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.

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) Guyana’s local Standards Body was established under the Standards Act No. 11 of 1984 and its vision is to improve the quality of goods and services in 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 Board known as the National Standards Council whose members are appointed by the subject Minister and represent various interest groups.

In an effort to fulfil its mandate, the Bureau executes the following work programmes: Standards Development, Audit Services, Product Certification, Laboratory Certification, Technical Assistance, Calibration, Gold testing, Rice testing, Weights and Measures, Standards Compliance, Metrication, Communication, Codex, 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, verification of devices, information dissemination certification, internal audits and training. The Bureau also provides a variety services upon request (procuring and selling standards and represents the Government at relevant forums for standards related matters. However, the GNBS does NOT monitor food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, plant and animal produce nor poultry and seafood.

The Management and Staff of the GNBS take this opportunity to thank stakeholders for their cooperation and support during 2008, and the Bureau looks forward to even better relations as it executes its various work programmes during 2009.

For further information, kindly contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0065, 219-0066 or 219-0069. Our email address is:gnbs@networksgy.com