Islamabad, May 2, 2024 – The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) has supported a recommendation from the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) to revise national cement standards to include manufacturing and expiry dates on cement bags.
Following a discussion with the CCP, MoST plans to forward the proposal to the Pakistan Standard and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) for further action. This decision emerged from a meeting where the CCP was represented by Saeed Ahmad Nawaz, Member OFT, and the MoST team was led by Ali Tahir, Additional Secretary (In-charge).
The meeting highlighted the need to amend the National Cement Standards to require the inclusion of “manufacturing/packaging and expiry/best before” dates on cement packaging. A policy note sent by the CCP on March 7, 2024, initially presented this suggestion to both MoST and PSQCA.
During the discussions, a CCP representative emphasized the necessity of these changes, citing the hygroscopic nature of cement and the risk of strength loss over time. Currently, while export bags are clearly marked with these dates, domestic bags lack such disclosure, violating Section 10 of the Competition Act, 2010.
MoST expressed strong support for the CCP’s efforts to safeguard consumer interests and agreed to take the matter to the PSQCA. A technical committee meeting is scheduled for May 7, 2024, to discuss this further. There is also an agreement to meet with key stakeholders, including cement manufacturers, to discuss compliance and potential enforcement measures.
Previously, in April 2024, the CCP had issued a Policy Note under Section 29 of the Competition Act, 2010, urging MoST and PSQCA to enforce mandatory disclosure of “manufacturing/packaging and expiry/best before” dates on all five types of cement sold domestically. This measure aims to address the information disparity between domestic and exported products and ensure transparency and safety in the use of cement in construction.
