When a Pune-based industrial supplier shipped its first batch of high-pressure gas cylinders to a refinery client, the excitement quickly faded.
At the customs checkpoint, officials asked for one document — the PESO approval certificate. Without it, the consignment worth ₹80 lakh was stuck for weeks, incurring demurrage charges every day.
This story isn’t rare. In India, every gas cylinder, valve, or pressure vessel that stores or transports compressed gas must comply with the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) norms. PESO certification is the silent gatekeeper for safety, compliance, and uninterrupted business.
Understanding PESO Certification
The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation, functioning under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), regulates the design, manufacture, import, and operation of pressurised systems like cylinders, valves, regulators, and storage vessels.
Certification under the Explosives Act 1884, the Gas Cylinder Rules 2016, and the Static and Mobile Pressure Vessels (Unfired) Rules 1981 ensures that each component meets Indian safety codes before it reaches the market.
Key purpose of PESO certification:
- Prevent accidents due to leakage or explosion.
- Assure design integrity and quality control.
- Enable lawful import, sale, or refilling of gas equipment.
- Build market credibility with industries such as oil & gas, medical, chemical, and automotive.
Who Needs PESO Certification
| Entity Type | Applicability | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Cylinder Manufacturers | Mandatory for producing or assembling LPG, oxygen, nitrogen, or CO₂ cylinders | Metal cylinder fabrication units |
| Valve / Regulator Manufacturers | Required for all components fitted to approved cylinders | Brass valve or pressure regulator OEMs |
| Importers / Foreign Manufacturers | Must obtain PESO approval through an Indian Authorised Representative (AIR) | Overseas valve exporters |
| Pressure Vessel Fabricators | For design & fabrication of tanks, pipelines, or vessels for compressed gases | Cryogenic storage vessel makers |
Step-by-Step PESO Compliance Checklist
1. Pre-Application Readiness
- Identify category under Gas Cylinder Rules 2016 or SMPV (U) Rules 1981.
- Collect type-test reports (hydrostatic, burst, tensile) from BIS-recognised or PESO-approved labs (valid 2 years).
- Prepare design drawings, stress calculations, and Quality Assurance Plan (QAP).
- Ensure factory has CTE/CTO from SPCB and follows ISO 9001 quality systems.
- Foreign firms must appoint an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) with a valid office address.
2. Application Filing
- Register on peso.gov.in under the appropriate division.
- Upload supporting documents:
- Factory licence & layout plan
- Design drawings, material certificates, and test results
- Calibration, hydro-test, and heat-treatment records
- Undertaking for compliance with Indian standards (IS 3196, IS 8737, IS 2825, etc.)
- Pay applicable application fee online (see table below).
- PESO reviews the file, may seek clarifications, and schedules inspection or video audit.
3. Post-Approval Responsibilities
- Mark each product with PESO approval number and manufacturer’s details.
- Maintain testing logs and inspection records.
- Conduct periodic cylinder re-testing (usually every 5 years).
- File for renewal or amendment at least 60 days before expiry.
- Notify PESO for any design modification, ownership change, or factory relocation.
Official Fee & Validity Snapshot
| Activity | Government Fee (₹) | Validity | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Registration (Manufacturer/Importer) | 15,000 | 5 Years | Includes design review |
| Renewal of Registration | 7,500 + 0.625/MT (based on past transactions) | 5 Years | As per CPCB/PESO schedule |
| Design / Drawing Approval (per model) | 10,000 – 25,000 | 5 Years | Depends on product complexity |
| Amendment / Addendum | 3,000 | — | For change in address, ownership, or design |
(Figures are based on 2024–25 CPCB/PESO circulars; always verify the latest notification.)
Consequences of Non-Compliance
| Risk Area | Impact on Business |
|---|---|
| Import Delays | Shipments detained at port until PESO licence produced. |
| Production Stoppage | SPCBs can suspend CTO for using non-approved vessels. |
| Legal Penalty | Fines up to ₹50 lakh or imprisonment under Explosives Act §9–§10. |
| Insurance Denial | Policies may be void for uncertified equipment accidents. |
| Client Rejection | PSU tenders and EPC projects mandate valid PESO numbers. |
Documentation Checklist
- PAN / GST / CIN of company
- Factory licence & incorporation certificate
- CTE & CTO under Air/Water Acts
- Design drawings + stress calculations
- Raw-material & heat-treatment records
- Test certificates (burst, hydrostatic, chemical)
- QAP / ISO 9001 manual
- Geotagged factory photos or video
- Authorization letter for AIR (for foreign applicants)
Timeline Overview
| Process Stage | Approx. Duration |
|---|---|
| Document Preparation & Review | 1–2 Weeks |
| Application Scrutiny | 15–30 Working Days |
| Inspection / Clarification | 2–3 Weeks |
| Grant of Certificate | Within 45–60 Days |
| Renewal / Amendment | Within 30 Days |
A proactive approach—submitting accurate designs and maintaining test data—can shorten approvals considerably.
Why PESO Certification Strengthens Business
- Market Access – Only certified products can be used in oil & gas, industrial gases, and defence sectors.
- Operational Safety – Demonstrates adherence to India’s highest pressure-safety norms.
- Trust & Brand Value – Buyers and EPC contractors prefer PESO-approved suppliers.
- Export Advantage – Acceptance by Indian authorities builds reputation for global compliance.
- Regulatory Shield – Protects from accidental liability, penalties, and plant downtime.
How Green Permits Can Help
Green Permits Consulting LLC offers end-to-end compliance support for PESO projects:
- Document audit and design review
- Application drafting & portal submission
- Coordination with PESO for inspection scheduling
- Support for foreign manufacturer authorisation and AIR appointment
- Renewal, amendment, and annual maintenance services
- Integration with BIS, EPR, and other environmental licences
📞 +91 78350 06182 📧 wecare@greenpermits.in
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Add Your Heading Text Here
It’s a safety certification by India’s Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation for petroleum, gas, or explosive equipment.
Yes. Any foreign company exporting cylinders, valves, or Ex equipment to India must get PESO approval.
Foreign manufacturers can apply online through the National Single Window System (NSWS) by submitting design documents, ISO certificates, test reports, and appointing an Indian authorized representative.
The PESO approval process generally takes 45–60 working days, depending on the completeness of documents, product testing, and any required virtual or physical inspections.
A PESO certificate issued to a foreign manufacturer is typically valid for five years and can be renewed online with updated documents and test reports.
