Afghanistan Standards Department Returns Shipment of Substandard Construction Materials

KABUL (Afghan Verified) -- Afghanistan's Department of Standards and Quality announced it returned a shipment of substandard construction materials via the Sheikh Abu Nasr Farahi port to the exporting country after comprehensive quality checks found it did not meet domestic standards.

The department's statement specified 46 tons of substandard rebar, emphasizing the action was taken to secure domestic markets and protect consumer rights. Pajhwok reported an initial figure of 42 tons of construction materials in its coverage, though it later detailed 46 tons of rebar, aligning with RTA's account of 46 tons.

The department stressed that quality verification and control processes for construction materials at all ports across the country are conducted transparently, systematically, and decisively. It stated there will be no leniency toward imports of substandard goods that harm citizens' health and safety.

In a call to traders and importers, the department urged strict adherence to domestic standards and fulfillment of their moral responsibility to create a quality and healthy market.

Both Pajhwok and RTA reported the announcement on February 21, 2026, citing the department's press release.