Paraguay has updated legal and administrative frameworks for cemento, mortero, and materiales de construcción through Decree No. 5507/2026, aligning with consumer protection and quality requirements.
Paraguay Tightens Standards for Cement and Farm Goods
Mandatory labeling and quality rules now apply to construction materials and agricultural products.
What changed
Mandatory labeling required to prevent deceptive practices and ensure transparency.
Quality standards reinforced for cement and mortar products under ICS code 91.100.10.
Scope expanded to include HS Codes 2523, 382340, 382350, 382440, and 382450.
Who it affects
Construction material importers must comply with updated quality and labeling rules.
Agricultural product suppliers must ensure product integrity and clear consumer information.
Compliance Analysis: Updated Legal Framework for Cement, Mortar, and Construction Materials in Paraguay
Direct Answer
Decree No. 5507/2026 updates and amends Decree No. 18.352/2002, making compliance with Paraguayan Standard NP 17 044 80 (8th Edition) – "Cement. Specifications" mandatory for the production, importation, and commercialization of grey cement in Paraguay. The decree establishes strict quality controls, documentation requirements, and transitional provisions for existing stock1, 2.
Regulation Analysis
1. Mandatory Compliance with NP 17 044 80 (8th Edition)
- Requirement: All grey cement (domestic or imported) must comply with NP 17 044 80 (8th Edition). The Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC) may only authorize import licenses for cement meeting this standard1.
- Scope: Applies to grey cement; other construction materials (e.g., mortar, gypsum) are covered under broader ICS code 91.100.10 but not explicitly detailed in the decree2.
- Authority: MIC (enforcement), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología, Normalización y Metrología (INTN) (standardization)1, 2.
2. Import and Commercialization Controls
- Documentation for Imports:
- Customs Enforcement: DNIT must block entry of non-compliant shipments under Article 244 of Law No. 2422/2004 (Customs Code)1.
3. Transitional Provisions
- Grace Period: Operations (production, importation, commercialization, or free transfer) of grey cement under the previous edition of NP 17 044 80 or existing import licenses are permitted for 180 days post-promulgation of Decree No. 5507/20261.
- Temporary Waiver: During the 180-day period, DNIT will not require the ONC Mark Certificate or Sampling Act for shipments under the old standard1.
4. Future Standardization
- High-Early-Strength Cement (ARI): INTN is tasked with developing a new Paraguayan standard for Cemento de Alta Resistencia Inicial (ARI) and other cement derivatives, including requirements for use, handling, and formulation1.
- Regulatory Expansion: INTN may develop additional standards for other cement types at MIC’s request, serving as the basis for future mandatory technical regulations1.
5. Enforcement and Coordination
- Technical Committee: MIC must establish a committee with DNIT and INTN to regulate sampling and testing procedures1.
- Consumer Protection: The decree’s objectives include preventing deceptive practices, ensuring quality requirements, and improving consumer information/labelling2.
Key Requirements Table
| Regulation | Key Requirement | Deadline/Threshold | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decree No. 5507/2026 | Mandatory compliance with NP 17 044 80 (8th Ed.) for grey cement1. | Immediate (180-day grace period for old stock) | MIC, INTN, DNIT |
| Decree No. 18.352/2002 | Import licenses require ONC Mark Certificate and Sampling Act1. | Post-180-day grace period | MIC, INTN |
| Law No. 2422/2004 | Customs must block non-compliant cement shipments1. | Immediate | DNIT |
| Future Standards | INTN to develop ARI cement standard and other cement derivatives1. | Not specified | INTN |
Summary Answer
Decree No. 5507/2026 aligns Paraguay’s cement regulations with NP 17 044 80 (8th Edition), mandating compliance for grey cement production, importation, and commercialization. Key requirements include ONC Mark certification, import licenses, and customs documentation1, 2. A 180-day transitional period allows existing stock to clear, after which DNIT will enforce strict compliance1. The decree also tasks INTN with developing standards for high-early-strength cement (ARI) and other derivatives1. For enforcement, MIC, INTN, and DNIT coordinate sampling/testing procedures1, while the decree’s broader goals focus on consumer protection and quality assurance2.
Sources
- ↩ WTO TBT notification 26-01332 — Paraguay https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2026/TBT/PRY/26_01332_00_s.pdf
- ↩ DECRETO N° 5507/2026 “POR EL CUAL SE ACTUALIZAN Y MODIFICAN LOS ARTÍCULOS 1° y 5° DEL DECRETO N° 18.352 DEL 26 DE AGOSTO DE 2002”. https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=Q:/G/TBTN26/PRY154.pdf&Open=True