About us
For 100 years, consumers and manufacturers have trusted RAL Quality Marks (RAL Gütezeichen).
Who we are
In 1925, the German government and industry representatives from the Weimar Republic decided to standardise and clarify technical delivery conditions. They defined individual quality assurance specifications for products and services and regulated the monitoring of compliance. The ‘Reichsausschuss für Lieferbedingungen’ – since then known as RAL – was founded. RAL (today: RAL Deutsches Institut für Gütesicherung und Kennzeichnung) is still responsible for the recognition of RAL Quality Marks (RAL Gütezeichen). Find out more about the history of RAL Deutsches Institut für Gütesicherung und Kennzeichnung e. V..
It is the principles behind Quality Marks (Gütezeichen) that make the difference. This laid the foundation for the system of RAL Quality Assurance (RAL Gütesicherung). This strict system continues to distinguish RAL Quality Marks (RAL Gütezeichen) from all other labels. They are proof of neutrality and reliability.
Our philosophy, values and goals
The system of RAL Quality Assurance (RAL Gütesicherung) and the RAL Quality Marks (RAL Gütezeichen) promote quality, trust and sustainable business practices. They provide clear guidance to help economic operators identify high-quality, safe products and services.
RAL Quality Marks (RAL Gütezeichen) are reliable and impartial, providing objective proof of continuously monitored quality. This is based on the competence, neutrality and independence of RAL.
Products and services with RAL Quality Marks (RAL Gütezeichen) are reliable and up to date. The quality and testing regulations are updated regularly. Compliance with the criteria is ensured through self-monitoring and regular, independent monitoring.
Transparency promotes consumer protection. The quality and testing regulations for all RAL Quality Marks (RAL Gütezeichen) are publicly available. This means that it is always possible to verify whether a company complies with the quality standards of a RAL Quality Mark (RAL Gütezeichen).
RAL Quality Marks (RAL Gütezeichen) are labels of trust – they identify products and services of particularly high quality, undergo a public approval process and thus protect the end consumer from mistakes.
Our labelling expertise
RAL has over 100 years of labelling expertise, consisting of the neutral and transparent development and establishment of standardised and reliable systems for labelling the quality, safety, economic efficiency, environmental friendliness and sustainability of products and services.
The unique system of RAL Quality Assurance (RAL Gütesicherung) offers:
- Quality assurance – Ensuring and improving the quality of products and services, and establishing standards that exceed legal requirements and norms.
- Orientation – Consumers and public contractors are guided towards high-quality, safe and reliable products and services in almost all areas of life.
- Competitive advantages – Companies that hold a RAL Quality Mark (RAL Gütezeichen) gain a competitive advantage, standing out from their competitors thanks to the special, continuously tested quality of their products or services.
- Innovation and progress – Continuous development and optimisation of products, services and processes through regular revision and adaptation of Quality Assurance and Test Specifications.
