PESO Certification in India: Step-by-Step Guide for Manufacturers and Importers

Understanding Why PESO Matters

A few years ago, a small gas-equipment importer in Gujarat received an urgent customs hold — their shipment was blocked for not having a PESO license.
They had invested in safety-certified valves from abroad, but without India’s Petroleum & Explosives Safety Organisation approval, their products could not even enter the market.

This scenario isn’t rare. If you manufacture, import, or distribute petroleum, LPG, gas-cylinder, or flameproof equipment in India, PESO certification isn’t optional — it’s the legal gatekeeper of your business continuity.

What is PESO Certification and Who Needs It?

The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) operates under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), enforcing safety under:

• Explosives Act 1884
• Petroleum Act 1934
• Static & Mobile Pressure Vessels (SMPV U) Rules 2016
• Gas Cylinder Rules 2016

It ensures that manufacturing, storage, transport, import, and handling of flammable substances meet national safety standards.

Entities requiring PESO certification

• Manufacturers of LPG cylinders, valves, regulators, CNG/LNG equipment, fuel dispensers, flameproof (Ex) electrical devices.
• Importers of petroleum products, gas storage systems, or explosion-proof equipment.
• Industrial users operating fuel storage / dispensing / transport facilities.

Step-by-Step Process for Obtaining PESO Certification (2025 Update)

Applications are now accepted only through the National Single Window System (NSWS), as per PESO’s latest circular.

Step 1 – Register on the NSWS Portal

• Visit https://www.nsws.gov.in.
• Select PESO as the approving agency.
• Create your business profile with GST & PAN details.
• Receive login credentials for application submission.

Step 2 – Select the Relevant License Category

• Manufacture / Storage License – for production units under Explosives Rules 2008 or Petroleum Rules 2002.
• Gas Cylinder Rules 2016 – for cylinder manufacture, testing, and filling.
• SMPV(U) Rules 2016 – for CNG / LPG installations and storage tanks.
• Flameproof Equipment Approval – for electrical and instrumentation products.

Step 3 – Prepare Mandatory Documents

Before uploading, ensure these are available (PDF ≤ 2 MB each):

• Factory layout plan & equipment list approved by competent person.
• Consent to Establish / Operate from State Pollution Control Board.
• Test Certificates from recognized PESO labs for flameproof equipment.
• Importers only: IEC Certificate and foreign test reports (ATEX / IECEx) if recognized.
• Authorized signatory ID proof and undertaking of safety compliance.

Step 4 – Submit Application & Pay Fees

• Log in to NSWS → Choose “Apply for PESO License.”
• Upload documents and pay fees digitally (see table below).
• Receive acknowledgement & application number for tracking.

License Type	Processing Authority	Typical Validity	Fee Range (₹)
Manufacture / Storage License	PESO Circle Office	5 Years	5,000 – 50,000
Gas Cylinder Rule License	Controller of Explosives PESO	5 Years	10,000 – 60,000
SMPV(U) Installations	Chief Controller PESO	5 Years	15,000 – 75,000
Flameproof Equipment Approval	Chief Inspector of Explosives	Product specific	10,000 – 25,000 per model

(Values indicative – consult official portal for latest fee slabs.)

After submission, PESO issues a Discrepancy Letter if clarifications are needed; reply through the same NSWS dashboard within the given timeline.

Step 5 – Inspection & Approval

• PESO officers or authorized inspectors conduct physical or virtual inspection of your facility or product testing.
• Post-inspection, the digital license certificate is issued through NSWS and can be downloaded from the portal.

Key Timelines and Processing Stages

Stage	Expected Timeline (Working Days)	Responsible Authority
Application review & deficiency notice	30	Regional PESO Office
Technical inspection / testing	30–45	Controller of Explosives / Authorized Lab
Grant of Certificate (if compliant)	15	Chief Controller of Explosives
Total processing time (average)	60–75 days	—

Interpretation: A well-prepared application can achieve clearance in ~2 months, while deficiencies may extend this to 3 months.

Common Challenges & How to Avoid Delays

• Incomplete documents: Mismatch between factory layout and actual installation.
• Unrecognized lab reports: Foreign test reports not verified by a PESO-approved testing lab.
• Expired pollution consents: CTE/CTO under Air & Water Acts must be valid through approval period.
• Delayed response to discrepancy letters: Leads to application closure under NSWS guidelines.

Tip – Create a digital document index with expiry dates for every license and certificate.

Risks of Operating Without PESO Certification

Operating without a valid license under the Explosives or Petroleum Acts invites:

• Closure of facility by district authorities or CPCB.
• Seizure of equipment and stock at port or on site.
• Penalties under the Explosives Act 1884 – up to ₹1 lakh and/or imprisonment.
• Loss of industrial insurance coverage for non-compliance.

For importers, non-PESO-approved goods can be denied customs clearance altogether.

Maintaining Your PESO License

Once approved, license holders must maintain:

• Annual returns on NSWS with any production or safety changes.
• Renewal applications 90 days before expiry.
• Immediate notification to PESO for change of authorized person or address.
• Continued compliance with lab testing and safety inspections.

Why Businesses Choose Green Permits

Navigating PESO and other industrial approvals can be complex and time-sensitive. Green Permits helps you:

• Map applicable licenses under PESO, BIS & CPCB.
• Prepare documents and CTE/CTO approvals.
• Coordinate with PESO offices and testing labs.
• Ensure EPR and BIS compliance for importers and manufacturers.

Explore our related services:
EPR Authorization | BIS Certification | Recycling Plant Setup

Conclusion – Compliance That Keeps Your Business Running

PESO certification isn’t just a paper requirement — it’s your proof of safety, credibility, and market access.
By filing early and maintaining timely renewals, you avoid costly delays and protect your business from shutdown risks.

 

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