The new technical standard to establish quality specifications for imported hydraulic cements and those produced in the country will be put to consultation up until July 27.
In Costa Rica merely updating Technical Regulations on Cement takes an amount of time that is incompatible with the urgency of an economy in decline.
EDITORIAL
In recent statements outlined in Ameliarueda.com, the Minister of Economy, Industry and Trade, Welmer Ramos explains that "... a commission is working on the analysis of the current rules to define which elements are to be updated and which have to change to ensure best standards for the material entering and being sold in the country. "
Despite objections from the construction sector, the new regulation eliminates the maximum weight of 50 kilos per package and indicates that the recommended use by date should be established by a certified laboratory.
From a statement issued by the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Trade (MEIC):
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has announced the scope and objectives of the amendments to the Technical Regulations on Cement, through which it seeks to reduce technical trade barriers for the product.
The construction sector is warning of loss of quality in the product, if the government approves the decree changing the rules for storage and packaging of cement.
In the coming days a decree amending regulations on cement will be published, "... without waiting for the outcome of a commission of experts," led by the National Institute of Technical Standards (Inteco).
A subsidiary of a Chinese cement company was registered in the country in November and since December preparations have been made for changes to the regulation of cement sales, making the shelf life of the material more flexible.
The company Sinocem de Costa Rica SA, part of the JCB Group, is looking to import cement into the country taking advantage of "...
The industrial sector in Costa Rica is opposed to the changes being made to storage characteristics and the packaging of bags of cement.
The Chamber of Industries of Costa Rica argues that "... removing the maximum weight of 50 kg per sack of cement stipulated in this regulation would be detrimental to the occupational health of workers."
Regarding the change in required storage conditions, the union requested from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, which provided the rules on public consultation, which remains in force "... a period of 45 days for product storage, because after that time cement loses up to 10% of its resistance. "
The proposed changes aim to flexibilize sales of bulk cement and include on the packaging a use by date and recommended storage conditions.
In order to improve cement sales in the country, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has put to public consultation modifications to the technical regulation RTCR 383: 2004 on Hydraulic Cements, aimed at changing the rules on labeling and packaging of the product, among other things.
Beverage Industry Digital Magazine established in 1942, the oldest Spanish trade journal and the only beverage trade magazine serving the Latin American beverage market. It serves soft drink bottlers, brewers, bottled water...