As the new school year approaches, parents and guardians are purchasing school supplies, uniforms, books and other essentials. For many families, a cellular phone has also become part of the back-to-school shopping list, particularly for students receiving their first device or upgrading an older one.
With consumers likely to encounter attractive deals and sale prices during this period, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is encouraging them to shop smart and make informed purchasing decisions.
One of the first steps consumers should take is to purchase cellular phones from dealers registered with the GNBS. Registration can be verified by checking for a registration certificate displayed at the sales outlet.
Cellular phones are among the seventeen (17) categories of products monitored by the GNBS for labelling and quality requirements in accordance with the National Standard GYS 49:2021, Requirements for Labelling and sale of cell phones. The standard outlines requirements for the sale, labelling and warranty of cellular phones in Guyana.
According to GYS 49:2021 standard, all cellular phones must be sold with a battery and a printed or electronic user manual in English. The manual should include information on compatible accessories, such as chargers.
Consumers considering refurbished phones should pay particular attention to the additional requirements. Refurbished phones must be free from functional defects, sold with the original charger and clearly identified as refurbished. They must also carry a minimum six (6) months’ warranty and cannot be sold in their original packaging.
Dealers have a responsibility to provide warranties for any device sold, in accordance with Part 4, Section 19 of the Consumer Affairs Act No. 13 of 2011.
Before completing a purchase, consumers must be given the opportunity to examine and test the phone to ensure that it is functioning properly. Dealers are also required to provide a written or printed receipt and warranty at the time of purchase.
Consumers should also ensure that the cellular phone being purchased meets the applicable approval and regulatory requirements. All cell phones offered for sale in Guyana must be approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or any other international certifying body that is published by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards. Further, cellphones shall comply with Guyana’s Telecommunication Act and the Post & Telegraph Act or its successor.
Another way consumers can verify a cellphone’s authenticity is by checking its International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. The IMEI can be accessed by entering *#06# on the device and comparing the number displayed with the IMEI information on the device.
Through its Product Compliance Department, the GNBS monitors cellular phones at ports of entry, warehouses and sales outlets across the country. Inspections include checks for proper labelling, certification marks, brand names, country of origin, care and use instructions, damage and other applicable requirements.
Cellphone dealers and importers are required to register annually with the GNBS, while dealers must also hold a Permit to Sell. Importers and dealers are encouraged to purchase a copy of GYS 49:2021 to ensure compliance with the standard’s requirements.
As consumers prepare for the new school year, the GNBS is reminding them not to be guided solely by price. Purchasing from registered dealers, examining and testing devices before buying, checking the IMEI and ensuring that the required receipt and warranty are provided can help consumers make safer and more informed choices.
For further information, contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0064-66, WhatsApp us on 692-4627 or email info@gnbsgy.org.
