The monitoring of the quality of products and services in any country is essential towards ensuring that all consumers get the quality, satisfaction which they so deserve and expect. This can only be achieved if there are established national monitoring mechanisms and systems in place to ensure that goods and services offered to consumers are of acceptable quality.
It is with this view in mind that the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) was given the mandate under the National Standards Act of 1984 and its amendment of 1997 to ensure that products offered for sale conform to the requirements of standards. As a consequence, under its National Standards Compliance Programme, twenty categories of imported and locally manufactured products are monitored by the organization.
National Standards are available for a wide cross section of products imported into Guyana or locally manufactured. However, only twenty categories of commodities by the Bureau of standards under the national standards compliance programme. These standards stipulate requirements for labeling and or testing for quality, durability, performance etc. Most of the products monitored by the Bureau are examined to ensure compliance with labeling requirements. The labels of some products, such as household electrical appliances and gas stoves provide guidance and information to consumers that the products which they purchase are fit, safe and suitable for use. These labels must include certification mark(s) which indicate that products were tested by an independent, third party certification or inspection body in the country of origin.
The objective of the GNBS compliance programme is to ensure that consumers are protected from sub-standard products which are either produced right here in Guyana or are imported. Products currently monitored by the GNBS are: domestic electrical appliances, tyres (new and used), textiles, garments, footwear, PVC pipes, scales, weights & measures, Animal feed, Furniture, Garments, Gas stoves, Cigarettes, Safety matches, Safety helmets, Seat belts, Fertilizers, Electricity and water meters, Cellular phones, Christmas Tree and decorative lighting outfits.
It is important to note that the GNBS does not monitor commodities such as Foods, Drugs, Cosmetics, Medical Devices, Plants and Animals parts, Meats and Seafood. These products are monitored by other Regulatory Agencies such as the Food and Drug Analyst Department and the Ministry of Agriculture.
It must also be noted that commodities can only be monitored when the relevant national standard is in placed.
Upon importation, products monitored by the GNBS are referred by Customs to the Agency for examination by its Inspectors who conduct these examinations either at the ports of entry, points of sale, or at warehouses and bonds. In the case of goods which require storage, it is important that checks are made to ensure that surroundings and practices are maintained to avoid the deterioration of the quality of the products imported or manufactured (example, tyres and animal feeds). Locally manufactured products are also examined at sale outlets and place of manufacture to ensure compliance.
Products, whether locally manufactured or imported, that are found to be in compliance with their relevant national standards, are released for sale to consumers. However, in instances where they failed to conform to requirements, the appropriate actions are taken by the GNBS. These actions could include the seizure, request for relabeling, or the submission of the requisite information such as test certificates. Sometimes, sub-standard products are destroyed or importers are asked to reship them to the country of origin.
The GNBS will continue to monitor the quality of products which fall under its purview to ensure compliance to National Standards and Guidelines, which will ultimately provide consumer safety and satisfaction.
For further information, please contact the Guyana National Bureau of Standards on telephone numbers: 219-0065, 219-0066 or visit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgy.org.
