Technischer Überwachungsverein

TÜVs (short for "Technischer Überwachungs-Verein", "Technical Monitoring Association" in English) are German organizations that work to validate the safety of products of all kinds to protect humans and the environment against hazards. As an independent consultant, they examine monitoring-needy plants, motor vehicles, energy installations, devices and products (e.g consumer goods). The many subsidiaries of the TÜVs can also appear as project developers for energy and traffic concepts, problem solutions in the area of environmental protection and as certification bodies. Many of the TÜV organizations also provide registration to various standards such as, ISO9001:2000 quality management system and ISO/TS16949 automotive quality management system.

The TÜVs as a group became part of the German landscape about 130 years ago, as part of the public and workplace safety initiatives of the time. In and around 1870 there were 43 TÜVs in total. They were geographically based as they are today, hence the names, SÜD, NORD, Rheinland, etc. The TÜVs were originally formed to inspect steam boiler installations across the country. Interestingly enough, the TÜVs still have a major portion of their business rooted in the inspection and certification of boiler and pressure equipment (see the [http://www.tuv.com/vn/en/pressure_equipment_directive_ped_97_23_ec.html Pressure Equipment Directive] for more). As the years and technology rolled along, the 43 TÜVs merged and now there are 4 TÜVs remaining in Germany plus one in Austria. TÜV SÜD, NORD, Rheinland, and the much smaller Saarland. The largest is the SÜD group with 13,000 employees and 600 locations worldwide. The only other commercial certification bodies in the world larger than TÜV SÜD are Société Générale de Surveillance, based in Switzerland, Bureau Veritas, based in France and DEKRA from Germany.

No German-registered road vehicle may be operated on public roads without a certificate from the TÜVs or DEKRA, one of their competitors, or - since a couple of years - also independent inspectors may grant this certification. In most cases the certificate has to be renewed after two years. A pass of the mandatory roadworthiness and smog test is indicated by tamper-proof decals on the license plate. Most modifications also need to be approved, from installing tires of a different size to materials used in nuts and bolts. The German safety guidelines are among the strictest in the world, and getting a road permit for thoroughly customized vehicles is said to border on the impossible.

Some of the TÜVs are also recognized/authorized to certify products for various countries such as the United Kingdom, TÜV Product Service or the United States, the TÜV SÜD America or TÜV Rheinland of North America TUVus mark (NRTL mark, equivalent listing as for example UL Mark), Argentina or Japan (e.g. according to DENAN/PAL law). The TUV SUD America cTUVus Mark is equivalent to a CSA or UL North American Mark. The "c" stands for Canada and the "us" stands for USA. TÜV also offers access to more markets than most other notified bodies/certification bodies.

For global market access those TÜVs might support with their global presence for example by local testing or to apply to the relevant ministries of the behalf of the manufacturers utilizing existing test reports (IECEE CB scheme). The TÜVs as a group are also one of the world's largest overall product certification organizations.

TÜV SÜD

TÜV SÜD has its headquarters in Munich. A merge with TÜV Rheinland was prepared, [http://www.welt.de/wams_print/article1688390/Tv_Rheinland_und_Tv_Sd_wollen_gemeinsam_den_internationalen_Markt_erobern.html TÜV Rheinland und TÜV SÜD wollen gemeinsam den internationalen Markt erobern] . Auch nach dem geplanten Zusammenschluss der beiden Prüfinstitute soll der Standort Köln erhalten bleiben] , but had to be shelved to prevent a veto from the German competition watchdog, the Bundeskartellamt. The authority recognised that the intention of the merger would be as much to fence off the recently allowed competion in Germany (they used to have regional monopolies in industrial inspections until the end of 2007) as to achieve synergies in the international field.

TÜV Product Service

TÜV Product Service is based in Fareham, Hampshire, and BABT, based in Walton on Thames, Surrey are part of the Industry Division of the TÜV SÜD Group, which employs over 13,000 people in 600 locations, and is one of the leading technical service companies in the world.

With over 50 years' experience, TÜV Product Service is a leading international expert in providing testing, certification, qualification, training and consultancy services to a range of industries covering the Aerospace, Defence, Medical & Health, Radio & Telecoms, Rail, Trade, Electronics & Consumer sectors.

BABT is the world’s leading Telecommunications certification body. Between them, they employ 1600 experts in 20 countries and hold over 100 international accreditations to test and certify products according to many national and international regulations and industry standards.

Our services include mechanical, environmental simulation, electro-magnetic compatibility and safety testing, which we can perform at our two UK facilities, or in-situ at clients’ premises. We hold many appointments and accreditations to assess and certify products’ compliance with regulations and thereby facilitate their access to numerous markets throughout the world. We can also issue a wide range of internationally-recognised certification marks that will demonstrate your products’ and services’ quality and reliability to your customers.

ee also

* ATEX
* [http://www.siracertification.com Sira] - European and UK equivalent ATEX and IECEx notified body
* Baseefa - British equivalent

References

External links

Various TUV Websites
* http://www.tuvps.co.uk/ TÜV Product Service
* http://www.babt.com/ BABT
* http://www.tuv.com/ TÜV Rheinland Group
* http://www.tuv.be/ TÜV Rheinland Belgium
* http://www.tuev-sued.de/en/ TÜV SÜD Global Head Office (SUD)
* http://www.tuev-nord.de/ TÜV Nord Gruppe
* http://www.tuv.com.tr/ TÜV Thüringen Turkey