Cement imports from Pakistan into India are on a decline, thanks to the non-renewal of their quality licence by the Bureau of India Standards (BIS). In the July-November period this year, Pakistan’s cement exports to India were down by 34 per cent to 183,026t. In 2009-10 (July-June), Pakistan had exported 722,967t.

Pakistani cement companies are required to obtain quality certification from the BIS. Between 2007 and 2008, BIS had granted a quality licence to 22 Pakistani cement companies. However, some of these licences belonging to companies like DG Khan and Maple Leaf have since expired.

These companies, according to the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers’ Association (APCMA), have approached BIS for renewal. But their renewal application is pending with BIS for the past four to five months.

“Pakistani cement has been well accepted in India. The BIS should renew licences as early as possible after completing the formalities,” said Shahzad Ahmed, Secretary, APCMA.

Since 2007, Pakistan has exported 2.32Mt of cement to India. Shahzad added licences of more Pakistani companies would expire in the coming months. Anudeep Singh Madan, president of the Amritsar-based Cement Importers Association, said the region was getting good quality cement from Pakistan at a lower price.

After taking into account the cost of rail transport from Wagah to Amritsar and local transportation, the imported cement is delivered to retail buyers at Rs 220 per 50-kg bag, while Indian cement is available at Rs 250 per 50-kg bag.