Counterfeit and Substandard Goods Worry GCCI
GEORGETOWN, Guyana
The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has observed an increase in the number of counterfeit, expired, and inappropriately labeled goods being sold in Guyana and is concerned about retailers and supermarket owners’ non-compliance with laws and regulations.
Call for Action
In a statement, the GCCI urged the Bureau of Standards and the Analyst Food and Drug Department to conduct an investigation and remove from the shelves and prohibit from sale any products found to be contravening the laws and regulations.
Compliance with Regulations
The private sector group also called on the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), through its Customs Department, to ensure that all goods cleared after import meet regulatory requirements.
Enforcement and Compliance
The Bureau of Standards and the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department occasionally carry out raids at various businesses to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.
Additional Concerns
The GCCI highlighted the need for closer examination of adherence to tax laws by businesses to ensure equal application of the rule of law for all enterprises operating in the industry. The Chamber also called for labor laws to be respected, urging the Ministry of Labour to ensure that businesses comply with the Labour Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, and other pertinent labor laws.
Support for Investigation
The GCCI expressed its willingness to provide full support to the government of Guyana in the investigation of non-compliant businesses and the penalization of violations.
Related
Conclusion
The GCCI’s concerns highlight the need for stricter enforcement of regulations and laws to protect consumers and ensure a level playing field for businesses in Guyana.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the concerns of the GCCI?
The GCCI is concerned about the increase in counterfeit, expired, and inappropriately labeled goods being sold in Guyana and the non-compliance of retailers and supermarket owners with laws and regulations. - What is the GCCI calling for?
The GCCI is calling for the Bureau of Standards and the Analyst Food and Drug Department to conduct an investigation and remove from the shelves and prohibit from sale any products found to be contravening the laws and regulations. It is also calling for the Guyana Revenue Authority to ensure that all goods cleared after import meet regulatory requirements. - What is the GCCI’s stance on labor laws?
The GCCI is calling on the Ministry of Labour to ensure that businesses comply with the Labour Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, and other pertinent labor laws.
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