Overview
The GNBS is a semi-autonomous government organisation responsible for standards and quality in Guyana, operating under the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce. It was established in March 1985 under Act No. 11 of 1984, as a statutory corporation governed by a National Standards Council appointed by the Minister.
It is Guyana’s only National Standards Body, ISO 9001:2015 certified, and part self-funded, part Government-funded. An Executive Director oversees the corporate departments and a Deputy Director the technical departments.
Mission
To develop and implement the National Quality Infrastructure in partnership with key stakeholders towards sustainable socio-economic development and consumer protection.
Vision
To be the premier national institution for standards and quality in Guyana.
Core services
- Calibration and testing
- Certification (product, laboratories and auditing)
- Goods inspection
- Standards development
- Training and consultancy
- Verification
Role
- Supports trade and business competitiveness through standards
- Helps industry improve efficiency and the quality of goods for sale
- Builds the National Quality Infrastructure: verification, calibration, testing and certification
- Protects consumers by enforcing standards against poor-quality goods and services
Metrology and compliance
The GNBS verifies weighing and measuring devices used in health, agriculture, manufacturing and transport, under the Weights and Measures Act 1981. Under Article 6 of the Petroleum Agreement it measures and certifies crude oil.
Imported goods covered by Compulsory National Standards are tracked through ASYCUDA World by HS code, and inspected at ports of entry, points of sale, or importers’ warehouses and bonds.
Technical departments
- Business Support
- Calibration and Testing
- Certification
- Legal Metrology
- Product Compliance
- Standardisation