GNBS seizes over 1400 packs of cigarettes in Regs 5 & 6

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) on Saturday seized 1447 packs of assorted cigarettes which do not meet the requirements of the National Standard.

The non-compliant products were offered for sale in markets in Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). With its mandate to protect consumers from substandard products, the GNBS’ Product Compliance Department monitors seventeen (17) categories of products including cigarettes based on requirements of mandatory National Standards.
Inspectors of the Department visited the Rosignol and Port Mourant Markets to conduct surveillance operations. During the exercise, it was discovered that a total of 1447 packs of cigarettes offered for sale failed to meet the specified requirements.
The primary reason for the seisure was inadequate labelling. Additionally, key details including the display of a pictorial warning over 60% of the package, manufacturing date, batch numbers, and the required ‘For sale in Guyana only’ markings were missing from the packets of the seized items.
The non-compliant packets of cigarettes comprised various brands, including Marshall, Milano, Atlantic, Nise, Cavallo, B&D, Vess, Pine, Record, Kentucky, and 51.
The cigarettes seized are 197 packs of Marshall; 63 packs of Milano; 258 packs of Atlantic; 53 packs of Nise; 348 packs of Cavallo; 96 packs of B&D; 108 packs of Vess; 36 packs of Pine; 48 packs of Record; 216 packs of Kentucky and 24 packs of 51.
The seized cigarettes will be destroyed.
To avoid seisure of items, importers and dealers are reminded to ensure that their products adhere to the requirements of the National Standard and Regulation.
Other products monitored by the GNBS include electrical and electronic appliances, weighing and measuring devices, textiles, garments, footwear, safety helmets, safety matches, tyres, gas stoves, cigarettes, PVC pipes, furniture, toys and playthings, Christmas trees and decorative lighting, cellular phones, gold articles, electrical equipment and fittings.