In just about a month, students will be returning to school with excitement after their summer break, albeit in their new classes boldly showing off their new uniforms and other items to their peers. In preparation for the new school term, parents and guardians are busy shopping for supplies at affordable prices and the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) as the body responsible for monitoring some of these items, is appreciative of its responsibility to ensure consumers get value for their money.
The GNBS, under its Product Compliance Programme, monitors seventeen (17) categories of items to ensure they meet the various labelling and quality requirements. These items which include footwear, cellular phones, garments and textiles (fabric) which will be bought for children going back to school must conform to the requirements of National Standards.
Namely, these standards are the Guyana Standards Specification for footwear, Requirements for labelling and sale of cell phones, Specification for labelling of commodities Part 15: Labelling of garments and Specification for labelling of commodities Part 16: Labelling of textiles.
Importers, manufacturers, and dealers who ensure that their products meet the requirements of the respective National Standards including labelling are on the right track towards making consumers satisfied.
Labels guide consumers by providing key information on the products they intend to purchase which helps with their buying decisions and appropriate product use. On the contrary, the absence of appropriate labelling can result in consumers choosing poor quality, the wrong sizes, misusing the items and not taking the requisite precautions when washing and cleaning.
As the GNBS continues to do its part to ensure consumer protection, here are some tips for back-to-school shoppers:
Shoes
- Choose sizes based on the size of the larger foot – one foot is larger than the other and therefore, it would be wise to try on both shoes when shopping.
- Buy suitable shoes – shoes being purchased for school must be durable for child-like activities such as running and playing.
- Know your preferred brands – shoes must be labelled with a brand name and it is important to choose those which have proven to last the test of time.
Garments
- It is better to purchase clothes which are a little bigger as opposed to direct fit – cater for the needs of growing children.
- Buy clothing with care labels attached – following care label instructions will ensure clothing lasts longer and avoid fading.
- Ensure commodities are labelled in English – this is a requirement for clothing, and it is important to ensure the labels are properly understood by consumers.
Textiles
- Ensure the right type of materials are purchased – buy quality cloth. Read labels on materials to ensure purchases are in accordance with the requirements of the school.
- Purchase a little extra to prepare for varying cuts and hems. It is better to buy more than less.
Cellphones
- Cellphones are labelled, new, used or refurbished by seller – choose carefully.
- Check items before leaving premises. Ensure accessories are included.
- Ensure items can satisfy the purpose intended for your child – connections, storage, research, photography.
- Demand warranties which are no less than six months from date of purchase.
Consumers are encouraged to seek advice and redress from the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) if any issues are encountered with their purchase and no redress is provided by the seller. On that note, consumers are urged to always collect a receipt as it is the only proof of purchase and is needed to process any complaint.
Finally, as you conduct your back-to-school shopping, remember not to compromise quality over quantity. To learn more about the requirements for textiles and the other categories of products, contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0064-66 or WhatsApp 692-4627. Please visit our website:www.gnbsgy.org and like our Facebook page: gnbsgy.
