ASQA prevents entry of 139 tonnes of substandard goods — Pajhwok

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Afghanistan Standard and Quality Authority (ASQA) has prevented 139 tonnes of substandard construction materials and other goods from entering the country through the Sheikh Abu Nasr Farahi port in western Farah province. In a statement, the authority said that, as part of its continued monitoring of the quality of imported goods and efforts to protect consumer rights, it had inspected four consignments, including three consignments of construction materials — iron beams, tiles and ceramics — and a consignment of 200 carpets weighing 21.46 tonnes. It said technical inspections found that the consignments did not comply with domestic standards and were therefore deemed substandard. Their entry into the Afghan market was prevented, and the goods were subsequently returned to their country of origin. The statement added that it would continue preventing the entry of low-quality goods and taking practical measures to ensure quality, safety and consumer confidence.