PESO Certification in India Process, Licence Types & Requirements

• The PESO Certification in India is compulsory for companies that deal with the handling of petroleum, explosives, compressed Gas Cylinders, fireworks, and pressure vessels.
• The PESO Registration and Licensing process is closely supervised by the Government of India in order to promote safety, ensure compliance, and prevent accidents.
• A Qualified PESO Consultant can help to reduce the risk of Rejection, Delay, and High Cost of Re-inspection during the PESO Certification Process.

Introduction

The PESO Certificate is necessary for businesses that work with petroleum, explosives, gas bottles, or any other flammable/hazardous materials (in India) and must be approved by the Government of India. This certification ensures that all businesses follow all necessary safety protocols and laws when operating their businesses. The PESO guidelines focus on safety and have many technical requirements for all applications including safe distance from buildings/structures and all supporting documents including proper drawings, calculation of total distance from hazardous zones etc.?

Misunderstanding the Certification process can cause delays or rejection of an Applicant’s Certification Application and result in accidents, lawsuits and other business disruption. Therefore, it is critical for all Applicants to obtain a thorough knowledge of the entire Certification Process immediately after submitting their Application.

What is PESO Certification?

Certification PESO is a certificate or license from the Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organisation (PESO), which operates under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) of the Government of India.

PESO’s Core Responsibility

PESO regulates:

• transport and storage of petroleum products
• manufacture, storage and sale of Explosives
• manufacture and sale of (1) LPG and CNG cylinders and Indian Bay Gases (2) Fireworks, Munitions and Firearms (3) Pressure Vessels and Hazardous Facilities 

Objective: Prevent Industrial Accidents, Explosions and Fire and Maintain Design Lifetimes of Equipment Directly Affect the Health, Safety and Well-being of the Public.

Who Needs PESO Certification / PESO Licence in India?

Anyone in India that within the scope of their business operations uses hazardous substances, (e.g., raw or refined petroleum, explosive materials, compressed gasses, pressure vessels, etc.), will require a PESO Certification/PESO License; this includes both individuals and corporations. The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) regulates the usage of these materials for the benefit of both the public’s protection as well as the protection of workers in industrial services.

PESO approval is mandatory for:

• Petroleum and Fuel-related Businesses ex. Gasoline Stations, Diesel Storage Tanks, Oil Depots.
• Gas Operations like LPG Bottling facilities, CNG/LNG Stations & Industrial Gas Cylinder Storage.
• Explosives and Fireworks Facilities Ex. Manufacturing, Storage Magazines and Mining Sites.
• Industrial and manufacturing facilities that use hazardous chemicals, pressure vessels, compressors, or flammable substances.
• Importers and exporters dealing with regulated petroleum products, gas cylinders, or explosives.

Even small quantities beyond prescribed limits require PESO permission. If your activity involves flammable, explosive, or pressurised materials, obtaining a PESO Licence is usually compulsory to operate legally in India.

Businesses & Entities That Require PESO Approval

Petroleum & Fuel Sector

• Petrol pumps and fuel stations
• Diesel, petrol, kerosene storage units
• Oil depots, tank farms, fuel warehouses
• Industrial fuel storage (furnaces, boilers)

Gas & Cylinder Businesses

• LPG bottling plants
• CNG/LNG stations
• Industrial gas manufacturers & distributors
• Gas cylinder storage godowns

Explosives & Fireworks

• Firecracker manufacturers
• Explosive magazines (storage)
• Mining & quarry operators
• Ammunition and blasting material handlers

Industrial & Manufacturing Units

• Factories using hazardous chemicals
• Pressure vessel users (air receivers, compressors)
• Chemical plants and solvent storage facilities

Importers & Exporters

• Import/export of petroleum products
• Import of gas cylinders or explosives
• International movement of hazardous materials

Government & Infrastructure Projects

• Defence-related explosive storage
• Public sector fuel depots
• Infrastructure projects using blasting material

Individuals Who May Need PESO Licence

• Entrepreneurs starting petrol pumps
• Small fireworks manufacturers
• Warehouse owners storing regulated quantities
• Contractors handling explosives for projects

When PESO Licence Is NOT Required

• Storage below exempted quantity limits
• Non-hazardous, non-pressurised materials
• Activities already exempted under PESO rules

(Quantity limits are strictly defined—crossing even slightly triggers PESO compliance.)

When Is PESO License Mandatory?

If any one of the following applies, PESO registration is compulsory:

The registration of a PESO licence is required when one of the following occurs:

• The storage of petroleum products & fuels (petrol, diesel and kerosene) in oil depots and gas stations; as well as the use of solvents, lubricants and other chemical products in manufacturing industries; The manufacture of fireworks and the storage of explosives are included in the definition of explosive manufacturing facilities.

• The storage and packaging of LPG cylinders and gas cylinders; as well as the manufacture of pressure vessels and equipment such as compressors.

• The storage of Hazardous Chemicals & Industrial Gases and the distribution of Industrial Gases, and the manufacture and transportation of Ammunition & Defence Related Products.

There is no ability to operate without the registration of a PESO licence.

No PESO Licence = Illegal Operation.

Types of PESO Licences in India

Petroleum Licences

• Storage licence (Form XIII, XIV, XV)
• Transport licence
• Retail outlet approval

Explosives Licences

• Manufacturing licence
• Storage (magazine) licence
• Sale and transport licence

Gas & Cylinder Approvals

• Cylinder filling plants
• Storage and distribution licences

Pressure Vessel Approvals

• Boiler & pressure vessel certification
• Compressed air systems

Each licence has separate drawings, forms, and inspections.

PESO Online Registration Explained

PESO Online Registration is done through the official PESO portal.

Online Process Overview

1. Create applicant account
2. Select licence category
3. Upload site drawings & documents
4. Pay government fees
5. Schedule inspection
6. Rectify objections (if any)
7. Receive PESO approval

Reality Check:
Most applications fail at Step 3 (technical drawings), not paperwork.

Documents Required for PESO Certification

If you only want to check a few essential documents, these are the minimum commonly required for PESO Certification by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation:

1. Business registration proof (Company / Firm / Proprietor)
2. PAN card of the applicant
3. Site ownership deed or registered lease agreement
4. PESO-compliant site layout drawing
5. Fire Safety NOC
6. Local authority / municipal NOC
7. Filled PESO application form
8. Government fee payment receipt

Note: Additional technical documents may be required depending on the type of PESO licence (petroleum, gas, explosives).

PESO Certification Process 

Step 1: Site Feasibility & Safety Check

Before applying, the site is reviewed to confirm land use, safety distances, and suitability as per PESO rules.

Step 2: Preparation of Technical Documents

PESO-compliant layout drawings, safety distance calculations, and equipment details are prepared as per applicable rules.

Step 3: PESO Online Registration

The application is filed on the official PESO portal with required documents and government fees.

Step 4: Scrutiny by PESO Authority

PESO officers examine the application and may raise technical queries or objections if any gaps are found.

Step 5: Physical Site Inspection

A PESO inspector visits the site to verify safety measures, layout, and compliance with submitted drawings.

Step 6: Compliance & Clarifications

If observations are raised, corrections are made and re-submitted for approval.

Step 7: Grant of PESO Certificate / Licence

After successful verification, the PESO Certificate or Licence is issued with a defined validity period.

Common Reasons PESO Applications Get Rejected

Most PESO application rejections happen due to technical and safety-related issues, not because of missing forms. Below are the most common reasons identified by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation during scrutiny and inspection:

1. Incorrect Safety Distance

Minimum safety distances from roads, buildings, and boundaries are not maintained as per PESO rules.

2. Non-Compliant Site Layout Drawings

Drawings are not prepared as per PESO standards or do not match the actual site conditions.

3. Land-Use or Zoning Issues

The site is located in a non-permissible zone or lacks local authority approval.

4. Fire NOC Mismatch

Fire safety clearance does not align with the PESO layout or capacity mentioned in the application.

5. Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation

Missing annexures, wrong forms, or inconsistencies between documents.

6. Equipment Not as Per Approved Standards

Storage tanks, cylinders, or pressure vessels do not meet approved specifications.

7. Poor Inspection Readiness

Safety measures are not implemented on-site at the time of PESO inspection.

PESO Certification Cost in India

Why Choose Diligence Certification for PESO Certificate?

• Specialist PESO Knowledge: Profound understanding of PESO regulations, Safety Zones, and Technical documentation pertaining to PESO.
• Total PESO Support: All aspects of PESO support from feasibility of proposed sites, Flashing/POS designs, electronic submissions and inspections.
• High Rate of Approval Success: Submit application without error to limit objections and decrease number of re-inspections and delays.
• Save Time and Money: Getting it right at the beginning saves time/money and prevents costly errors and delays.
• Your Compliance Partner You can Trust: The compliance Partner for all regulated licensable activities, including Petroleum Exploration Licence, Explosive Materials, and Pressure Vessels.

Conclusion

A PESO certification is a necessity. PESO certification is the foundation of safe industrial operations in India, not an optional formality.Regardless of whether you want a PESO licence, an online registration with PESO, or you would like an experienced PESO consultant to assist you, your objective remains the same: To operate legally, safely, and uninterrupted.If your business handles regulated materials, delaying PESO registration is a risk you don’t need to take. Diligence Certification offers all of the services necessary to facilitate a successful PESO application from assessing site feasibility and preparing the required documents to facilitating the inspection process and obtaining final PESO approval on behalf of your business. By utilising their professional expertise in this area, your business will be able to meet the necessary PESO requirements in an expeditious manner to avoid any possible delays or objections and to receive your PESO Certificate promptly and accurately.

Frequently Asked Question