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Labeling requirement, quality essential for cell phone dealers – GNBS
By Rabindra Rooplall
With more than a 100 registered cell phone outlets across the country, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) ensures consumers are protected from sub-standard quality phone and accessories and are provided with the necessary after sale services, according to Public Relations Officer, Lloyd David.
Under its Standards Compliance Programme, David explained that the agency monitors 20 categories of imported and locally manufactured commodities for compliance to national standards and guidelines. With the advent of cellular phones in Guyana and numerous complaints made to the GNBS regarding defective phones purchased by consumers, the GNBS commenced the monitoring of the commodity.
Adding efforts are made by GNBS towards the continuous monitoring of cellular phones offered for sale by importers and dealers, David said monitoring of cellular phones involves the registration of dealers with the GNBS to obtain a permit to sell the commodity. This is done by completing the requisite registration forms and paying a fee to GNBS.
Before permits are issued to dealers or importers, David noted that an inspection of the phones offered for sale at outlets must be conducted by the GNBS. This is to ensure conformance to standard labeling requirements and guidelines for the sale of cellular phones.
The standard requires that all cellular phones be labeled with “New, Used or Refurbished”. This, David said, guides consumers as to the quality of phone that at the time of purchase and at the same time protect dealers from consumers who have opted to purchase used or refurbished phones at cheaper prices. Used and refurbished phones are known to have a shorter lifespan and after sale services are generally limited.
David explained that any consumer who has purchased a cellular phone and has found it to be defective, damaged or not working when put into use and knows that these defects or damages did not originate with the user, can make a complaint to the GNBS.
“Before making any complaint it is important that the opportunity be given to the cellular phone dealer to address the complaint according to the terms of the warranty provided.” David underscored, “If the dealer fails to provide adequate redress, the consumer can make their complaint to the GNBS and the Bureau would conduct an investigation to determine what is the fault and whether the faulty item was caused by the complainant or if it is a manufacturer’s defect. The GNBS utilizes the services of a reputable technician to diagnose defects of cellular phones.”
He noted that 90 per cent of the time individual complaints do not attract instant investigation, however, if multiple persons file complaints that specify a selected phone dealer that is selling a poor quality phone, on most occasions if the phone is covered by manufactures warranty, then it is repaired or replaced. If not, then the dealer takes the necessary actions.
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