Products can be seized if not in compliance with 31 new electrical standards

The Government is taking seriously the implementation of 31 new national compulsory standards for electrical products which becomes effective in February 2020.

As a matter of fact, the Government has signaled a stern warning to dealers and importers noting that they will be dealt with by the full force of the law and have their products seized if they are not in compliance with the regulations.

The new standards will ensure the delivery of better service and quality electrical products that meet international standards.

During a press conference Friday at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Acting Deputy Executive Director for the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), Shailendra Rai said the Bureau will be conducting inspections and monitoring of products on the market after implementation next year.

“The Bureau will be conducting surveillance inspections at sale outlets to ensure compliance with the product. Products that are found to be defective and are not in compliance, will not be allowed entry into the country and those found at the sale outlets will be seized and removed,” Mr Rai said.

The Bureau will be working closely with the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) and the Government Electrical Inspectorate (GEI) to ensure the standards are implemented.

“Whenever a consumer come and make a complaint to the CCAC, that information will be shared to the Bureau of Standards so we can follow up where they purchase the product from. Similarly when the GEI conduct their operations, if they detect any defective product they can share that information with the Bureau and we will take the necessary action,” Mr Rai said.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Jaipaul Sharma said before 2017 there was only 1 electrical standard in Guyana.

This standard was for the decorative lights used around the Diwali and Christmas holidays. The Minister said with these new standards there will be a reduction of electrical fires and electrical shocks.

“Fire hazards death by electrocution, destruction of property etc. are some of the most common outcomes of the lack of electrical standards and enforcement,” the Minister said.

Meanwhile, Chief Inspector of the Government Electrical Inspectorate, Roland Barclay said they will carry out inspections on buildings to ensure that the materials used to carry out electrical works are safe.

“An electrical contractor who is the person entitled to do any work on the installation, if found that they have installed any work that puts anybody in danger or property, there is penalties under the Electricity Technical Standard Regulation, which carries fine and jail term,” the Chief Inspector said.

A published registered list of dealers and importers who are in compliance with the regulations will be posted on the Guyana National Bureau of Standards website.

The regulations will be updated every three years.