-by NaAsia Bristol
The Guyana National Bureau of Standards is working on new legislation to address the use of domestic weighing scales in commercial markets.
The Bureau says some scales being used are not intended for trade and can create challenges in ensuring consumers receive the correct quantity of goods they pay for.
When consumers purchase goods by weight, they expect to get what they pay for. But the use of domestic weighing scales in markets remains a challenge for the Guyana National Bureau of Standards.
The Bureau says the ordinary blue dial scales used in some markets are not designed for commercial trade, raising concerns about the accuracy of measurements.
“It is a challenge for us at this point in time because it is a domestic skill, and it’s not supposed to be used for commercial trade. The Bureau, we are working when we go out in the markets, and so we would advise the stakeholders, the type to buy. They are these electronic ones that are being sold now that they could use those,” Shailendra Raí, Head of Legal Metrology, shared.
To address the issue, the Bureau is developing a new Metrology Bill and regulations.
Rai says the existing law dates back to 1981 and does not adequately address several of the issues surrounding measuring instruments.
“We are currently working on developing legislation and regulation to address this issue. So very shortly, you’re going to hear we will have some consultations on the new metrology bill that we’re currently working on. So these are some of the measures that we’re putting in place to address this concern,” Raí explained.
In the meantime, GNBS continues to verify commercial weighing instruments to ensure they meet the required standards.
The Bureau also encourages vendors to use approved scales, helping to promote fair trade and protect consumers.