Only high quality electrical installation products can be imported under new regulations

Jaipaul Sharma

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) yesterday announced new regulations for the importation of electrical installation products with those that fall below the standards set liable to be seized when enforcement begins on February 1 next year.

“These standards were approved by the National Bureau of Standards and were subsequently made mandatory by Cabinet. These are not technical regulations but [regulations on the quality] of all electrical installation products imported,” Shailendra Rai, the acting Deputy Executive Director of the GNBS, told a press briefing at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s boardroom yesterday.

The 31 new electrical standards are aimed at improving the safety and reducing fires within domestic and commercial properties. The move is expected to see higher quality products being sold to consumers. Under the regulations, imported electrical items that are below the standards set can be seized and importers prosecuted. From February 1, 2020, the GNBS will commence enforcement of the new regulations.