How to Obtain a Valid VAH Certificate for the German-Speaking Healthcare Market

In the German-speaking healthcare market – Germany, Austria and Switzerland – regulatory approval alone is often not sufficient for successful market access. The decisive quality mark is the VAH certificate: formally voluntary, but in practice a prerequisite for many purchasing decisions in infection control.
This step-by-step course guides disinfectant manufacturers through the complete VAH certification and listing process – from understanding the German regulatory framework to preparing a successful certification application and obtaining certification.

Developed in cooperation with Dr. Brill and Partner and approved by the Verbund für Angewandte Hygiene e.V. (VAH)

This course was developed by HYGIENE COMPASS in cooperation with the accredited testing institute Dr. Brill + Partner GmbH, Institut für Hygiene und Mikrobiologie (Hamburg) and was approved by the Verbund für Angewandte Hygiene e.V. (VAH) – the independent association responsible for the VAH certification system and the publication of the VAH Disinfectants List. The course content reflects current certification requirements and established laboratory testing practice.

What you will learn

  • The regulatory framework in Germany for getting listed
  • The VAH association and its independent certification system
  • Product categories: how to identify the appropriate category for your product
  • Activity spectra and test methods – and how VAH requirements relate to the European EN standards
  • Laboratory selection and assessment reports
  • The application process, review, and realistic timelines
  • Certificate validity, renewal, and post-certification changes
Seven focused lessons, each with a knowledge check, plus practical checklists you can use to guide your own certification project.

Who is this course for?

  • Disinfectant manufacturers looking to enter or strengthen their position in the German-speaking market
  • Regulatory affairs, quality management and market-access professionals
  • Anyone who needs to understand the VAH certification and listing process from start to finish

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The course can be accessed for 12 months from the date of purchase. Access expires thereafter.
Disclaimer / Legal notice
This course is an independent educational resource provided by HYGIENE COMPASS for general information and training purposes. Although it was approved by the Verbund für Angewandte Hygiene e.V. (VAH), it is not an official VAH training programme. The course content has been prepared with the greatest possible care. However, no guarantee is given regarding its completeness, accuracy or continued validity, as applicable legal, regulatory and certification requirements may change at any time. Users should always consult the current VAH Standard Methods and Requirements, the official information published by the Verbund für Angewandte Hygiene e.V., and any other applicable legal or regulatory requirements before making regulatory or commercial decisions. Completion of this course does not guarantee VAH certification, inclusion in the VAH Disinfectants List, regulatory approval, market access or any other specific outcome.
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, HYGIENE COMPASS accepts no liability for decisions or actions taken solely on the basis of this course.


AI GENERATED Note on the use of artificial intelligence

The content of this course is carefully written and professionally produced by the HYGIENE COMPASS experts and reviewed before publication. Artificial intelligence is used as an aid to presentation and illustration: the people appearing in the videos are AI-generated avatars and do not depict real persons; most of their voices are synthetic as well. Images and graphics may likewise be AI-generated.

Course plan

Introduction and Market Context
VAH Certification Basics
Efficacy Testing and Requirements
The Certification Process
Checklists
Final Test & Conclusion