DTI destroys ₱60M Vietnam cement shipment that failed safety tests

Authorities removed 12,500 metric tons of imported cement from the supply chain after laboratory tests found it did not meet mandatory Philippine standards.

Safe buildings begin with safe construction materials.

That’s why the government ordered the destruction of 12,500 metric tons of imported cement worth ₱60 million after laboratory tests found it failed mandatory Philippine safety and quality standards. The shipment from Vietnam, which had been stored in Ilocos Norte while undergoing inspection, was barred from entering the local market.

According to the Department of Trade and Industry, the cement failed several key tests under the country’s standards for Portland cement, including loss on ignition, insoluble residue, and 28-day compressive strength. These are among the measures used to determine whether cement can perform reliably in construction projects.

The decision keeps potentially unsafe materials away from homes, schools, bridges, and other structures that Filipinos use every day. It also protects companies that comply with local standards from competing against lower-cost products that do not meet the same requirements.

Authorities said importers whose products fail mandatory standards may be required to re-export or destroy them, while non-compliant firms can also face the suspension of their licenses.

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