THE Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) took decisive action on Saturday last, seizing a significant quantity of assorted cigarettes from markets in Regions Five and Six, due to non-compliance with national standards and regulations.

The seizure, executed by the GNBS’ Product Compliance Department, was in accordance with the National Standard “GYS 9-3:2014 Labelling of Tobacco Products”, and the Tobacco Control Regulation of 2018.

Inspectors from the Department conducted surveillance operations at the Rosignol and Port Mourant Markets, uncovering a total of 1,447 packs of cigarettes that failed to meet specified requirements.

A primary reason for the seizure was inadequate labeling, with essential details such as pictorial warnings covering over 60 per cent of the package, manufacturing dates, batch numbers, and the mandatory ‘For sale in Guyana only’ marking missing from the packets.

The non-compliant packets encompassed various brands, including Marshall, Milano, Atlantic, Nise, Covallo, B&D, Vess, Pine, Record, Kentucky, and 51.

A breakdown of the seized packets revealed a concerning distribution across brands, highlighting the widespread nature of the non-compliance issue. Marshall, Atlantic, Covallo, and Kentucky were among the brands with the highest number of seized packs.

All seized items will undergo destruction to prevent their circulation in the market. Importers and dealers are urged to ensure strict adherence to national standards and regulations to avoid similar actions in the future.

The GNBS, with its mandate to safeguard consumers from substandard products, monitors 17 categories of goods, including cigarettes, electrical and electronic appliances, textiles, safety helmets, and toys, among others. This comprehensive oversight underscores the bureau’s commitment to ensuring the safety and quality of products available in the Guyanese market.

For further information and inquiries regarding product compliance, importers, dealers, and consumers are encouraged to contact the Guyana National Bureau of Standards.