As parents and guardians prepare children for the new school term, selecting the right footwear is about more than meeting school dress code requirements. Comfort, protection, durability, and proper fit are equally important to support children’s health and well-being throughout the school year.
To help consumers make informed purchasing decisions during the back-to-school shopping season, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is encouraging the public to purchase footwear that complies with the National Standard, GYS 9-4:2003 – Specification for Labelling of Commodities – Part 4: Labelling of Footwear.
The Standard sets out requirements for the labelling and sizing of footwear to ensure quality, safety, and consumer protection. The GNBS uses this Standard to monitor both imported and locally manufactured footwear at ports of entry, retail outlets, and manufacturers’ warehouses to verify compliance.
Importers of footwear are required to register annually with the GNBS and are issued a certificate of registration upon meeting the necessary requirements. Buyers and sellers are encouraged ask for these certificates.
Proper labelling provides consumers with essential information needed to make informed purchasing decisions. This includes the country of origin, manufacturer’s name or brand, shoe size, composition of materials, care instructions, and any special features relevant to the footwear’s intended use.
As the back-to-school season progresses and retailers offer discounts and promotions, parents and guardians are encouraged to carefully inspect footwear before making a purchase. Taking a few extra moments to check the label, structure, and fit can help avoid unnecessary costs while reducing the risk of discomfort or injury.
Consumers may also request to see the business’s GNBS registration certificate to confirm that the footwear was inspected by the GNBS.
Bonus tips for purchasing footwear
Whether shopping for children or adults, consumers should keep the following tips in mind:
- Fit both feet. Since one foot is often slightly larger than the other, choose shoes that comfortably accommodate the larger foot.
- Prioritise comfort. Children wear school shoes for long periods each day and are highly active. Shoes should provide adequate support and comfort to help prevent foot pain and injuries.
- Walk before you buy. Try walking several steps on a hard surface when trying on new shoes. Soft carpeting can make shoes feel more comfortable than they actually are.
- Allow room for growth. Choose shoes with a small amount of extra space at the front to accommodate socks and natural foot growth during the school year.
- Purchase reputable brands. Established brands often provide greater assurance of quality and durability. Consumers should also be cautious of counterfeit or substandard footwear, which may prove more costly over time due to poor performance and premature wear.
Through its Product Compliance Department, the GNBS also monitors sixteen other categories of products to ensure compliance with national standards. These include electrical and electronic appliances, weighing and measuring devices, textiles, garments, safety helmets, safety matches, tyres, gas stoves, cigarettes, PVC pipes, furniture, toys and playthings, Christmas trees and decorative lighting, cellular phones, gold articles, and electrical equipment and fittings.
For further information, contact the GNBS at 219-0064/65/66 or send a WhatsApp message to 692-4627. You can also visit our website at gnbsgy.org or email us at info@gnbsgy.org.
