GNBS sees surge in key verification services in 1st half of 2025

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has recorded a significant increase in critical verification services for the first half of 2025, according to its mid-year performance report.
Between January and June this year, the Bureau’s Legal Metrology Department conducted 21,507 verifications of measuring instruments used in trade across the country, marking an increase from the 19,805 verifications completed during the same period in 2024.
The verifications covered a wide range of equipment, including 2,369 scales, 1,487 masses, 90 weighbridges, 1,086 petrol pumps, 175 bulk meters, 16 flow meters, 16,008 electricity meters, 12 storage tanks, and 41 moisture meters used at rice mills nationwide.
Several categories saw substantial increases over last year’s figures. Notably, the number of tanker wagons verified by the GNBS rose by 16 per cent, a mandatory step for obtaining licences from the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA). The verification of electricity meters nearly doubled compared to 2024, driven by increased manufacturing, construction, and retail activities across the country.
Verification services for law enforcement equipment also recorded sharp spikes. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) submitted 43 speed guns for verification in 2025, compared to just three during the same period in 2024. Breathalyser checks also increased significantly, with 29 verified in the first half of 2025 versus five last year.
GNBS continued its Net Content verification programme to ensure that consumers receive accurate quantities of prepackaged goods, bolstering public confidence. This year, 104 verifications of prepackaged items sold by mass were carried out at manufacturers’ premises, with plans to expand the exercise to retail outlets in the near future.
The Bureau credited Government support for the success of the National Measurement Programme, highlighting the provision of modern laboratories and equipment, the completion of a fully fitted fuel tanker verification rack in late 2024, the opening of sub-offices in various regions, and the hiring of qualified technical staff.
Looking ahead, the Legal Metrology Department has already begun its verification work for the second half of 2025. Inspections are underway at rice mills, gas stations, supermarkets, and bulk terminals to ensure fairness and accuracy in trade, protecting both farmers and consumers.