Honduras implements new cement quality regulations

A new technical regulation for cement entered into force in Honduras on October 6, aimed at improving quality controls and consumer information. The regulation establishes mandatory requirements for registration, certification, labeling, storage, and commercialization for all producers and importers, regardless of the product's country of origin.

Following the implementation, authorities prevented the entry of 49,000 tons of low-quality cement. A cargo ship carrying 56,000 tons was intercepted; only 7,000 tons were permitted entry, while the remaining shipment was forced to return to its port of origin due to a lack of required certifications.

The Secretariat of Economic Development (SDE) noted that currently, only three companies possess the necessary documentation to operate legally, with a fourth undergoing accreditation. To prevent supply disruptions, the government has granted a grace period for distributors to exhaust existing inventories. The regulation, which was previously notified to the World Trade Organization (WTO), prohibits the sale of cement that lacks verified laboratory testing and regulated labeling.