The Nepalese government has implemented new cement regulations specifying the minimum compressive strength of 33 MPa. The Republica newspaper has reported that this will follow the 1997 cement standard in restricting magnesia (MgO) content to 5 per cent and insoluble residues to 2 per cent. Two higher grades will designate cement with compressive strengths of 44 MPa and 55 MPa. The government also introduced regulations governing the compression strength, insulation and density of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) blocks.