PESO certification
admin
30-04-2025
If your business deals with flammable
gases, petroleum, or hazardous substances, PESO certification is not just
formality; instead, it's a necessity. The Petroleum and Explosives Safety
Organization or PESO under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry investigates
the compliance of safety with any machinery or installation which is handling
the hazardous material in terms of safety regulations. It plays a significant
role in the prevention of accidents and the safeguard of human life and
infrastructure.
PESO certifications are required for all
manufacturers and importers of gas cylinders, pressure vessels, flameproof
electrical equipment, and many more products used within dangerous
environments. Whether establishing a plant and importing pressure vessels to
the country or planning an expansion into India's oil and gas market, the first
legal step to go through is PESO approved.
Who Requires PESO Certification and
Why is it Important?
PESO certification is a must-have for
companies in the following industries:
• Oil
& Gas
• Chemical
& Petrochemical
• Pharmaceutical
• FMCG
& Manufacturing
• Importers
of Pressure Handling Equipment
If you are importing or manufacturing any
of the following products, then you need a PESO certificate:
• Gas
cylinders
• Valves
and fittings
• Pressure
vessels
• Explosion-proof
electrical appliances
• Storage
and handling devices of Hydrogen or LPG
Why does it matters?
It is because without this certification,
your product cannot be sold or used in India even legally. This place also
helps in making credibility and compliance to Indian laws, and reduces the risk
of penalties, seizures, or accidents in hazardous areas.
Stepwise PESO Certification Process:
PESO certification looks very complicated,
yet it becomes simple, as per a stepwise explanation:
1. Identify Applicability:
Check whether your product is PESO
certified. General rule: Where your equipment refers to explosive or
high-pressure gases, PESO norms would apply.
2. Documentation Preparation:
This includes some essential documents:
• IECEx / ATEX / ASME / PED certifications
(preferably lamp less than two years old).
• Product datasheets and test reports.
• Drawings and technical specifications.
• Company registration and manufacturing
license.
• Letter appointing Authorized Indian
Representative (AIR)- mandatory for foreign establishments.
• Sales report and customer feedback (to
enhance credibility).
3. Appoint an Authorized Indian
Representative (AIR):
The foreign manufacturer should appoint
his or her AIR, who will further coordinate with PESO, submit documents, and
arrange inspections. He or she should be technically qualified and
contractually associated with the company for at least 5 years.
4. Application to PESO:
All documents are then submitted either
through the PESO online portal or manually, depending on the product type.
5. Evaluation and Inspection of
Products:
PESO may request an inspection of the
factory, specifically for such mechanical equipment as cylinders or tanks. It
ensures safety compliance and quality.
6. Issuance of Certificate:
If everything goes well, PESO will issue
the certificate, usually good for three years (after that it will have to be
renewed).
Documents Required for PESO
Certification
To keep the process flowing, these
documents must be prepared.
• Certificate of Conformity (e.g., ATEX,
IECEx)
• Technical drawings
• Product photos
• Bill of materials
• Product labels and user manuals
• AIR Authorization Letter (for foreign
applicants)
• BIS, ISO, or CE certificates (if
available) Missing or outdated documents are the most common reasons for the
rejection or delay of any application.
How Long it would take for PESO
Certification?
To PESO, certification averages from 60
days to 90 days depending on the category of the product and if an inspection
is needed or not. However, some delay may occur due to discrepancies in
documents or the backlog of administration.
Validity and Renewal of PESO
Certification?
The PESO certificate is valid generally
for three years and renewal has to be applied before the expiry. Failure to
meet the renewal date, besides possible loss in revenue related to operations,
imports, or launch tries in India, might make a product out of compliance.
Advice: At least start the renewal process two months before expiry of
certificate.
Business Challenges on PESO
Certification
Most businesses find it difficult to have
PESO approvals for various reasons like:
• Incomplete or outdated certifications,
ex: expired ATEX/IECEx
• Most of the time, there's a mismatch
between language and documentation
• Unavailability of Authorized Indian
Representative (AIR)
• Delay in inspection scheduling
• Confusion about product categorization
That's why it is essential to work with a
professional compliance partner or consultant. They will help you in technical
documents, in inspections, and in coordination with PESO officers.
PESO Certification FAQ
Q1: Are all products required to have
PESO certification?
Only those products that deal with
hazardous materials, pressure vessels, and those intended for operation within
explosion-prone environments need PESO certification.
Q2: What are the costs involved in
obtaining PESO certification?
The costs vary according to the product
and whether an inspection is needed. Typically though, you will have to shell
out something between ?30,000 to ?1,00,000 in average.
Q3: Can a foreign company apply for
PESO certification?
Yes, the company has to go through an
Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) legally appointed.
Q4: What if I operate without PESO
validation?
You are subjected to legal penalties,
confiscation of your product, and suspension of your business.
Q5: How long is the signed
certificate good for?
Usually 3 years. It would help if you
subsequently renewed it so that it remains valid.
Final thoughts:
Certification from PESO is needed for all
such businesses that deal with gas-based or flammable or high-pressure
equipment in India, ensuring them a safety compliance in the Indian market.
However, the certification process is heavy with documents and consumes a lot
of time.