Cement Scandal! How Did a Large Shipment Enter Lebanon Without Inspection?

Industry Minister Jo Zeid al-Khouri sent a letter to the General Director of the Industrial Research Institute requesting an immediate investigation into the officials responsible for allowing a cement shipment through the Port of Tripoli on behalf of Dier Ammar Metal S.A.L. without subjecting it to necessary inspections at the Industrial Research Institute, and taking appropriate measures against them.

Emphasizing that he has submitted all documents related to the file and the investigation results as quickly as possible.

He added in his letter: "It has been established that the aforementioned shipment was admitted based on a statement issued by the Industrial Research Institute and addressed to the Lebanese Customs Administration stating that 'the goods are not subject to the provisions of mandatory regulations or due to being small individual quantities.' It should be noted that imported cement cannot be introduced into the Lebanese market without a clearance statement issued by the Industrial Research Institute, pursuant to Decree No. 9766 dated 2003/3/11 (granting mandatory status to the Lebanese Standard No. 53 concerning cement). The General Director of the Ministry of Industry had previously informed the General Directorate of Customs via letter No. 2016/1349 - 215 dated 2026/7/15 of this requirement. Given that the actions of the Industrial Research Institute contradict the applicable decrees, violate instructions from the Ministry of Industry, and could pose significant risks, particularly regarding public safety in buildings and construction projects, if the shipment does not meet specifications.

The minister requested that the Industrial Research Institute withdraw the aforementioned statement and inform the General Directorate of Customs of the withdrawal decision and that it should no longer be acted upon.