Honduras: A ship carrying 49,000t of cement was forced to return to its port of origin after attempting to enter Honduras without complying with the certifications required by the government, according to The Herald. The ‘Technical Regulations for Cement’ came into effect on 6 October 2026 and prohibit the import, distribution and sale of cement that lacks proven laboratory testing and regulated labelling, in an effort to guarantee the quality, durability and safety of construction materials in the market.
Officials explained that 57,000t of cement arrived for import and that authorities had allowed the unloading of 7000t, which had entered the port before midnight prior to the regulation coming into force, authorising its sale under strict supervision. The remaining 49,000t was sent back because the company reportedly failed to provide proof of storage conditions, stowage or the behaviour of the material during its transport. Currently, only three companies have the documentation and permits that comply with the new regulations, while a fourth will reportedly begin its accreditation process in the next few days. Authorities have granted a grace period until the beginning of December 2026, which will allow local business to sell off their remaining non-compliant cement, following which the General Directorate of Consumer Protection will carry out nationwide inspections to confiscate cement that does not meet the required standards.