GNBS RECORDS MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2025 AND UNVEILS EXPANDED VISION FOR 2026

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has concluded a successful 2025 with notable achievements across its certification, compliance, standardisation, metrology and business development programmes, while positioning itself for major expansion in 2026. 

This year, the GNBS certified thirty (30) companies, which include six (6) new laboratories certified under the GNBS Laboratory Certification Programme to ensure reliable medical and non-medical testing services. The certified companies also include fifteen (15) businesses that were Made in Guyana certified allowing them to use the GNBS approved mark on their locally manufactured products. Meanwhile, two (2) new gold Jewelers and one (1) Bed and Breakfast Provider were certified by GNBS under the Product Certification and Bed and Breakfast Programmes, respectively. 

Additionally, in 2025, for the first time, six companies were awarded the new GYS 901 certification, which helps businesses to improve the quality of their management systems. This programme is based on the National Standard GYS 901:2024 – Requirements for a Quality Management System for Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs).

In the area of training, a total of 949 stakeholders from the public and private sectors were trained by the GNBS on the application of standards to improve their companies and businesses. The Business Development Department, through its Technical Assistance programme, also assisted thirty-eight (38) companies in improving their operations to meet the requirements of national and international standards. 

For Standards Development, as the National Standards Body (NSB), GNBS continues to develop standards for the various sectors. Thirteen (13) New Work Item Proposals were approved by the National Standards Council (NSC) to develop standards aimed at improving Consumer Products, Cooking appliances, Foods and Jewellery. This amount is expected to increase in 2026 with the implementation of the National Standardisation Strategy (NSS) which was completed in 2025. The NSS is a strategic roadmap through which the GNBS will be developing or adopting standards to support trade facilitation, environmental stewardship, and technological advancement. 

In the areas of measurement calibration and testing, the demand for these services increased during 2025. The GNBS Industrial Metrology and Testing (IMT) Department completed over 2,500 calibrations and 1,204 tests, supporting accuracy and reliability across sectors such as manufacturing, construction, and energy.  

To protect consumers from substandard products, under its Product Compliance Programme, GNBS continued to play a key role in monitoring several products, imported and locally manufactured. The Product Compliance Department significantly expanded its monitoring activities, conducting 9,541 inspections, covering 24,936,460 products during 2025. This ensured that several categories of products entering and circulating in the local market were meeting established labelling and quality requirements. 

In Legal Metrology, to ensure measurement accuracy in Trade and Law Enforcement, 38,367 verifications of measuring instruments and 711 verifications of pre-packaged goods were conducted countrywide this year. Meanwhile, a total of 1,663 vendors and retailers were sensitised on the use of metric units. The Bureau also verified 43 speed cameras in Regions Three and Four and successfully witnessed 233 crude oil lifts.   

This year, GNBS hosted its fifth National Quality Awards (NQA), attracting over 100 participants, the largest turnout to date, and establishing it as the biggest event of its kind in the CARICOM Region. Thirty-five local companies were awarded. Meanwhile, the GNBS also received the President’s Award from the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) for its contribution to strengthening local manufacturing capacity and advancing excellence across industries. 

Educational outreaches continued through 19 school engagements, reaching 1,244 secondary and tertiary students, who were educated on GNBS functions, career opportunities, the importance of the International System of Units (Metric System) and more. 

Beyond the delivery of its services, GNBS remained committed to community engagement. Through its ‘Like and Share’ social media competition, three participants were awarded cash and other prizes. The Bureau also hosted a Christmas tree light-up, welcoming children from the Joshua House Children’s Centre, employees’ families, and guests for an evening of gifts, treats, and holiday cheer.   

As 2026 approaches, the Bureau will pursue continued growth through the expansion of its services to support emerging technologies and industries. Planned initiatives include the verification of electric vehicle charging stations, further strengthening of the Made in Guyana Certification Programme, implementation of the National Standardisation Strategy, and the introduction of new calibration and testing services.  

Through these efforts, the GNBS will reaffirm its commitment to quality, safety, transparency, and national development, ensuring that Guyana’s products, services, and systems continue to meet recognised standards at home and abroad.  

For more information on GNBS services and initiatives, visit www.gnbsgy.org, follow GNBS on social media, call 219-0062–66, or WhatsApp 692-4627.