Standards Corner

STANDARDS AND THE MANUFACTURER

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is the National Standards Body in Guyana, which is responsible for the development of standards for the different sectors of the economy and implementation of standards for goods falling under its purview.

The use of standards open the gate to regional and international trade, and manufacturers and producers who wish to compete globally, have no choice but to implement standards now.  If they wish to survive in this age of globalisation and trade liberalisation.  The Guyana National Bureau of Standards can help manufacturers to achieve this objective.

How doe the GNBS provide assistance to manufacturers?

1. Standardisation

   As part of the standards development process, manufacturers can:

   • Submit proposals to the bureau requesting the development of standards for products which they produce.

   • Participate by sitting on technical committees to provide technical expertise.

   • Offer their comments and inputs during the public comments stage, and also at symposia and public consultation sessions.

   • Purchasing relevant standards and complying with the requirements outlined therein.

    

2. Weights & Measures
   Manufacturers should ensure that:

   • Devices used in their manufacturing operations and in the conduct of trade are calibrated twice yearly to ensure they are working accurately and to avoid cheating themselves or consumers.

    

3. Product Certification
    

   The GNBS operates a third party Product Certification Scheme under which the producer’s claim of conformity is validated by an independent third party.

    

   Manufacturers can choose to join the scheme and have their products certified to national standards, providing these are available.

    

   Manufacturers, whose products consistently conform to requirements set out in standards, are given permission to use the National Standards Mark on their products.

    

   The National Standards Mark tells the consumer that the product on which it is inscribed, has been tested and inspected, and conforms to requirements of relevant national standards.

    

   Products, which have National Standards Mark, have increased access to regional and international markets instill consumers confidence and increase the profitability to producers.

    

4. Standards Compliance
   
   Under its Standards Compliance Programme, the GNBS monitors Twenty-two categories of commodities for conformance to National Standards.  Local producers of one or more of these commodities are expected to register wit the GNBS and comply with the same requirements, as do importers.
   
   Commodities monitored by the Bureau are: Electrical Appliances, Textiles, Garments, Footwear, Weighing and Measuring devices, Safety matches, Tyres, Gas stoves, Paints and paint products, Fertilisers, Cigarettes, Furniture, Animal Feeds, Safety Helmets, PVC pipes, Fluorescent Lamp Ballasts, Seat belts, Toys and Playthings, Soap Powder, Christmas Tree and Decorative Lighting Outfits, Cellular Phones and Gold Jewellery.

    

   GNBS doe not monitor Food, Drugs, Cosmetics, Medical Devices, Plan and Animal parts nor Seafood

    

5. Management Systems
   
   Manufacturers, who are desirous of implementing the National Standard GYS 231:2003, “Guidelines for good management practices for micro and small enterprises”, can obtain technical assistance from the Management System Department.

    

   Staff of the Management Systems Department is also available to assist larger companies that wish to implement Quality or Environment Management Systems, and meet the requirements of International Standards, ISO 9001 or ISO 14001 respectively.  For example, assisting in the preparation of quality manuals, conducting gap analyses, etc.
    

6. Standards Information
   
   Information regarding new developments in standardization can be obtained from the Technical Standards Information Unit (TSIU) during working hours.
    

   The TSIU also distributes the Standards Information Bulletin on a monthly basis to a wide cross section of stakeholders, which includes manufacturers.  The Unit will also order standards based on requests, made by manufacturers
    

7. Laboratory Services
   
   Gold Testing:

   
   Gold Smiths and Jewellers can access trading upon request with respect to assaying of gold using the Short Cut Fire Assay method.  They can also have gold articles tested at the Bureau’s gold testing Laboratory.

    

   The GNBS also tests rice bound for Jamaica to determine what percentage is broken.

For more information contact

GUYANA NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

FLAT 15, Exhibition Complex, Sophia, Georgetown

Telephone Nos. 225-6226, 227-7890, 227-7072

Email:gnbs@neworksgy.com