Standards Corner

National Standards Bodies are institutions either private or public set up in countries to produce standards and regulate the quality of goods that are manufactured and imported.

The priority areas of interest depend entirely upon local conditions and requirements.  However, all National Standard institutions develop technical standards to protect consumers against health hazards, fraud and safety in all aspects of life and in support of international trade.

In Guyana our local Standards Body is the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS).  The GNBS was established under the Standards Act No. 11 of 1984 and its vision is to improve the quality of life of the people of Guyana through the process of standardisation.

The GNBS is classified as a semi-autonomous agency which falls under the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce.  It is governed by a National Standards Council representing various interest groups, appointed by the subject Minister. In an effort to fulfil its mandate, the Bureau executes the following thirteen work programmes: Standardisation, Quality Management, Conformity Assessment, Auditing Services, Product Certification, Laboratory Certification, Laboratory Services, Administration and Finance, Weights and Measures, Standards Compliance, Metrication, Codex, Technical Assistance and Standards Information.

The Standards Act provides for the preparation and promotion of standards in relation to goods, services, procedures and practices falling under the purview of the Bureau.  The aims and objectives of the Bureau include the:

• promotion of standards for the improvement of goods and services, processes and practices produced or used in Guyana.

• promotion of quality control in industry.

• provision of testing and calibration facilities for devices such as scales, weights and measures to determine their accuracy.

The Bureau provides a wide range of services to industry.  These include testing, calibration, certification and training.  The Bureau also provides a variety of information services upon request and represents the Government at relevant forum for standards related matters. However the GNBS does NOT monitor food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, plant and animal produce nor poultry and seafoods.