New stricter cement standards enforced for local producers and importers

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

New rules have come into force tightening control over the cement trade, with strict demands now placed on both local producers and importers.

The regulation, signed by Industry and Commerce Minister, His Excelency Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, requires all cement sold in the country to meet specific technical standards before entering the market.

Among them are BS EN 197- 1, widely used for common cement mixes, and GSO ASTM C150, covering Portland cement.

Conformity certificate

No product is to be circulated without a conformity certificate from the Bahrain Standards and Metrology Directorate. Even then, regular lab testing will follow to check that the quality holds up.

Storage and transport are subject to firm conditions. Cement must be kept in dry, covered spaces, away from moisture and airborne pollutants.

Bags are to be placed on raised wooden or plastic platforms between 15 and 30 centimetres above ground, and stacked no higher than ten bags at a time.

Those who fall foul of the regulation face sharp consequences. Non-compliant goods may be taken off the market.

Conformity certificates can be suspended or revoked.

The move marks a push to raise the standard of materials used in construction by tightening the rules and requiring proper oversight from the outset.