Introduction: When Compliance Meets Safety
When a Pune-based chemical manufacturer tried exporting a small batch of industrial solvents, the shipment was held back at the port. The reason? Missing PESO approval for one of the storage tanks.
A simple compliance miss turned into six weeks of operational downtime, vendor penalties, and sleepless nights.
This scenario plays out often across India’s energy, chemical, and manufacturing sectors. Whether you’re importing a petroleum-based product, setting up a fuel storage tank, or installing explosion-proof machinery, PESO certification is the safety license that keeps your business running — and legally protected.
At its core, PESO approval is not just paperwork — it’s proof that your equipment, plant, or product is safe to operate, store, and transport.
What Is PESO Certification and Why It Matters
The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO), under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), is India’s statutory authority ensuring safety in:
- Petroleum, gas, and chemical storage or transportation
- Explosives manufacturing and sale
- Cylinders, pressure vessels, and valves used in industrial gases
- Electrical and mechanical equipment used in hazardous areas
The certification ensures your product complies with national standards under:
- The Explosives Act, 1884
- The Petroleum Act, 1934
- The Gas Cylinder Rules, 2016
- The SMPV (Unfired) Rules, 2016
- The Explosives Rules, 2008
PESO approval is mandatory before you manufacture, import, install, or operate any product that handles flammable, pressurized, or explosive materials.
Who Requires PESO Certification
PESO certification applies to a wide range of businesses, including:
| Category | Covered Entities | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Explosives & Pyrotechnics | Manufacturers, traders, and transporters of explosives | Fireworks, detonators, mining explosives |
| Petroleum & Solvents | Refineries, distributors, and end users storing petroleum | Diesel storage, lube plants, kerosene dealers |
| Gas Storage & Distribution | Industrial, medical, or commercial gas units | LPG bottling, CNG stations, cryogenic tank suppliers |
| Explosion-proof Electrical Equipment | Manufacturers and importers of Ex machinery | Pumps, control panels, motors, junction boxes |
| Testing & Cylinder Facilities | Testing stations, fabrication plants, cylinder manufacturers | Gas cylinder manufacturers, valve fabricators |
If your business involves hazardous substances, compressed gases, or petroleum derivatives, PESO certification is not optional — it’s the legal entry ticket to operate.
Key Benefits of Obtaining PESO Approval
- Legal operation & export eligibility — Essential for Indian and global market access.
- Credibility with clients & insurers — PESO compliance is often a prerequisite for insurance and OEM tie-ups.
- Operational safety & reduced liability — Certified equipment minimizes accident risk and fire hazards.
- Faster project clearances — Approvals simplify environmental and pollution board documentation.
- Alignment with global standards — Acceptance of ATEX/IECEx-tested products eases international trade.
Documents Required for PESO Certification
While the checklist varies slightly by product category, a complete file typically includes:
- Application form (specific to product/rule type)
- Engineering drawings and layout plans (A3 size preferred)
- Test certificates (ATEX, IECEx, or NABL recognized)
- Design data and material specifications
- Third-party inspection certificates (TPIA/NABL)
- Factory licence, GST, and company incorporation certificate
- Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) agreement (for foreign OEMs)
- Fire safety and disaster management plan
- Proof of payment of the government fee
Step-by-Step Process to Get PESO Certification
1. Identify the Applicable Rule Set
Determine which category your product falls under — Explosives Rules, Petroleum Rules, SMPV Rules, or Gas Cylinder Rules.
Green Permits assists in mapping your products to the correct regulatory framework.
2. Prepare Technical Documentation
Compile detailed technical drawings, safety reports, and testing data.
For explosion-proof (Ex) products, ensure design compliance with IEC 60079 or equivalent standards.
3. Submit the Application on the PESO Portal or NSWS
The PESO online portal accepts all document uploads and payments. Digital submission has replaced most manual filings.
4. Department Scrutiny and Queries
Within 30 working days, PESO officers may raise clarifications. Applicants must respond promptly online to avoid rejection.
5. Inspection or Virtual Verification
Depending on product type, PESO may conduct on-site or virtual verification. For Ex equipment, approvals are often document-based; for petroleum storage, physical inspection is mandatory.
6. Grant of Licence or Certificate
Once approved, PESO issues a digital certificate — valid for 3 to 5 years. Renewal is to be applied for 60 days before expiry.
Fee Structure & Timelines (Indicative 2025)
| Application Type | Typical Government Fee | Estimated Timeframe | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ex Equipment (Electrical Apparatus) | ₹15,000–₹50,000 per model | 8–12 weeks | Inspection may be waived |
| Petroleum Storage Licence | ₹25,000–₹1,00,000 | 6–10 weeks | Includes site safety audit |
| Explosives Manufacturing / Storage | ₹50,000 + audit charges | 10–16 weeks | Requires DPIIT industrial licence for LE-1 |
| SMPV (Unfired) Pressure Vessel Approval | ₹20,000–₹40,000 | 8–10 weeks | Based on design review |
Fees vary by product category, volume, and capacity. Digital filing reduces processing time by nearly 30%.
Renewal and Modification Rules
- Apply for renewal 60 days before expiry.
- Any change in design, material, ownership, or location requires a fresh amendment.
- If your manufacturing or import activity stops, the license must be surrendered formally.
- For foreign manufacturers, renewal is only accepted through the same Authorized Indian Representative registered with PESO.
Common Reasons for Rejection or Delay
- Mismatch between design data and test certificates
- Missing fire-safety layout or inspection report
- Expired IECEx/ATEX test reports
- Drawings not signed or stamped by an approved engineer
- Failure to reply to PESO queries within 15–30 days
A single documentation error can delay your application by months. Having a compliance expert manage the process minimizes this risk.
Risks of Operating Without PESO Approval
- Legal penalties: Fines up to ₹1,00,000 and imprisonment for responsible personnel.
- Immediate closure: State authorities can seal an unapproved installation.
- Loss of insurance coverage: Insurers reject claims for accidents in unlicensed facilities.
- Export complications: Foreign buyers and DGFT require PESO compliance for many categories.
- Supply chain disruptions: OEMs or EPC contractors may blacklist non-compliant vendors.
In short, skipping PESO approval can cost more than the certification itself.
Business Impact: Why Early Registration Helps
Many startups and MSMEs delay applying until just before product launch — only to discover that PESO’s technical scrutiny can take 60–90 days.
Registering your design, facility, or equipment early in the project cycle ensures you can start operations or shipments on time.
Proactive compliance also positions your brand as a trusted and safety-conscious supplier, opening doors to PSU tenders, export orders, and insurance benefits.
Quick Tips to Streamline Your PESO Journey
- Always align your testing lab reports with PESO’s approved standards.
- Double-check plant coordinates, drawings, and fire-safety layouts before uploading.
- Keep your documents (CTE, CTO, factory licence) valid and consistent.
- For foreign OEMs, ensure the AIR agreement remains current and covers renewals.
- Use professional help to prepare Annexures and declarations in correct PESO format.
How Green Permits Supports Your PESO Certification
At Green Permits Consulting, we simplify end-to-end compliance — from strategy to certification.
- PESO Licence and Design Approvals for petroleum, explosive, and gas equipment
- EPR Authorizations under CPCB’s Extended Producer Responsibility framework
- BIS Certification and ISI Mark registration for industrial products
- Recycling Plant Setup and CPCB/SPCB compliance for waste management units
Our team ensures zero documentation errors and on-time submissions through the official PESO and NSWS portals.
📞 +91 78350 06182 📧 wecare@greenpermits.in
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FAQs
Yes. Any unit storing or transporting compressed gas or petroleum under pressure must hold a valid PESO licence.
No. They must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) who is responsible for compliance, renewals, and liaison with PESO.
Generally five years for plant licences and three years for Ex equipment approvals.
No. These are supporting documents; PESO conducts its own safety validation under Indian law.
You must file an amendment or new application within 30 days to keep the approval valid.
