be placed on the market if it complies with the basic health and safety requirements of Annex II of PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425.
PPE is divided into 3 categories, for which different conformity assessment procedures apply:
- Category I: Simple PPE offering protection against minimal risks; conformity assessment is the sole responsibility of the manufacturer
- Category II: Normal PPE. Here a type examination certificate from an approved (notified) body is required. Type conformity of the PPE is the responsibility of the manufacturer
- Category III: PPE for protection against major risks. In addition to type examination, monitored quality control of products and production is also required.
The PFI test body carries out all tests required for awarding the CE mark. The certification body is authorised both to award EU type examination certificates for Categories II and III and to carry out monitored control of the finished products and production. This applies to the following areas:
Foot and leg protection
For proper assessment, tests are performed on the whole shoe, on the sole, and on the upper.
Category II:
- Individual foot and leg protection according to PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425
- Safety footwear according to EN ISO 20345
- Occupational footwear according to EN ISO 20346
- Protective footwear according to EN ISO 20347
- Protective footwear for motorcycle riders according to EN 13634
- Welding boots according to EN ISO 20349-2
- Safety footwear with resistance to chain-saw cutting according to EN ISO 17249 up to 20.04.2018
Category III:
- Firefighter boots according to EN 15090
- Foundry boots according EN ISO 20349-1
- Safety footwear with resistance to chain-saw cutting according to EN ISO 17249 from 21.04.2018
Hand protection
- individual hand protection according to Regulation (EU) 2016/425
- protective gloves against mechanical risks according to EN 388
The relevant certification programmes can be requested from the certification body.
Your Contact Person
Liselotte Vijselaar
Physical Material Testing
GS Mark
Tested Safety: GS Mark
The GS safety mark is voluntary in Germany and ensures that the safety requirements in the areas of consumer and occupational protection are met and verified by an independent body. The requirements for the GS mark are regulated in the Product Safety Act, Section 5, Articles 20-23.
The product is tested by PFI in accordance with the applicable standards and regulations. PFI is authorised to award the GS mark for PPE in categories I and II in the areas of hand protection, foot protection, and leg protection.
The relevant certification programmes can be requested from the certification body.
Your Contact Person
Dr. Gunder Dörr
Certification and
Quality Management
Blue Angel
Blue Angel: the German Ecolabel
The Blue Angel is the environmental label of the German government for environmentally friendly products and services. As the world’s first environmental label, it has stood for independence and credibility for over 35 years. The assessment primarily focuses on the impact on the environment and climate, as well as on resources, water, soil, and air. The effect on human health is also a key aspect of the evaluation.
PFI tests your products and materials according to the requirements of the Blue Angel for shoes (RAL-UZ 155). PFI expertise is generally recognised for certification.
Additionally, at PFI, you can also have shoes and shoe-related materials tested according to the requirements of the Austrian Ecolabel. PFI expertise is recognised for certification. Furthermore, PFI supports you in preparing the necessary reports and applications.
Your Contact Person
Dr. Ines Anderie
Chemical and Microbiological Analysis
PFI test mark
PFI test marks are only awarded to products that meet specific requirements. As an independent testing institute, we define criteria that go beyond legal requirements. Test marks are issued based on product-specific requirements.
Our test marks help you successfully communicate the advantages and quality of your products to customers. They demonstrate that you take your responsibilities as a manufacturer or retailer seriously and that your product meets not only the mandatory safety requirements but also additional high-quality standards. Ultimately, it serves as proof of trust in the quality of your company’s outstanding products.
Your Contact Person
Dr. Ines Anderie
Chemical and Microbiological Analysis
eco Label
eco Label
The numerous EU regulations on corporate social and environmental responsibility present many companies with complex challenges and often require significant investment.
Our eco Label has been further developed to meet upcoming ecological and political challenges, such as the Green Deal and the Supply Chain Act. Additionally, we have created a tool that helps businesses make their production or services more sustainable. Our goal is to develop a suitable strategy for every company looking to implement documented due diligence, enhance sustainability, and move towards climate neutrality.
100% Vegan
100% Vegan
The 100% Vegan test mark provides a way to transparently communicate to consumers that products or materials, including their ingredients and production processes, are entirely vegan. Vegan means the complete absence of any animal-derived components or products at all stages of manufacturing.
100% Vegan eco
100% Vegan eco
The 100% Vegan eco PFI test mark can be awarded to vegan articles, materials, and process substances that are produced under controlled ecological conditions. It offers an effective way to highlight your products and demonstrate your commitment to sustainability. This certification combines the eco and 100% Vegan modules.
SG Mark: Materials and Medical Products Tested for Hazardous Substances
SG Mark: Materials and Medical Products Tested for Hazardous Substances
To protect consumer health, chemical substances may only be used in ways that pose no risk. This requires precise and careful manufacturing, the use of appropriate auxiliaries, and the selection of low-emission or pollutant-free materials.
The SG Mark, exclusively awarded by the Testing and Research Institute Pirmasens (PFI), sets particularly strict standards. It can be granted for shoes, leather, cardboard, textiles, adhesives, as well as plastics and plastic inserts in the orthopaedic sector. The established limit values are often significantly lower than legal requirements. Additionally, certified products and materials are regularly monitored by PFI through random sampling to ensure the highest standards.
Downloads
PFI Test Mark Search
In our test mark database, you can verify test marks issued by us. Simply enter the test mark number into the search field to access information on the quality and safety criteria of the product you are interested in.
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