Cement bags must carry making, expiry dates: Competition Commission of Pakistan
To enhance consumer protection and ensure transparency, the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has proposed amendments to the Pakistan Standard Specification for all five types of cement. In a policy note issued on Tuesday, the CCP has recommended a mandatory disclosure of manufacturing and expiry dates on cement packaging. Highlighting the significance of this recommendation, the CCP pointed out that cement’s hygroscopic nature makes it susceptible to strength loss after 4 to 6 weeks of storage. The absence of manufacturing and expiry dates on cement bags poses a consumer risk. It could lead to the purchase of expired products and compromise the integrity of construction projects. The policy note emphasises the need to align Pakistan’s standards with international labelling practices to ensure consistency and transparency in the domestic market. It also aims to address the disparity between domestic and export labelling requirements, thereby safeguarding the interests of local consumers.