The countdown is on, September is almost here, and families across Guyana are gearing up for the reopening of schools, a week after our General and Regional Elections. From buying uniforms to footwear to gadgets, back-to-school shopping is an exciting and well anticipated event for both parents and children. But before grabbing these items off the shelf, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), as a consumer protection body, would like to remind you that quality matters just as much as affordability.
Whether imported or locally manufactured, several back-to-school items are monitored by GNBS to ensure they meet quality and labelling requirements, helping parents and guardians get value for money and keeping students safe and comfortable during their learning experience.
Included in the 17 categories of products monitored by the GNBS are footwear, garments, laptops, tablets and cellular phones which are used by students and teachers to attend school and readily access education. These items are inspected by Inspectors of our Product Compliance Department at the ports of entry and sale outlets to ensure that they conform to requirements of standards.
Labels on footwear and garments sold in Guyana must comply with the Guyana Standards – Specification for the Labelling of Commodities – Part 4: Labelling of Footwear and Specification for the Labelling of Commodities – Part 15: Labelling of Garments, which are mandatory standards. These require labels to be in English and to include key information such as brand and type of product, name of manufacturer or distributor, country of origin, care, maintenance, and precautionary instructions.
For electronic devices, it is important to consider several factors to ensure you are making a wise investment. Researching brands and models, comparing prices, and understanding energy efficiency are key. Additionally, pay attention to warranty, return policies, and after-sales service provided by the seller. Further, do not forget to assess your needs, including the size and performance of the device you intend to purchase, and think about future needs.
Meanwhile, when shopping for footwear and garments for the school term, GNBS encourages parents and guardians to check labels to confirm the size. A size that is too small or too big can affect proper fit. Choose the right size of shoes based on your child’s larger foot (since one foot is often slightly bigger than the other). It is also important to do the walk-test for shoes on a solid surface; carpets can give a false sense of comfort.
Especially for garments, adhering to the care instructions provided on labels can maintain the quality of apparel and extend their usability. Further, materials composition of products stated on labels, can be a good indicator of product durability.
Finally, the following are some key reminders for consumers:
- Always ensure items are labelled in English for easy understanding.
- Stick to trusted brands, as brand names and trademarks often signal quality and reliability.
- Collect receipts, they are your proof of purchase and are essential in cases where redress is needed.
- Choose durable, comfortable clothing which is designed to last throughout the school year.
By following these tips and choosing quality, parents can avoid unnecessary frustrations during and after their back-to-school shopping. Getting it right from the beginning will ensure your child steps into the new school year confidently with quality attire and learning resources.
For more information on standards, and how GNBS protects you as a consumer, call 219-0062/65, WhatsApp 692-4627, or visit www.gnbsgy.org.
