National Standards Bodies are private or public institutions set up in most countries of the world 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 mission of the GNBS is to promote Standardisation for economic development and consumer protection through Standards development, promotion and implementation, Metrology Services and Conformity Assessment.

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 fulfill its mandate, the Bureau executes the following work programmes: Standardisation, Codex, Technical Assistance, Accreditation, Laboratory Certification, Training, Auditing Services, Product Certification, Laboratory Certification, Laboratory Services, Weights and Measures, Standards Compliance, Metrication, Communication, Standards Information, and Administration and Finance.

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 Bureau provides a wide range of services to its stakeholders. These include: product monitoring, testing, calibration, certification, training and the provision of information, to promote and facilitate trade and ensure consumer protection. However, the GNBS does NOT monitor food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, plant and animal produce nor poultry and seafood.

In addition to its main office that is located in the exhibition site Sophia, the Bureau has three branch offices which are located in Anna Regina, New Amsterdam and Lethem. Weights and measures services are also provided at the weights and measures offices located at the Regional Democratic Council buildings within the various Regions.
For further information, contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0062, 219-0065 or 219-0069. Our email address is gnbs@networksgy.com