GNBS certifies 1st company with “Made in Guyana” mark

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) on Tuesday certified the first company under its Made in Guyana Certification Mark Programme.

Fibre Tech Industrial Plastics (FTIP), based on the East Coast Demerara, became the first Guyanese company to achieve this certification and is now authorised by the GNBS to affix the Made in Guyana stamp to several of its fibreglass products.
Items produced by the company, including its shower units, kitchen units, bathroom units, outdoor furniture and play equipment will now be marked.
The Made in Guyana Certification Mark is a prestigious stamp that was unveiled by First Lady, Arya Ali at the GNBS’ National Quality Awards Ceremony in October 2021. It is a registered mark that aims to provide recognition to locally manufactured products on the local and international markets and is a signature of quality for authentic Guyanese products.
Among the requirements to become certified, manufacturers are required to use at least 60 per cent raw materials from Guyana and to employ 70 per cent Guyanese staff. The Made in Guyana Certification is valid for one year and will be monitored through surveillance visits by the GNBS to ensure the approved quality is maintained.
Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond in her feature address encouraged Private Sector companies to buy into the Government’s plan and to aspire for standards.
Meanwhile, acting Executive Director of the GNBS, Ramrattie Karan highlighted that the Bureau has worked with several stakeholders to formalise the mark which will boost Guyana’s local content. Karan noted that by using the mark, manufacturers will be able to promote brand recognition and increase competitiveness for their products certified under the programme.
Managing Director of FTIP, Somat Ali also encouraged other manufacturers to apply to be a part of the programme. He added that standards are the direction for local companies to go to ensure their competitiveness and to demonstrate that Guyana can produce articles of impeccable quality.
In addition, First Vice President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), Ramsay Ali stated, “The mark is a good thing, and it is good to have local products carry the seal ‘Made in Guyana’.” He added that the GMSA will encourage its members to apply for the mark and have their products certified.
Applications are open for local manufacturers interested in getting their products certified. (G12)