An objective of the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is to promote standardization in industry and commerce; we partner with: Government, Industry, other stakeholders and Consumers.
In this regard, Guyanese must pay keen attention to the quality of products and services available locally. We must recognize there are instances of substandard products and even substandard services locally. The National Standards Body recognizes, only a small percentage of the population, pays attention to the value of standards, while another percentage, only recognizes the absence of standards when it affects them directly.
With emerging oil and gas sector locally, we can anticipate an influx of international and multinational investors, who may have extended stays in Guyana; improvements in relation to, quality of products and services are relevant. In this regard, the quality of goods and services available in Guyana must be improved and to ensure, that Guyana is branded as a country, which embraces global recognized standards.
In order for one to measure the quality or performance of any product or service objectively, standards are the recognized tools that are used internationally, regionally and nationally as the benchmark for Quality and Performance. This applies to: the quality and safety of food consumed, the quality of hospitality services, the quality of service sectors generally, and the quality of products purchased. These quality and performance expectations are often defined in standards, specifications or guidelines developed; all through a consensus and transparent process by a team of experts.
With regards to the subject herein (used tyres), the quality and performance requirements for tyres have been established locally and it is expected that manufacturers, importers and retailers, ensure that all tyres conform to the stated requirements as published by the GNBS in the first instance – the local agency which regulates in such regards. From the perspective of the National Standards Body, it is expected, that once a standard is available for a product or service, it is utilized for the purpose intended and so that, our consumers will get value for money. As Guyanese, we owe it to ourselves and our country, to purchase products, which conform to recognized standards. The GYS 67: 2001 standard – ‘Specification for pneumatic passenger car tyres,’ specifies the requirements for pneumatic car tyres. This mandatory standard is currently being used by our Standards Compliance Department, to monitor the physical parameters of tyres, as defined in the Standard, during inspections and surveillance visits. It should be noted, that in the absence of testing facilities, importers and retailers, are required to ensure that tyres imported, meet the requirements of our national standard, as a minimal requirement.
The GNBS will be intensifying efforts, to ensure that importers of commodities monitored, provide the applicable valid test certificate, as issued by a laboratory or similar institution in the country where the commodity is manufactured (originated); all show that the commodity – in this case tyres, are in compliance with a standard recognized by the GNBS. Our agency has the authority to refuse, the entry of commodities, not conforming to standards; (GNBS Act 1984 sections 23 and 24).
Importers of tyres are advised, that with the existing directive to ban the importation of the ‘specific categories of used tyres’; as such, the local sale of such used tyres, will be regulated to be phased-out in a timely manner.
On this note, all manufacturers, importers, and retailers of products, monitored by the GNBS, are encouraged to purchase copies of respective standards, so that the specifications outlined in respective standards, can be adhered to. Consumers are also encouraged to purchase wisely and to ensure, products purchased conform to: recognized standards, read labels, and purpose intended for product. As the National Standards Body, we have an obligation to ensure, standards are applied in all sections of our society; the objective of improving quality of life for all Guyanese is important.
Candelle Walcott- Bostwick Executive Director.
