The All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) chairman Mohammad Ali Tabba has urged the Indian high commissioner to intervene regarding the renewal of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) licences which he claims is impeding cement exports from Pakistan to India.

In a letter to the high commissioner, Mr Tabba said APCMA members have been experiencing delays in the renewal /certification process for more than two years now due to security concerns by the BIS.

BIS certification, a prerequisite, is issued to Pakistani manufacturers for a period of 1-2 years after physical verification of the production process. However, Mr Tabba told local news portal The Dawn, that five cement factories have not yet been visited by the necessary representatives.