Draft Amendment to Static & Mobile Pressure Vessels Rules Notified

1. Draft Amendment Issued:
The Ministry of Commerce & Industry (DPIIT) has issued draft Static and Mobile Pressure Vessels (Unfired) (Amendment) Rules, 2026 vide G.S.R. 147(E) dated 24 February 2026, under the Explosives Act, 1884.

2. Public Consultation Invited:
Objections and suggestions have been invited within 30 days from publication before final notification.

3. ISO Tank Containers for Storage:
ISO Tank Containers may now be used for above-ground storage of compressed gas, subject to proper anchoring and structural integrity certification by a reputed structural engineer.

4. Increase in Mounded Vessel Group Limit:
Number of mounded storage vessels in one group increased from six to nine vessels.

5. Deletion of Rule 47:
Rule 47 of the principal rules has been omitted, removing the related compliance requirement (including NOC reference in associated forms).

6. Changes in Transport Permission Provisions:

o Reference to permission for transport within Indian territory deleted from Rule 50.

o Clause (vi) of Rule 50 deleted.

7. New 10-Year Validity for ISO Tank Permission:
Permission in Form LS-2B for transport or import & transport of compressed gas in ISO Tank Containers may be granted or renewed for up to 10 years.

8. Form Revisions:

o Form AS-4 retitled to cover import and/or transport (not just transport).

o Application fee of ₹5,000 deleted from the form.

o Form LS-2A omitted.

o Form LS-2B substituted with a revised detailed permission format.

9. LNG Dispensing Clarification:
Revised condition in Form LS-2 restricts LNG dispensing to specified non-transport vehicles and approved installations under defined regulatory frameworks.

10. Objective of Amendment:
The amendments aim to streamline permissions for ISO Tank Containers, rationalize compliance requirements, enhance operational flexibility, and align safety provisions with current industrial practices.

[DPIIT Notification G.S.R. 147(E) dated 24 Feb 2026]