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    Certification and Registration

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    German GEV EMICODE certification

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    German GEV EMICODE certification


    What is GEV EMICODE Certification?

    GEV is the abbreviation for “Gemeinschaft Emissionskontrollierte Verlegewerkstoffe, Klebstoffe und Bauprodukte e.V.”, which translates into English as “Association for Emission-Controlled Installation Materials, Adhesives and Building Products.” GEV is a German association focusing on the evaluation and control of emissions from various building materials, including flooring products, adhesives, and construction materials.

     

     

    The main objective of GEV is to promote the production and use of low-emission and environmentally friendly products in the construction industry. GEV has developed and maintains the EMICODE certification system, which evaluates the emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from products and their impact on indoor air quality.

    GEV certification refers to the certification program provided by the German association GEV. This certification program is known as “EMICODE” and is primarily used to evaluate and control emissions from flooring materials, adhesives, and building products.

    GEV EMICODE certification evaluates the volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions of products and their impact on indoor air quality. It provides consumers, architects, and construction professionals with information about the emission characteristics of certified products, helping them make informed decisions to achieve healthier indoor environments.

     

    Application Scope of GEV EMICODE Certification

    GEV EMICODE certification can be applied to various products in the building and construction industry. Examples of products that can obtain GEV EMICODE certification include:

    Flooring Materials: This includes various types of flooring, such as carpets, floor tiles, vinyl flooring, laminate flooring, and wooden flooring.

    Adhesives and Sealants: Adhesive products used for flooring installation, wall decoration, and general construction applications can be certified, including carpet adhesives, wood adhesives, and sealants.

    Building Materials: Other construction materials, such as paints, coatings, wall coverings, and insulation materials, can also undergo GEV EMICODE certification to demonstrate low emissions and contribute to improved indoor air quality.

    Furniture and Interior Products: Some interior products, such as furniture, mattresses, and interior decoration products, can also seek GEV EMICODE certification to ensure low VOC emissions and promote healthier indoor environments.

    Cleaning and Maintenance Products: Certain cleaning and maintenance products used in construction or maintenance, such as floor cleaners and surface treatments, can also be certified to meet low-emission requirements.

     

     
     

    Benefits of Obtaining GEV EMICODE Certification

    GEV EMICODE certification provides several benefits for manufacturers and consumers:

    Guarantee of Low Emissions: GEV EMICODE certified products meet strict standards for low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), providing assurance to consumers.

    Improved Indoor Air Quality: Products with low VOC emissions certified by GEV EMICODE help improve indoor air quality.

    Health and Safety: GEV EMICODE certified products allow consumers to reduce exposure to potentially harmful chemical substances.

    Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility: GEV EMICODE certification promotes sustainability by encouraging the use of low-emission and environmentally friendly products.

    Transparent Product Information: The GEV EMICODE label provides transparent information regarding the emission characteristics of certified products.

    Compliance with Building Standards and Regulations: GEV EMICODE certified products help manufacturers and builders meet requirements for indoor air quality and emission control, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.

    Market Differentiation: GEV EMICODE certification demonstrates a manufacturer’s commitment to producing high-quality products and contributing to healthier indoor environments, potentially attracting more customers and business opportunities.

     

     
     

    What is the GEV EMICODE Label?

    The GEV EMICODE label is a unique mark or identification indicating that a product has successfully passed the GEV EMICODE certification program. It is a visual identification for products that comply with GEV’s specific requirements and standards for low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

     

     

    The GEV EMICODE label usually consists of the EMICODE logo or symbol and the corresponding emission class designation. The emission class indicates the emission level of the product, such as EC1 PLUS (extremely low emission) or EC1 (very low emission), helping consumers and professionals easily identify products with low VOC emissions.

    The GEV EMICODE label on a product provides customers with assurance that the product has undergone rigorous testing and meets the emission standards established by GEV. It indicates that the product contributes to improved indoor air quality and helps create a healthier indoor environment.

    When looking for low-emission products, consumers and professionals can look for the GEV EMICODE label and choose products displaying this label to ensure compliance with GEV emission standards and its commitment to environmental protection and health.

     

    GEV EMICODE Emission Classes

    The GEV EMICODE certification program classifies products into different emission classes based on their volatile organic compound (VOC) emission levels. These emission classes indicate the emission performance of products, with lower classes representing products with lower VOC emissions. The commonly used GEV EMICODE classes include:

    EC1 PLUS: This is the highest level in the GEV EMICODE classification system, representing products with extremely low emissions. EC1 PLUS products have the lowest VOC emissions, are considered environmentally friendly, and are suitable for use in sensitive environments.

    EC1: This level represents products with very low emissions. EC1 products have slightly higher emissions than EC1 PLUS products but still meet the strict requirements of GEV EMICODE certification.

    EC2: This level represents products with low emissions. EC2 products have higher emissions than EC1 PLUS and EC1 products but remain within the acceptable range specified by GEV.

     

    The emission limits vary depending on different product categories

    Category 1: Flooring installation products, adhesives, and construction products

     

    μg/m³

    EC 1PLUS

    EC 1

    EC 2

    TVOC after 3 days

    <750

    <1000

    <3000

    TVOC after 28 days

    <60

    <100

    <300

    TSVOC after 28 days

    <40

    <50

    <100

    R value after 28 days based on German AgBB LCI (NIK)

    <1

    -

    -

    Sum of non-assessable VOCs

    <40

    -

    -

    Formaldehyde after 3 days

    <50

    <50

    <50

    Acetaldehyde after 3 days

    <50

    <50

    <50

    Sum of isothiazolinones (ppm)

    <0.05

    <0.05

    <0.05

    Sum of C1A/C1B VOC after 3 days

    <10

    <10

    <10

    Any C1A/C1B VOC after 28 days

    ≤1

    ≤1

    ≤1

     

    Category 2: Products used for the surface treatment of parquet flooring, mineral flooring, and resilient flooring

     

    μg/m³

    EC1PLUS

    EC1

    EC2

    Sum of TVOC + TSVOC after 28 days

    ≤100, of which a maximum of 40 SVOC

    ≤150, of which a maximum of 50 SVOC

    ≤400, of which a maximum of 100 SVOC

    R value after 28 days based on German AgBB LCI (NIK)

    ≤1

    -

    -

    Sum of non-assessable VOCs

    ≤40

    -

    -

    Formaldehyde after 3 days

    ≤50

    50

    50

    Acetaldehyde after 3 days

    ≤50

    50

    50

    Sum of isothiazolinones (ppm)

    ≤0.05ppm

    ≤0.05ppm

    ≤0.05ppm

    Sum of C1A/C1B VOC after 3 days

    ≤10

    10

    10

    Any C1A/C1B VOC after 28 days

    ≤1

    1

    1

     

    TVOC = Total Volatile Organic Compounds

    TSVOC = Total Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds

    C1A-, C1B-VOC = Volatile substances classified as CMR Category 1A and 1B

     

    Application Process of GEV EMICODE Certification

    The GEV EMICODE certification process includes several steps to ensure that products meet low volatile organic compound (VOC) emission requirements and comply with the standards established by GEV. The general certification process is as follows:

    1.Application: The applicant submits the required documents and product information to apply for GEV EMICODE certification.

    2.Product Evaluation: Submitted products are evaluated based on their composition, ingredients, production processes, and emission characteristics. This evaluation may include a review of product data sheets, material safety data sheets (MSDS), technical specifications, and other relevant documents.

    3.Laboratory Testing: Product samples are tested in accredited laboratories according to specific testing protocols established by GEV. These tests evaluate the emission levels of VOCs and other relevant substances. The testing procedures may include chamber testing or other appropriate methods to measure emissions under controlled conditions.

    4.Assignment of Emission Class: Based on the test results, the product is assigned an emission class within the GEV EMICODE classification system. The classification may range from EC1 (extremely low emission) to EC2 (low emission) or higher, depending on the measured emission levels.

    5.Quality Assurance: The certification body or GEV association conducts regular audits and quality assurance measures to ensure continued compliance with certification requirements. This may involve periodic product retesting and inspections of production facilities.

    6.Issuance of Certification: Once the product successfully meets the emission requirements and passes all necessary evaluations, the manufacturer is granted GEV EMICODE certification. The product is authorized to display the GEV EMICODE label or mark, indicating its low-emission status.

     

    SATISFY provides one-stop GEV EMICODE certification services, including preliminary evaluation, document submission, testing follow-up, and label compliance usage guidance. For more information, please contact SATISFY customer service.


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