ISLAMABAD: Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) held a stakeholder engagement meeting, advocates the importance of disclosure of material information on cement bags.
The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) in support of its policy note to the Ministry of Science and Technology and PSQCA held the first stakeholder meeting on the release of “Manufacturing/Packing and Expiration/Minimum Shelf Life Until” data of cement bags.
The session was presided over by Mr. Saeed Ahmed Nawaz, Member of CCP.
The participants included representatives of Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA), All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA), Pakistan Construction Association, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Lucky Cement, Cherat Cement, Fecto Cement, Fauji Cement, Gharibwal Cement, Kohat Cement, Maple Leaf Cement, Attock Cement, Bestway Cement, legal fraternity, real estate sector and academia among others.
“Failure to disclose such essential information not only misleads consumers, but also poses a significant threat to fair market principles under competition law,” he stressed. During the session, the CCP team also provided an overview of the law, with a particular focus on the importance of packaging and labeling standards for consumer safety.
While industry officials were aware that the pack date would be disclosed through the FBR’s “track and trace system”, APCMA representatives felt that the disclosure of this data could potentially harm the interests of consumers. All other stakeholders agreed that bags of cement should be clearly marked with the date of packing and a statement of storage requirements and the need for retesting if necessary. The House unanimously resolved to give the APCMA three weeks to consult its members and inform the Commission on the way forward. This joint effort underscores CCP’s commitment to consumer safety and satisfaction by promoting material disclosure on product packaging. The Commission remains committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition to the new packaging and labeling standards, reinforcing its commitment to protecting consumers and fair trade practices.
