PESO License Process in India: Requirements, Fees, Validity & Renewal Explained

A PESO License is a mandatory legal approval in India for businesses dealing with petroleum, explosives, compressed gases, pressure vessels, and other hazardous materials. This license is issued by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) to ensure safety, environmental protection, and strict compliance with Indian laws.

Any company involved in the manufacture, storage, import, transport, filling, testing, or handling of hazardous substances must obtain a valid PESO License to operate legally in India.

Introduction to PESO License in India

PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization) functions as the Chief Controller of Explosives (CCOE) in India. It is an autonomous regulatory authority working under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

PESO is responsible for regulating safety standards related to:

i. ) Petroleum and fuel products

ii. ) Explosives and ammonium nitrate

iii. ) Gas cylinders and compressed gases

iv. ) Pressure vessels (static and mobile)

v. ) Hazardous chemicals

vi. ) Fuel stations and storage facilities

The objective of PESO licensing is to prevent accidents, protect workers and the public, and minimize environmental risks.

What Is a PESO License?

A PESO License is an official authorization issued by the Government of India that permits businesses to safely carry out activities involving flammable, explosive, or pressurized substances.

This license confirms that the facility, equipment, and processes meet national safety standards under applicable petroleum and explosives laws.

Without a PESO License, operating such activities is considered illegal and punishable under Indian law.

Who Requires a PESO License?

A PESO License is mandatory for businesses involved in:

i. ) Petroleum storage and fuel stations

ii. ) Gas cylinder manufacturing and filling

iii. ) SMPV (Unfired) pressure vessels

iv. ) Explosives and ammonium nitrate handling

v. ) Degassing and purging activities

vi. ) Fabrication shops for pressure equipment

vii. ) Gas cylinder testing stations

viii. ) Importers of hazardous equipment

Both Indian and foreign manufacturers, as well as Authorized Indian Representatives (AIRs), must comply.

SMPV (Unfired) Rules and PESO Certification

Static and Mobile Pressure Vessels (SMPV) are used to store gases, liquids, or vapors at pressures higher than atmospheric pressure.

The SMPV (Unfired) Rules focus on:

1. Safety Assurance

Preventing accidents caused by pressure failure, explosions, or gas leaks.

2. Contamination Control

Ensuring stored substances remain pure and free from external contamination.

3. Structural Integrity

Strict requirements for design, fabrication, inspection, testing, maintenance, and operation.

Due to the high-risk nature of pressure vessels, PESO compliance under SMPV rules is extremely strict and must be handled carefully.

Documents Required for PESO License

PESO licensing involves extensive documentation. Commonly required documents include:

i. ) PESO application form

ii. ) Business license of manufacturer and plant

iii. ) Contract with Authorized Indian Representative (minimum 5 years)

iv. ) Technical competence proof of AIR

v. ) Global organization chart

vi. ) ATEX or IECEx certificates

vii. ) Test reports (not older than 2 years)

viii. ) Quality Assurance Report (QAR/QAN)

ix. ) Manufacturer profile

x. ) List of production machinery and test instruments

xi. ) ISO certification

xii. ) Video of manufacturing facility

xiii. ) Commercial details (last 3 years sales data)

xiv. ) List of Indian customers

xv. ) Hazardous area installation details

Proper documentation is critical for approval and errors can lead to rejection or delay.

PESO License Application Process (Step-by-Step)

PESO License Cost, Timeline, Validity & Renewal

Why PESO License Is Important for Businesses

i. ) Ensures worker and public safety

ii. ) Prevents environmental hazards

iii. ) Enables legal operation in India

iv. ) Avoids penalties, shutdowns, and legal action

v. ) Builds trust with regulators and clients

How Standphill India Can Help

Standphill India is a trusted compliance consultancy providing end-to-end PESO License support for Indian and international businesses.

Our services include:

i. ) PESO applicability assessment

ii. ) Gap analysis and compliance planning

iii. ) Documentation preparation and verification

iv. ) Coordination with PESO authorities

v. ) Factory audit and inspection support

vi. ) PESO license issuance and renewal assistance

We focus on accuracy, speed, and full regulatory compliance, helping clients avoid delays and rejections.

Conclusion

A PESO License is a critical legal requirement for any business dealing with hazardous, flammable, or pressurized materials in India. Due to complex regulations and strict safety standards, professional guidance is essential.

By partnering with Standphill India, businesses can ensure a smooth, compliant, and stress-free PESO licensing process, while focusing on their core operations.