Islamabad, April 16, 2024 – In a bid to enhance consumer protection and promote transparency in the cement industry, the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has advocated for the mandatory printing of expiry dates on cement bags.
The move aims to empower consumers with vital information and mitigate the risk of purchasing expired cement, which could compromise the integrity of construction projects.
The CCP has issued a policy note addressed to the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA), urging them to amend the Pakistan Standard Specification for all five types of cement. The proposed amendment would make it obligatory for cement manufacturers to disclose manufacturing, packaging, and expiry or best-before dates on their cement bags.
Highlighting the inherent hygroscopic nature of cement, the CCP emphasized that it begins to lose its strength significantly after four to six weeks of storage in bags under normal conditions, and even sooner in adverse weather or high humidity. The absence of expiry date information on cement bags poses a risk to consumers, potentially leading to the purchase of expired products that may compromise the quality of construction projects.
The policy note also underscores the need to align Pakistan’s standards with international labeling practices, ensuring parity between domestic and export markets. While Pakistani cement exporters comply with marking requirements for exported quantities, the lack of similar requirements in the domestic market creates an information disparity that disadvantages local consumers.
Currently, all types of cement in Pakistan must adhere to packaging standards set by the PSQCA. By mandating the printing of manufacturing and expiry dates on cement bags, consumers will be empowered to make informed choices, fostering competition among brands and improving confidence in the quality of cement purchases.
The CCP views the omission of material information, such as expiry dates, as a form of deceptive marketing that hampers consumers’ ability to make informed decisions. Therefore, advocating for the mandatory printing of expiry dates on cement bags aligns with the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding consumer interests and promoting fair competition in the industry.
In line with this recommendation, the CCP has sent an advisory to the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) and its members, urging them to prioritize consumer safety and satisfaction. Cement manufacturers are urged to ensure that all packaging prominently displays manufacturing, packaging, and expiry or best-before dates, thereby enhancing transparency and consumer confidence in the market.
As Pakistan continues to strive for excellence in its industrial standards and consumer protection measures, initiatives such as these play a vital role in fostering trust between businesses and consumers, ultimately contributing to the country’s economic growth and development.
