GNBS to implement newly-approved electrical standards in 2020

In order to reduce the importation and use of substandard electrical products which often result in damages and fires, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), in partnership with the Government Electrical Inspectorate (GEI), has developed a number of standards which will see the supervision of various electrical items being imported, resold and used throughout the country.

A total of 31 national standards were developed by the Bureau’s electro-technical committee, and were later approved by the National Standards Council to stipulate requirements for the electrical fittings and equipment.
In light of this, the GNBS on Wednesday engaged private and public stakeholders during a forum on what is required when importing and reselling electrical equipment now that these standards were made compulsory.
These requirements, together with the role of the GNBS in the compliance process, were presented by GNBS Head of Product Compliance Department, Shailendra Rai in his opening remarks at the event.
“Importers and dealers of these products would be required to register with the GNBS to import and sell these products, we are also advising that importers and dealers acquire the relevant standards for products they intend to import and familiarise themselves with the requirements of these standards…these products will be inspected at the time of importation and at the sale outlets to ensure compliance,” Rai conveyed.
The Head of Department further noted that a request was received from the GEI to develop standards relating to electrical installation products, primarily as a result of the importation and sale of substandard electrical products on our local market.
As a result, a number of standards were developed by the electro-technical committee.
Meanwhile, in expressing satisfaction with the partnership and development of the new standards, Business Minister Haimraj Rajkumar highlighted that the approval and implementation of same pushes Guyana forward to national development.
“This forum is very important and necessary and one step in the direction of Guyana embracing quality standard as a tool in national development. The Ministry of Business through the National Bureau of Standards is pleased to partner with the Government Electrical Inspectorate to adapt the 31 standards for electrical installations out of concern about the alarming of substandard electrical products on the market”.
Some of the standards titles include: seasonal and holiday decorative products, lamp holders, armoured cables, panel boards, surge protective devices and grounding and bonding equipment, among others.
The Bureau is expected to commence the enforcement of these standards on February 1, 2020.