The Made in Guyana Trade Mark is gaining traction. To date three companies have attained the mark, but the Bureau of Standards is working with more than fifty other companies that have signaled their intention to have the trademark affixed to their products. 

Communications Officer with the Bureau of Standards Bibi Khatoon in an interview with Business Inspire said under the Made in Guyana Trade Mark program locally produced authentic Guyanese products are certified. “They can put it as a sticker form or it can be woven into the production of packages for the products.”

Ms. Khatoon explained that for local manufacturers to qualify for certification they must satisfy certain requirements which include seventy percent of staff being locals and large percentage of raw materials must be locally produced. 

She explained that some companies have brought it to the attention of the bureau that depending on their product, they can’t source the materials locally. 

“They have to import some materials and then assemble them here but the criteria states that the products must be assembled here in those cases but the percentage of raw material remains the same.”

The program is available to businesses of any size, “even if it is a one-man operation or large manufacturers.” 

Fiber Tech Industrial Plastics, Amy’s Pomeroon Coffee, and Precision Global Incorporate are the three companies that have so far qualified under the program. 

“I must say it was easier with these companies because they are larger and have received other certifications from the bureau. 

Fiber-Tech, for instance, she said was previously certified by the bureau to manufacture shower units and bathtubs, Precision is pursuing a British certification while Pomeroon was certified previously by the bureau. 

“The smaller companies that may not have done any sort of certification need to put processes in place to qualify.”

This she said, allows the bureau to better understand the operations of the business and it also speaks to the consistency and quality of the products, “you don’t just present quality at the start, and then it falls by the wayside.”

The certification Ms. Khatoon explained is not compulsory. However, it will see Guyanese products being more competitive in local, regional and international markets. It also speaks to product quality and brand recognition. 

“It is not compulsory, so whether businesses have the mark or not their products can still be sold on the market but it offers companies an extra boost should they need it.”

More than fifty companies have applied to the bureau to have their products certified as Made in Guyana. This she said includes both small and large businesses. 

Understanding that the $50,000 price tag for the certification might be a tall order for small businesses especially, the bureau has put a payment plan in place. 

The Made in Guyana Certification program was launched last year October, but registration commenced in January. 

“The application process has been spectacular many businesses are applying, they want to get on board. What we have noticed is that as a result of the oil and gas coming on stream, more businesses are striving towards better products and getting certified. Every business is looking at ways they can get certified to satisfy their clients that their products are quality assured.”

The certificate is valued for one year. Companies seeking to have their products recertified will have to be audited by the bureau to ensure that their standards are consistent.  

If you are interested in having your products branded ‘Made in Guyana’ then you can access all the information on the bureau’s website www.gnbsgy.org or you can contact the bureau via phone and an officer will guide you through the process.