The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is warning consumers to pay close attention to how their goods are measured and ensure that they purchase from vendors who are using approved scales.
This warning was given by Head of Legal, Metrology and Standards Compliance at GNBS, Shailendra Rai, on Monday who said that several pieces of equipment were seized during recent weights and measures surveillance conducted in both the Bourda and Stabroek Markets on Friday, June 2.
Some of scaled that were seized by the GNBS during its recent surveillance operation
Rai said some 335 scales, 43 masses and two measures were seized during these recent exercises.
The GNBS official noted that some of the devices seized were approved for commercial trade, but were not verified for the current period that they were being used.
He stressed that consumers needed to ensure that the vendors they purchase from used scales with the signature of the inspector and date when they were verified. In addition, he is advising consumers to ensure that the scale is in good condition and is used on a level surface, and that they witness the weighing of the products being purchased unless they are pre-packaged.
Rai admitted that there is a serious issue in the markets where dial scales were being used, explaining that this equipment was not approved for commercial trade but rather domestic use.
“We would like to advise consumers that once you see someone using a dial scale, you should not purchase from them because it’s like you asking them to rob you,” the GNBS official emphasised.
Although the GNBS has been engaged in this exercise for many years and would conduct frequent surveillance, Rai said more people were continuing to use these scales.
According to Rai, the Weights and Measures Act was recently revised and was set to be approved shortly. “As soon as that Act is approved, we are going to commence very strict enforcement action and prosecution of persons found in the use of defective or unapproved devices,” the official added.
The media was reminded that the common equal arm scales were approved and locally manufactured, while local manufacturers are registered with the GNBS. All scales are due to be verified twice yearly. The first verification runs from January to March and the second between July and September.
Vendors have been advised to contact GNBS consumer’s hotline on 219-0069 to verify the purchase of approved scales to ensure that there is no mistake in purchasing the correct device.
