Cement certification has given impetus to record production growth in Kazakhstan

Cement production in Kazakhstan reached 13.07 million tons in the first 11 months of 2025, setting a historic record for the industry. A key factor in this growth was the improvement of the national cement certification system, implemented under the updated ST RK 3361-2022.

In 2025, the Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan approved a national standard establishing requirements for technological regulations for the production of cements and Portland cement clinker. This document aims to develop unified approaches to the description and application of technological processes that are subject to verification during cement product conformity assessment procedures.

The national standard was developed taking into account the requirements of ST RK 3361-2022 "Conformity Assessment. Procedure for Conformity Assessment of Cements and Portland Cement Clinker" and is also harmonized with the provisions of GOST R 58100-2018. The applicant for this development was the Kazakhstan Association of Cement and Concrete Producers (QazCem).

The cement industry is a core sector of the construction industry and plays a key role in the country's infrastructure development. The quality and stability of manufactured products directly depend on adherence to technological processes. The implementation of standardized technological regulations allows for systematization of production, improved process control, and the assurance of reproducible cement quality.

The adoption of the national standard was a response to the need to address regulatory gaps, improve product competitiveness, reduce production risks, and strengthen energy efficiency and environmental requirements. Technological regulations are also a mandatory document for certification procedures. In accordance with Section 6.3 of ST RK 3361-2022, they are included in the list of documents submitted by the applicant to the conformity assessment body.

The economic impact of implementing the standard is achieved by establishing uniform requirements for the production of Portland cement and commercial clinker, ensuring the stability of technological processes and increasing confidence in domestic products.

The development of the conformity assessment system has already proven its effectiveness. Following the implementation of ST RK 3361-2022 in 2019, Kazakhstan saw a reduction in gray imports, and cement production reached a record high. The standard's update provided additional impetus to the industry, resulting in a historic production peak in 2025.

The integration of the new national standard will strengthen quality control and create additional conditions for the further growth of the cement industry. Furthermore, the industry is almost completely ready for its implementation, and no complications are expected for producers.