Shop smart this Christmas for your cellphone – GNBS

The Christmas season has a way of nudging us towards upgrades – whether it is replacing that broken cellular phone or heeding that gift request from a close friend or relative for a new device – the sales and deals are everywhere. But amid the attraction of “limited-time offers,” it is essential that you scroll, compare and shop smart. Buy phones that are correctly labelled in accordance with the National Standard GYS 49:2021, Requirements for Labelling and Sale of Cell Phones.
Cellular phones are among the 17 categories of items monitored by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) for labelling and quality requirements in accordance with national standards. The GYS49:2021 covers labelling requirements for cellphones, and specifies sale and warranty requirements for the commodity.
According to the document, all cellphones must be sold in an appropriate package with the battery and a printed or electronic user manual in English that describes compatible accessories, such as a charger. Further, cellphone dealers must offer warranties in accordance with Part 4, Section 19 of the Consumer Affairs Act No. 13 of 2011.
For dealers still selling refurbished phones, the standard specifies that a refurbished cell phone offered for sale shall be free from functional defects. It shall be sold with the original charger and a receipt or other related document that clearly states that the phone is refurbished. Further, a refurbished phone may not be sold in its original packaging and shall have a minimum of six months’ warranty.
Before the transaction is finalised, shoppers must be allowed to examine the cellphone and witness a test to ensure it is working correctly. At the time of purchase, dealers are responsible for allowing the customer to examine the device and, upon purchase, to provide written or printed receipts and warranties.
All cellphones offered for sale in Guyana must be approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or GNBS and comply with Guyana’s Telecommunication Act and the Post & Telegraph Act or its successor.
In addition, the authenticity of cellphones shall be verified by accessing the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number by inputting *#06#, which shall be in conformance with the label on the handset or device.
The standard clearly states that dealers must ensure the cellphones offered for sale are labelled accordingly as “Used”, “Refurbished”, or Certified Pre-Owned (CPO). Though these options are available, it is recommended that you buy a new phone.
Under its Product Compliance Programme, the GNBS conducts monitoring of cellular phones at ports of entry, importers’ facilities and at sale outlets across the country to ensure compliance with the National Standard. In addition to the requirements listed above, phones offered for sale are inspected for certification marks, brand names, country of origin, care and use instructions, and damage. Inspections are done throughout the year across the country to ensure consumers get value for money.
Cellphone dealers and importers are required to register with the GNBS annually, and dealers must also hold a permit to sell. As such, customers are encouraged to purchase from registered cellphone dealers who are aware of the requirements governing the sale of cell phones. In a season where excitement can easily overshadow caution, being aware of these requirements could be the difference between unwrapping joy and discovering disappointment. To purchase a copy of this standard or learn more about this topic, contact the GNBS on 219-0064-66 or WhatsApp: 692-4627.