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.
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:
| 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 |
| 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.)
| 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. |
| 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.
Green Permits Consulting LLC offers end-to-end compliance support for PESO projects:
📞 +91 78350 06182 📧 wecare@greenpermits.in
Book a Consultation with Green Permits
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.
