DTI issues new cement testing rules

MANILA -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has amended a Department Administrative Order (DAO) on cement products, which now harmonizes testing process for importers and producers.

The DAO 17-06, or the New Rules and Regulations Concerning the Mandatory Certification of Portland Cement and Blended Hydraulic Cement with Pozzolan, was approved by DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez last November 13.

The revised DAO on cement requires both cement importers and producers for local verification testing or post-shipment testing to confirm the compliance of products to standards.

In a statement Tuesday, DTI said the new DAO also provides option to both importers and manufacturers to do pre-shipment testing.

“The pre-shipment testing will avoid delays in import supply which augment the cement requirement for the ongoing infrastructure projects. However, there will still be local verification tests, including sampling prior to its release to the market,” said Lopez.

"These amendments will ensure that quality cements get into the Philippine market and support quality infrastructure development under the Build Build Build program,” he added. (PNA)