KABUL (Pajhwok): The Afghanistan Standard and Quality Authority (ASQA) has returned a 53-tonne shipment of substandard construction materials via the Sheikh Abu Nasr Farahi port western in Farah province to the exporting country.
In a statement, ASQA said the consignment was returned following comprehensive inspections and rigorous quality control checks, which found it did not meet domestic standards.
It said the shipment consisted of 52.8 tonnes of steel bars.
The authority emphasised that the measure was taken to safeguard domestic markets and protect consumers’ rights.
It added that the assessment and control of construction materials at all ports across the country are being conducted in a transparent, systematic and strict manner.
The statement further stressed that no leniency would be shown towards the import of substandard goods that could jeopardise public health and safety.
ASQA urged all traders and importers to strictly adhere to domestic standards and fulfil their responsibility in establishing a safe and high-quality market.
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