Kathmandu, Feb. 1 -- Nepali cement makers are worried that they won't be able to sell their products in India as it has stopped issuing the IS mark to Nepali cement. The stamp certifies that the cement meets an Indian Standard created by the national standards body, the Bureau of Indian Standards.

According to the Cement Manufacturers Association of Nepal, half a dozen Nepali cement companies are in the final stages of obtaining certification, making their products eligible for export to India.

"We are surprised by the Indian government's decision. It's an abrupt decision that will prevent the export of Nepali cement to India," said Dhruba Raj Thapa, president of the association.

Nepali cement companies said they had not been formally ...