Nine Nepal brands fail to comply with NBSM standards

Nine cement brands on sale in Nepal have been breaching quality standards set by the Nepal Bureau of Standard and Metrology (NBSM).

Random samples tested by an NSBM team (comprising representatives of the Department of Commerce and Supply Management as well as different consumer rights associations) showed some manufacturers were not adhering to required standards despite these brands complying with the standard when applying for Nepal Standard (NS) certification.

According to reports by the Republica newspaper, a statement issued by the NSBM on Wednesday said nine out of 16 samples taken form the market do not meet the standard. Lab tests concluded that the majority of samples had higher amount of insoluble residue (IR). The IR limit in OPC cement and PPC cement is two per cent and 28 percent respectively, according to NBSM.

"Lab test of samples shows most of the cement manufacturers in Nepal do not comply with the standard set by the NBSM," BB Pudasaini, deputy director general of NBSM, told local press. "We are waiting for the result of 28-day Compressive Strength Test (CST) of all the samples. Once the result is out, we will take action against them."