GNBS MONITORS CELLULAR PHONES FOR QUALITY AND LABELLING REQUIREMENTS
Under its Standards Compliance Programme, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) monitors twenty categories of imported and locally manufactured commodities for compliance to national standards and guidelines. With the advent of cellular phones in Guyana and numerous complaints made to the GNBS regarding defective phones purchased by consumers, the GNBS commenced the monitoring of the commodity.
The efforts made by GNBS towards the continuous monitoring of cellular phones offered for sale by importers and dealers at the more than 100 registered outlets across the country ensures that consumers are protected from sub-standard quality phone and accessories and are provided with the necessary after sale services.
The monitoring of cellular phones involves the registration of dealers with the GNBS to obtain a permit to sell the commodity. This is done by completing the requisite registration form and paying a fee of thirty thousand dollars to the GNBS. Before permits are issued to dealers or importer, an inspection of the phones offered for sale at outlets must be conducted by the GNBS. This is to ensure conformance to standard labeling requirements and guidelines for the sale of cellular phones.
The standard requires that all cellular phones be labeled with ….Also included in the guidelines is the requirement that all phones offered for sale must be clearly labeled NEW, USED or REFURBISHED. This guides consumers as to the quality of phone that at the time of purchase and at the same time protect dealers from consumers who have opted to purchase used or refurbished phones at cheaper prices. Used and refurbished phone are known to have a shorter lifespan and after sale services are generally limited.
Regarding the investigation of complaints, any consumer who has purchased a cellular phone and has found same to be defective, damaged or not working when put into use and knows that these defects or damages did not originate with him can make a complaint to the GNBS. Before making any complaint it is important that the opportunity be given to the cellular phone dealer for him to address the complaint according to the terms of the warranty provided.
If the dealer fails to provide adequate redress, the consumer can make their complaint to the GNBS and the Bureau would conduct an investigation to determine what is the fault and whether the faulty item was caused by the complainant or if it is a manufacturer’s defect. The GNBS utilizes the services of a reputable technician to diagnose defects of cellular phones.
