Guidelines Established for Cell Phone Dealers

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) monitors cellular phones under the National Standards Compliance Programme to ensure that quality handsets are offered to consumers.  As a result, Importers and Dealers are required to comply with the following guidelines governing the sale of cell phones.

Cell phone Importers and Dealers are required to register with the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) annually, during the period of January to March. In addition, permits issued by the GNBS must be conspicuously posted up at sale outlets.

• Cell phones offered for sale must be labeled accordingly, NEW, USED or REFURBISHED, in addition to the other labeling requirements, so as to guide consumers when making purchases.
• Cell phones should be sold with necessary accessories, such as, an original charger, an original battery and an original operational manual, which must be in English language.
• Dealers of cell phone should offer written warranties to consumers when making purchases, which must specify the conditions of the warranty. Warranties offered to consumers must be honoured by Dealers in a timely manner in the event of a problem. In situations where a manufacturer warranty is provided to the Dealer, the duration of warranty issued should not be less than one year on a handset. However, in situations where a manufacturer warranty is not issued, the duration of warranty should not be less than six months.
• New and refurbished cell phones offered for sale should be free from scratches and the screws and housing must be free from blemishes. In addition, the life timer, call list, message inbox and outbox should not have evidence to indicate that the phone was in use prior to the sale of same.
• Cell phones sold to consumers must be tested at the time of purchase and consumers must be sensitized on the features of the phone and the correct manner of usage. In addition, consumers must be given the opportunity to properly examine their phones before the transaction is finalized.
• Written receipts must be given to consumers at the time of purchase to authenticate the transaction.
• Importers and Dealers must ensure that their staff is properly trained and competent to advise consumers accordingly. In addition, personnel manning the business in the absence of the Importer or Dealer must be capable of providing consumer redress when necessary.

For further information please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0069, 219-0065, 219-0066.