Honduras to enforce new cement quality regulations on October 6

Honduras will implement a new Technical Regulation for cement starting October 6. The regulation establishes mandatory requirements for registration, certification, labeling, storage, and commercialization to ensure all products meet specific quality and safety standards.

Minister of Economic Development Eddy Ordóñez stated that the measure is not intended to close the market to foreign competitors, but rather to “close the door to cement without a guarantee.” The rules apply equally to both domestic producers and importers, regardless of the product's country of origin.

In preparation for the enforcement date, the General Directorate of Consumer Protection (DGPC) has issued 15 product registrations to three companies: Argos Honduras, Cementos del Norte (CENOSA), and Inversiones Cementeras de Centroamérica (Duracem). These registrations are valid for five years. Authorities have already inspected eight warehouses belonging to these companies, finding them compliant with 15 different storage and safety criteria.

From October 6, any cement lacking the required registration will be prohibited from being imported or sold in Honduras, including products that are already in transit.