The time limit when the restrictions on the chromium content of cement made in Moldova, set by the law of June 17, 2016, were to start to be applied was extended until June 17, 2019, IPN reports, quoting a Government decision.

Minister of Environment Valeriu Munteanu said that even if the norms set by the aforementioned law are in line with the European standards, and the company Lafarge Ciment Moldova SA realizes this, time is needed to meet these standards. Equipment for monitoring the content of ingredients that pose a threat to health and pollute the environment with heavy metals is to be purchased and installed. At this stage, not even the specialized labs possess equipment to determine the chromium content of cement.

To meet the European standards on chromium content of cement, Romania needed a preparatory period of two years and a half, said the authors of the proposed amendments.