The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) on February 25, 2026, issued the Draft Static and Mobile Pressure Vessels (Unfired) (Amendment) Rules, 2026, further to amend the Static and Mobile Pressure Vessels (Unfired) Rules, 2016.
The following has been amended:
• The amendments permit the use of ISO tank containers for above-ground storage of compressed gases subject to proper anchoring and structural certification, and increase the permissible number of mounded storage vessels in one group from six to nine.
• Rule 47 relating to No Objection Certificate has been omitted along with consequential references, and certain provisions in Rules 50 and 51 concerning transport permissions have been modified to allow grant or renewal of permission in Form LS-2B for import and/or transport of compressed gas in ISO tank containers for up to ten years.
• Application forms have been rationalised, including the revision of Form AS-4, the omission of Form LS-2A, the substitution of Form LS-2B with detailed safety conditions, and the deletion of the application fee.
• The amendments also clarify permissible LNG dispensing categories and introduce comprehensive safety, inspection, fire protection, and operational compliance requirements, thereby modernising the framework and strengthening safety oversight.
• Objections or suggestions, if any, to these draft rules may be sent to the Director (Explosives), Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Room No. 252 ‘A’, Udyog Bhawan, New Delhi – 110001 or Email: [email protected], by April 01, 2026.
[Notification no. - G.S.R. 147(E)]
