Analyst Department stresses importance of border control & inspection
THE importance of border control and inspection as effective tools of import/export and certification of food, in general, was always viewed as critical by the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department in its regulatory thrust to assure the quality and safety of foods, human and veterinary drugs, cosmetics and medical devices. As such, the department said it is enthused to report on the agreements to forge linkages of cooperation with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), which will enable it to access not only information on importers but also the opportunity to inspect imports at the various ports of entry, prior to them being released on the domestic market.
A press release from the Department pointed out that, under Section 22 of the Food and Drugs Act, it has the right to examine Customs entries and take samples of regulated items imported into Guyana to ensure their quality, safety and efficacy.

The release said provisions enshrined in the Act, quoted below, empower the Department through the inspector to:
* examine any Customs entries of food, drugs, cosmetics or devices imported into Guyana, take samples thereof and submit them  to an analyst for analysis or examination;

* take samples of food, drugs, cosmetics or devices and these shall not be delivered to the importer until the analyst has reported upon the sample taken and

* if it appears, from the report of the inspector or the analyst, that the sale of the food, drug, cosmetic or device would be in contravention of this Act, none shall be admitted into Guyana for the use.

According to the release, the importation regulatory requirements include, that issuing a permit to importers of all articles is under the remit of the department. Thus importers must submit the necessary quality assurance and control documentation to demonstrate good manufacturing practices and the quality and safety of the articles.
Labels declaration of regulated articles must be in English and comply with mandatory label requirements.
Articles must arrive in Guyana with 75 percent of stated shelf life. Accordingly, the department is calling on all importers to comply with its regulatory procedures to facilitate unimpeded clearance of imported items through the GRA.