THE Product Compliance Department of the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has destroyed 290 cases (290,000 packs) of imported cigarettes found at Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).
According to the GNBS, the cigarettes, which were branded “US Mild 1” and imported by a local business, were destroyed in an inferno at the Lethem dumpsite recently in the presence of the GNBS inspector stationed in the Region.
During routine surveillance inspections, the GNBS detected the sale of the cigarettes in the Lethem area and the product was subsequently examined for compliance with the Tobacco Regulations of 2018.
The examination found the product to be not in compliance with labelling and marking requirements.

As a result, the aforementioned quantity of the non-complying product was seized by the GNBS and was prohibited from sale in Guyana.
After being stored for a short time, the items were destroyed by the distributor and officials of GNBS.
In light of this seizure and destruction, the GNBS urged importers and dealers of cigarettes to become familiar with the Tobacco Regulations to ensure imported cigarettes are compliant at the time of importation.
Meanwhile, inspectors of the GNBS will remain vigilant to ensure there is not a prevalence of unregulated cigarettes on sale in the city and other outlying areas.
The GNBS monitors the labelling and quality of products to ensure consumer protection. In addition to cigarettes, the national standards body monitors domestic electrical/electronic appliances, weighing and measuring devices, textiles, garments, footwear, safety helmets, safety matches, new and used tyres, gas stoves, electrical equipment and fittings, PVC pipes, furniture, Christmas tree and decorative lighting outfits, cellular phones and gold jewellery.