Late one evening, Riya, the instrumentation head at a large chemical plant in Gujarat, was pacing the control room. Her team had everything ready — cabling, motor starters, flameproof panels — but nothing could be switched on. The equipment, imported from Europe, had all the right international marks — IECEx, ATEX, CE, you name it.
But at the port, her shipment was held because it lacked PESO approval — India’s mandatory clearance for electrical equipment used in explosive or hazardous areas. Each day of delay meant mounting costs, idle manpower, and the risk of missing production targets.
It wasn’t until she engaged a compliance consultant that she realized — IECEx or ATEX certificates alone aren’t enough in India. PESO has its own approval process that validates such equipment for Indian use under local petroleum and gas safety laws.
That’s exactly where this guide helps you — to make sure your flameproof (Ex) equipment doesn’t get stuck at the dock or on your shop floor.
PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation), formerly known as the Chief Controller of Explosives (CCoE), is India’s national authority that regulates safety in flammable, explosive, and petroleum-based installations.
If your facility deals with fuels, gases, refineries, storage depots, or pressure vessels, you’re already under PESO’s regulatory net. And that means — any flameproof, explosion-protected, or intrinsically safe (Ex) electrical equipment used in such premises must be approved by PESO before installation or operation.
This requirement stems from three cornerstone regulations:
In simple terms — if your site is licensed under these rules, every piece of Ex equipment used there needs a PESO approval or license to operate.
Manufacturers often believe that if their products already carry IECEx or ATEX certifications — that’s enough for India too. Unfortunately, it isn’t that simple.
PESO doesn’t re-test equipment but verifies, evaluates, and endorses it for compliance under Indian laws. This ensures compatibility with local safety standards, documentation practices, and plant-level installations.
Here’s how it actually works: PESO recognizes three distinct approval routes, depending on where and how the product was made and tested.
Before you apply for PESO certification, identify which “lane” your equipment belongs to. Choosing the wrong one can cost weeks of delay.
Ideal for products manufactured in India, especially those with Ex d (flameproof) protection.
Preferred for globally manufactured Ex products.
Applicable only if your equipment is manufactured in the EU.
| Route | Best For | Required Documents |
|---|---|---|
| A – India Test + BIS | India-made Ex d products | Indian test reports + BIS license |
| B – IECEx Route | Global manufacturers | IECEx CoC + ExTR + QAR |
| C – ATEX Route | EU-made equipment | ATEX Type Cert + PQAN + DoC |
Tip: If the equipment is not made in the EU, don’t use the ATEX route. IECEx is the safer and globally accepted option.
Every piece of explosion-proof equipment carries a unique “Ex” marking — the code that tells you its type of protection, gas group, and temperature class.
When applying for PESO, this code must match perfectly across your certificates, drawings, and nameplates.
For example:
If these markings mismatch anywhere — PESO will ask for clarification or reject the application outright.
Getting PESO approval is primarily a documentation exercise, but accuracy is everything.
Step 1 – Identify the correct route
Decide whether your product fits under BIS, IECEx, or ATEX.
Step 2 – Gather documents
Certificates, test reports, nameplate drawings, circuit diagrams, manuals, and declarations of conformity.
Step 3 – Appoint an Indian representative
Foreign manufacturers must authorize an Indian agent or partner to correspond with PESO and handle clarifications.
Step 4 – Submit the application
Applications are filed online to the Chief Controller of Explosives (CCoE), Nagpur, referencing the applicable rule (Petroleum, Gas, or SMPV).
Step 5 – Technical review and clarifications
PESO verifies markings, design details, and certification lineage. You may be asked to submit additional proofs or clarifications.
Step 6 – Approval and validity
Once approved, PESO issues a digital certificate referencing the product model, Ex rating, and applicable regulations.
Even experienced manufacturers make avoidable mistakes:
Each of these can push approvals back by weeks — sometimes months. Early consultation prevents such bottlenecks.
Flameproof (Ex d) equipment forms the first line of defense in hazardous industrial environments. Any failure can ignite an explosive atmosphere.
That’s why PESO requires strict verification:
It’s not about paperwork — it’s about protecting lives, plants, and the environment.
Ignoring PESO approval is a serious compliance lapse. Beyond regulatory penalties, it brings tangible business risks:
Think of PESO as your safety passport — not a bureaucratic hurdle.
The good news: PESO now aligns closely with global frameworks like IECEx and ATEX.
This global alignment makes it easier for companies to export and import safely — provided the paperwork matches exactly.
At Green Permits Consulting, we simplify PESO compliance for manufacturers, importers, and plant operators across India.
Our experts handle:
We don’t just process forms — we make compliance predictable, time-bound, and audit-ready.
📞 +91 78350 06182
📧 wecare@greenpermits.in
Book a consultation today to avoid delays and ensure your equipment meets every requirement before installation.
No. IECEx is recognized but still requires PESO validation for Indian installations.
ATEX applies to EU-made products. PESO accepts ATEX documentation if the equipment is manufactured in the European Union.
Yes, BIS licensing is mandatory for Ex d equipment made and tested in India.
Typically 4–8 weeks, depending on documentation accuracy and product complexity.
They must appoint an Indian agent or authorized representative to liaise with PESO.
