Gas Cylinders Rules, 2016

A draft of these rules was first published on October 13, 2015, as required by the Explosives Act of 1884. The government invited the public to share objections and suggestions for 45 days. After considering public feedback, the Central Government created these final rules (2016) using powers from the Explosives Act, replacing the older 2004 rules.

Rule 1 — Short Title and Commencement

Name: These rules are officially called the Gas Cylinders Rules, 2016.

Effective Date: They become law on the day they are published in the Official Gazette.

Rule 2 — Definitions

• Act: Refers to the Explosives Act, 1884.
• Auto LPG: Liquid petroleum gas specifically used as fuel for vehicles.
• Chief Controller: The head official in charge of explosives safety.
• Composite Cylinder: A cylinder made of resin-coated fibers wound over a metal or plastic liner.
• Compressed Gas: Any gas (permanent, liquefiable, or dissolved) that exerts a specific high pressure at 15°C or 50°C. This includes cryogenic (super-cold) liquids.
• Conservator: An official or body in charge of a port.
• Controller: Includes various levels of safety officials (Joint Chief, Deputy Chief, etc.).
• Compressed Bio Gas (CBG): Purified methane from animal or plant waste used for fuel.
• Compressed Natural Gas (CNG): Methane-based gas (including CBG) compressed for use in cars or industry.
• Composite CNG Dispensing Unit: A single box containing a storage tank, compressor, and fuel pump.
• CNG Mother Station: A facility connected to a gas pipeline that fills mobile tanks for other stations and vehicles.
• CNG Online Station: A facility connected to a pipeline that fills stationary tanks to fuel vehicles.
• CNG Daughter Station: A facility not connected to a pipeline that gets its gas from mobile tanks.
• CNG Daughter Booster Station: A daughter station that uses a compressor to increase pressure for vehicle refueling.
• Critical Temperature: The temperature above which a gas cannot be turned into a liquid by pressure alone.
• Cryogenic Container: A double-walled insulated metal container (0.5 to 1000 litres) for very cold liquids.
• Cryogenic Liquid: A liquid form of gas that stays liquid below −150°C.
• Cylinder Testing Station: A place equipped to check and certify the safety of cylinders periodically.
• Dissolved Acetylene Cylinder: A cylinder containing a porous material and a solvent (like acetone) to safely hold acetylene gas.
• Dissolved Gas: A gas dissolved into a liquid solvent under pressure.
• District Authority: The Commissioner of Police in cities, or the District Magistrate elsewhere.
• District Magistrate: Includes Additional or Sub-Divisional Magistrates in specific regions.
• Fee: The specific cost for services listed in Schedule V of the rules.
• Filling Pressure: The maximum pressure allowed when filling a cylinder at 15°C.
• Filling Ratio: The weight of the gas compared to the weight of water the cylinder could hold at 15°C.
• Flammable Gas: Any gas that can catch fire when mixed with air at certain concentrations.
• Form: The official paperwork listed in Schedule V.
• Gas Cylinder: A metal container (0.5 to 1000 litres) for compressed gas. For CNG or Nitrogen, this can go up to 3000 litres.
• Gas Cylinders Cascade: A group of connected cylinders, like those on a tube trailer.
• High Pressure Liquefiable Gas: A gas that turns to liquid between −10°C and +70°C.
• Hot Repair: Fixing or replacing parts (like the foot ring) of a welded cylinder using heat treatment.
• Hydrostatic Stretch Test: Testing a cylinder by filling it with water under high pressure to measure if it permanently stretches.
• Hydrostatic Test: Testing a cylinder's strength using water pressure.
• Import: Bringing cylinders into India by land, sea, or air.
• Inert Gas: A gas that does not normally react with other chemicals.
• Inspecting Authority: A qualified person or group recognized by the Chief Controller to certify cylinders and valves.
• Installation: A place specially prepared for making, filling, or storing gas cylinders.
• Liquefiable Gas: A gas that can be turned into liquid by pressure at −10°C.
• Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG): Hydrocarbons like Propane and Butane used for fuel.
• Low Pressure Liquefiable Gas: A gas that can stay liquid at temperatures above 70°C.
• Manufacture of Gas: The process of filling or transferring gas into a cylinder.
• Oxidising Gas: A gas that provides oxygen or helps things burn.
• Permanent Gas: A gas that cannot be turned into liquid at any pressure if the temperature is above −10°C.
• Pneumatic Test: Testing a cylinder using air or gas pressure instead of water.
• Poisonous (Toxic) Gas: Gas that is dangerous for humans to breathe even in small amounts.
• Porous Mass: The material inside an acetylene cylinder that absorbs the solvent.
• Schedule: The lists or tables attached to these rules.
• Tare Weight: The empty weight of the cylinder including permanent fittings (valves, etc.), varying slightly by gas type.
• Test Pressure: The specific internal pressure required during safety tests.
• Transport: Moving a filled gas cylinder from one location to another.
• Water Capacity: The total volume of water a cylinder can hold at 15°C.
• Working Pressure (Low Pressure): The pressure of the gas at 65°C.
• Working Pressure (Permanent Gas): The pressure of the gas inside the cylinder at 15°C.
• Yield Strength: The point at which the metal of the cylinder begins to permanently deform under stress.

Rule 3 — Filling, Owning, Importing, and Transporting Cylinders

1. General Restriction: No person is allowed to fill, import, own, or transport a gas cylinder unless:
   1. The cylinder and its valve are built according to the standards listed in Schedule I.
   2. The Chief Controller has received the safety certificates from an inspecting authority and has given formal approval.
2. Application for Approval: To get approval, provide the Chief Controller with:
   1. The total count and serial numbers of the cylinders.
   2. The manufacturer's name and address.
   3. Technical details of the cylinder and valve.
   4. Any previous approvals.
   5. Safety/inspection certificates for the cylinders.
   6. Safety/inspection certificates for the valves.
   7. The required processing fee (from Schedule V).
3. Inspection and Certification:
   1. Certificates must follow the design codes and include all information required by Schedule II.
   2. The Chief Controller may investigate and then allow the production of a "prototype" (test model).
   3. A technical team may visit the factory to check equipment, quality control, and watch the prototype being tested.
   4. If satisfactory, the Chief Controller will grant a 1-year initial approval, extendable based on good performance.
   5. Foreign Manufacturers: Must pay extra fees for a factory inspection. A temporary "provisional" permission may be given pending inspection. Foreign factories must be re-evaluated every 5 years.
   6. Foreign Track Record: Foreign companies must have at least 10 years of experience and a strong global market presence.
   7. Design Changes: Any changes to approved design drawings require a new fee and approval.
4. Manufacturing Approval:
   1. Anyone wanting to make cylinders, valves, LPG regulators, or fittings must get approval by submitting details in Schedule III, paying a fee, and providing designs checked by an inspecting authority.
   2. Any changes to these designs also require a fee for review.
5. Special Rules for Re-Exporting: Even if cylinders don't meet Indian standards, they can be filled in India for shipping abroad provided:
   1. They pass a hydrostatic pressure test.
   2. They are not overfilled beyond safe limits.
   3. The filling station keeps a separate record of these cylinders.
   4. The cylinders are shipped out as quickly as possible once filled.

Rule 4 — Rules for Cylinder Valves

1. Valve Standards: All valves must meet these specific Indian Standards (IS):
   1. Industrial/CNG (on cars): IS:3224.
   2. Medical Gas: IS:3745.
   3. Breathing Apparatus: IS:7302.
   4. LPG: IS:8776 (small) or IS:8737 (over 5 litres).
   5. Auto LPG: IS:15100.
   6. Small Refrigerants: IS:12300.
   7. LPG Regulators: IS:9798.
   8. Cryogenic Containers: Special codes approved by the Chief Controller.
   9. Others: Any other standard specifically approved.
   ⚠️ The Chief Controller can allow different valves if it is in the public interest.
2. Carbon Dioxide Safety: Valves for CO₂ cylinders must have a copper safety disc that bursts if pressure gets too high (between 200 and 220 kg/cm²).
3. Flammable Gas Threads: Valves for flammable gases must use left-handed screw threads (to prevent accidentally connecting them to the wrong equipment).
4. Other Gas Threads: All other gas valves must use standard right-handed screw threads.
5. Attachment: Valves must be screwed directly into the cylinder neck. Adapters or permanent welding are not permitted.
6. Valve Spindles: The internal spindle of the valve must be designed so it cannot be accidentally pulled out during normal use.

Rule 5 — Safety Relief Devices

1. Indian Cylinders: If a cylinder made in India has a safety relief device, it must be made and maintained according to IS:5903.
2. Toxic Gas Restriction: Cylinders holding poisonous or "obnoxious" gases (like Chlorine, Fluorine, or Carbon Monoxide) must not have any safety relief devices — to prevent accidental release of poison.
3. Foreign Cylinders: Safety devices on approved foreign cylinders must be maintained exactly according to the rules of the country where they were originally made.

Rule 6 — Markings on Cylinders

1. General Marking Requirements:
   1. Every cylinder must be permanently marked by stamping or engraving:
      1. Marks must be on the reinforced "shoulder" of the cylinder, or
      2. on a part permanently attached to the cylinder and not weakened by gas pressure.
   2. Nameplates must not be soldered on if there is a risk of the metal becoming brittle or rusting.
   3. There must be enough empty space to stamp future safety test dates.
   4. Letters and numbers must be large and clear enough to prevent any misreading.
2. Specific Marks for Gas Cylinders:
   1. Every cylinder must show:
      1. Registered marks of the manufacturer, owner, and inspector, plus a rotation number.
      2. The specific manufacturing standard used.
      3. A symbol showing the type of heat treatment used during making or repair.
      4. The date of the last pressure test and the ID of the test station. (LPG cylinders must also show the quarter and year of the test on the neck/shoulder).
      5. The working pressure and the test pressure.
      6. The Tare Weight (empty weight). For liquefiable gas, this includes the valve weight.
      7. The water capacity (volume).
      8. The letter "H" if it contains Hydrogen or gases that make metal brittle.
      9. An expiry date for CNG vehicle tanks and Auto LPG containers.
   2. Most marks must be on the neck end. Seamless cylinders without a base ring must have the manufacturer's mark on the neck.

Rule 7 — Markings on the Valve

Valves must be clearly and permanently marked with:

• The manufacturing specification.
• The month/quarter and year it was made.
• The manufacturer's symbol.
• The working pressure.
• The name or chemical symbol of the gas it is for.
• The thread type (e.g., "L.H." for left-handed threads).
• The official inspector's stamp.
• If it has a dip tube, the total length of the tube in millimetres must be shown on the valve or a fixed badge.

Rule 8 — Identification Colours

1. Standardization: Cylinders must be painted the correct safety colours before storage or delivery:
   • Industrial: IS:4379
   • Fire Extinguishers: IS:15683 or IS:2878
   • Medical: IS:3933
2. Colours for Other Gases:

   Gas Type	Shell Colour	Neck Band Colour
   Non-flammable & Non-toxic	White	None
   Non-flammable but Toxic	White	Yellow
   Flammable (except LPG)	Red	None
   Flammable & Toxic	White	Red & Yellow
   Fire Extinguishers	Red	Red

   📌 Gas Mixtures must be clearly labelled "Gas Mixture" or "Mixed Gas." Components must be stamped (for permanent use) or painted (for temporary use).
3. No Unauthorized Painting: You cannot change the colour of a cylinder. Repainting is only allowed for maintenance or if the cylinder is officially converted to a different gas service.

Rule 9 — Labelling of Cylinders

1. Basic Labels: Every cylinder must have a label showing the gas name and the name/address of the person who filled it.
2. Exports: Cylinders for export must use international "HAZCHEM UN NO." labels (ISO:7225).
3. Mandatory Warning: Every cylinder must carry the following warning:
   ⚠ WARNING — Gas Cylinders Rules, 2016

   • Do not change the colour of this cylinder.
   • Do not fill this with any gas other than what is inside now.
   • Do not store flammable materials near this cylinder or in the same room.
   • Do not use oil or grease on the valves or fittings.
   • Check the next test date on the metal ring; if the date has passed, do not accept the cylinder.

Rule 10 — Restrictions on Sending/Receiving Cylinders

1. Licence Required: You cannot send or deliver a filled cylinder to anyone in India unless they have a valid licence to possess it (or are an authorised agent/exempted by law).
2. Quantity Limits: You can only send the specific type and quantity of gas that the receiver is legally allowed to have under their licence.
3. Exemptions: These restrictions do not apply when delivering to the Armed Forces, Port Authorities, Railways, or Paramilitary Forces.
   ⚠️ This exemption does not apply to cooperative societies or welfare associations run by these groups.

Rule 11 — Repairing Seamless Gas Cylinders

No Body Repairs: If the main body of a seamless gas cylinder leaks, it is strictly forbidden to repair it. The cylinder must be taken out of service.

Rule 12 — Repairing Welded or Brazed Cylinders

1. Unserviceable Leaks: If a welded/brazed cylinder leaks anywhere other than the original seams, it cannot be fixed and must be taken out of service.
2. Minor Repairs: Fixing minor defects (dents, foot rings, or valve guards) is allowed if:
   1. The defect is removed by grinding or chipping.
   2. The work is done by a certified welder at an approved factory under expert supervision.
   3. The cylinder is heat-treated after the repair.
   4. X-rays (radiography) are taken if the original design required them.
   5. The cylinder passes the same pressure tests (pneumatic/hydrostatic) as a brand-new one.
3. Safety Cleaning: Before any "hot work" (welding), the cylinder must be cleaned and cleared of all gas. A qualified expert must certify this in writing; the certificate must be kept for three months.
4. Permission to Refill: You cannot refill a repaired cylinder until a full report and test certificate are sent to the Chief Controller and they give written permission.
5. Acetylene Exception: Leaking weld seams on Dissolved Acetylene cylinders can never be repaired.
6. Fees: A scrutiny fee applies for these processes (per Schedule V).

Rule 13 — Employment Restrictions

No Children or Intoxicated Persons: No one under 18 years old and no one under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be in charge of moving, loading, or handling gas cylinders.

Rule 14 — Fire and Smoking Prohibitions

1. Smoking, open fires (except repair torches), and flammable materials are strictly banned near where flammable gas cylinders are filled or stored.
2. You cannot carry matches, lighters, fuses, or mobile phones near flammable gas storage or filling areas.

Rule 15 — General Precautions

1. Maintenance: Cylinders, valves, and paint colours must be kept in good condition.
2. No Lubricants: Never use oil or grease on cylinder valves or fittings.
3. Heat Protection: Do not heat cylinders, leave them in direct sun, or store them near explosives (unless specifically allowed for repairs).
4. Secure Valves: Valves must be tightly closed. Highly toxic gases (like Chlorine or Ammonia) and LPG must have a secondary "security plug" on the valve outlet to prevent leaks.
5. Handling Leaks: If a valve leak can't be fixed by tightening, move the cylinder to a safe open space and notify the supplier. For LPG, use the safety cap.
6. Toxic Gas Safety: Areas for toxic/corrosive gases must have systems to neutralise or "scrub" leaked gas.
7. Safety Gear: Hand gloves, gas masks, breathing apparatus, and boots must be available in storage areas.
8. Alarms: Toxic gas areas must have an alarm system connected to a control room for emergencies.

Rule 16 — Accident Prevention

1. No Risky Acts: No one should do anything that might cause a fire or explosion.
2. Owner Responsibility: Anyone storing or transporting cylinders must follow these rules, obey licence conditions, and stop others from acting dangerously.

Rule 17 — Competent Person in Charge

Supervision: A qualified and experienced person must be present whenever cylinders are filled, loaded, or tested. Their details must be shared with the Chief Controller to get 24/7 filling permission.

Rule 18 — Handling and Use

1. Support: Support cylinders properly while handling.
2. Equipment: Use strong trolleys or cradles to move cylinders; protect the valves.
3. No Shocks: Handle carefully; don't let them bang into each other.
4. No Rough Play: Sliding, dropping, or playing with cylinders is forbidden.
5. Upright Position: LPG and liquefiable gas cylinders must always stand upright so they don't fall.
6. Horizontal Storage: If stored sideways, they must be secured so they cannot roll.
7. Separation: Keep flames and mobile phones away from flammable gas cylinders (unless used for active welding).
8. Licences: Workspaces are not considered "storage places" for licensing purposes.

Rule 19 — Filling Restrictions

1. Welded Cylinder Limits: Welded cylinders cannot be used for high-pressure gases like Phosgene or Chlorine Trifluoride.
2. Export Rules: For shipping abroad, gases can be filled at lower pressures if they follow international codes (IMDG/ADR) and get prior approval.
3. No Mixing: Cylinders once used for gases like Carbon Monoxide, Methane, or CNG cannot be used for different gases (except certain mixtures).
4. Chemical Reactions: Do not fill a cylinder with any gas that might react with the cylinder material and damage it.

Rule 20 — Loading and Transport

Cylinders or "cascades" (connected groups) must be moved according to the safety rules in Schedule VI and other relevant laws.

Rule 21 — Storage Rules

1. Location: Store in a cool, dry, ventilated, and covered area. Keep away from boilers, steam pipes, or heat.
2. Construction: Storage sheds must be fire-resistant.
3. No Stacking: Thin-walled cylinders (like LPG or Dissolved Acetylene) must never be stacked horizontally (on their sides).
4. Separation: Flammable and toxic gas cylinders must be kept away from each other and from other types of gases using a safe distance or a physical wall.
5. Corrosion Prevention: Cylinders must not be stored in places that cause them to rust or corrode.
6. Combustible Materials: Do not store cylinders near items that catch fire easily (like wood, paper, or oil).
7. Segregation: Keep empty cylinders in a separate area from full ones; ensure all valves are tightly closed.

Rule 22 — Electrical Installations

Flame-Proof Equipment: In areas where flammable gases are stored or filled, all electrical items (meters, switches, plugs, lamps, and motors) must be "flame-proof" (built to IS/IEC-60079 standards) and properly earthed to prevent sparks.

Rule 23 — Purity of Gas

1. No Harmful Impurities: Gases must be free of impurities that could corrode the cylinder metal, cause an explosion, or make the gas decompose.
2. Dryness: Gases must be as dry as possible. Liquefied gas should not show any water separation even when cooled to 0°C.
3. Specific Limits: For Carbon Monoxide, Hydrogen, or Methane, the gas must be free of sulfur impurities. Moisture must be less than 0.02 grams per cubic meter.
4. Standards: Gas purity must follow the Indian Standards (IS) accepted by the Chief Controller.

Rule 24 — Cylinders Exposed to Fire

1. 1. Mandatory Testing: Any cylinder caught in a fire cannot be used again until it has been professionally examined and passed a pressure test.
   2. Heat Damage: If the fire heat damaged the metal structure, the cylinder must undergo specialised heat treatment and pressure testing before being put back into service.
2. Acetylene Exception: Any Dissolved Acetylene cylinder damaged by fire is considered "condemned." It must be destroyed by an expert who knows how to handle the risk of accidental explosion.

Rule 25 — Ownership of Cylinder

Owner's Consent: You cannot fill or transport a cylinder unless you are the owner or have the owner's written permission.

Rule 26 — Re-testing of Cylinder

Overdue Tests: If a cylinder is past its official "re-test" date, it is illegal to fill or move it until it has been tested and certified safe.

Rule 27 — Owner's Record

Lifetime History: Cylinder owners must keep a record for every cylinder containing:

• Manufacturer's name and serial number.
• The manufacturing standard/specification.
• Date of the first pressure test.
• The original manufacturer's test certificate.
• The date and number of the Chief Controller's approval letter.

Rule 28 — Conversion of Cylinders

1. Changing Gas Service: You cannot use a cylinder designed for one gas for a different gas without approval.
   💡 Exemption: Inert gases, Oxygen, and Compressed Air cylinders can be switched (e.g., Nitrogen to Oxygen) without prior permission if the owner agrees, the correct valve is fitted, and it is repainted correctly according to ISO:11621. Both the owner and the filler must keep records of these conversions.
2. Approval Process: To apply for a conversion, you must submit:
   1. Proof that you bought the cylinders.
   2. A copy of the previous filling permission.
   3. A list of all serial numbers.
   4. A certificate stating the cylinder hasn't been converted before.
   5. The required fee (Schedule V).

Rule 29 — Licence for Import

1. General Rule: You must have a specific licence to import gas cylinders (full or empty) into India, following the Foreign Trade Act.
2. Parts: You also need a licence or approval to import valves and LPG regulators.
3. Infrastructure: Importers must have proper storage, transport, an emergency plan, and trained staff.
4. Storage Licence: If you import a large number of filled cylinders, you must also have a storage licence (Form F).

Rule 30 — Importation by Sea

1. Notice of Arrival: The ship's captain or agent must warn the Port Conservator at least 48 hours before the ship arrives.
2. Declaration (Form A): The captain must give a signed declaration (Form A) to the pilot before entering the port.
3. Forwarding: The Port Conservator sends these declarations to the Commissioner of Customs.

Rule 31 — Production of Licence

Customs Check: When importing, you (or your agent) must show your official import licence to the Commissioner of Customs.

Rule 32 — Permission of Commissioner of Customs

1. Landing: No cylinder or valve can be unloaded from a ship without Customs' permission.
2. Legal Check: Permission is granted only if the official is satisfied the import is legal.
3. Detention: Customs still has the power to hold items under other laws if necessary.

Rule 33 — Importation by Land

Government Sanction: Importing cylinders or valves by land requires special permission from the Central Government and is subject to strict conditions.

Rule 34 — Importation by Air

Aviation Authority: Importing filled cylinders by air requires special permission from the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Rule 35 — Periodicity of Examination and Testing

Timely Testing: No one is allowed to fill a cylinder unless it has been inspected and pressure-tested within the timeframes set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (IS:15975) or the Chief Controller.

Rule 37 — Special Rules for Acetylene Cylinders

Because acetylene is unstable, it must be stored in a special way:

• Filling: The cylinder must be completely filled with a "porous substance" (like a sponge-like material).
• Porosity: This substance must be between 75% and 92% porous.
• Safe Solvents: Any liquid used to dissolve the gas (like acetone) must not react with the gas, the porous material, or the metal.
• Solvent Quality: If acetone is used, it must meet IS:170 standards.
• Copper Limit: Valves must not contain more than 70% copper (to prevent dangerous chemical reactions).
• Pressure Limit: Pressure must not exceed 16 kgf/cm² at 15°C.
• Initial Testing: Before the porous mass is added, cylinders must pass a high-pressure water test (60 kgf/cm²).
• Safety Devices: If fitted, safety plugs must trigger at 53 kgf/cm² or at about 100°C.
• Mandatory Labels: Must state "Acetylene properly compressed into porous substance" and show: serial number and manufacturer ID, last test date and location code, date the porous mass was added, tare weight (including valve) and max gas capacity.

Rule 38 — Filling Restrictions

You cannot fill an acetylene cylinder unless you know its full history and are sure it meets all safety rules.

Rule 43 — Licence Requirements

1. You must have a licence to fill or own/store compressed gas cylinders.
2. The licence holder is responsible for all safety operations at their facility.

Rule 44 — When You DON'T Need a Licence

You do not need a licence to possess cylinders in these specific cases:

• Carriers: People transporting cylinders according to the rules.
• Own Use (Not for Sale):
  • Flammable/Non-toxic gas: Up to 25 cylinders or 200 kg total.
  • Non-flammable/Non-toxic gas: Up to 200 cylinders.
  • Toxic gas: Up to 5 cylinders.
  • Acetylene: Up to 25 cylinders.
• LPG (Cooking Gas): No licence needed for up to 100 kg for personal use or sale at a registered dealership. Workplaces: If LPG cylinders are connected directly to a manifold for work, a storage licence isn't needed, but the setup must follow IS:6044 engineering standards.

Rule 45 — Strict Filling Rules

You can only fill a cylinder if:

• The cylinder and valve are approved by the Chief Controller.
• It has passed all recent safety and pressure tests.
• It is correctly marked, labelled, and coloured.

Rule 47 — Getting Approval for a Facility

To get a licence to fill or store gas, you must submit:

• Professional scale drawings (triplicate) showing: how safety rules will be met; the exact area to be licensed (coloured/marked); all surroundings within 100 metres.
• The required scrutiny fee.

1. (Continued)
2. Verification: If the Chief Controller is satisfied with your safety plans, they will return one signed copy as formal sanction to proceed, subject to specific safety conditions.

Rule 48 — No Objection Certificate (NOC)

1. Storage for Sale: If you want to store flammable, toxic, or corrosive gases for sale or trading (Form F), you must apply to the District Authority with site plans.
2. CNG Stations: Applicants for CNG dispensing stations (Form G) must also apply to the District Authority for an NOC. Once granted, it is forwarded to the Chief Controller.
3. Exception for Filling Plants: You do not need a separate NOC from the District Authority if the storage is already part of a licensed cylinder filling plant.
4. Endorsed Plans: Every NOC must include a copy of the site plan stamped with the District Authority's official seal.
5. Verification: The Chief Controller can ask the District Authority for their opinion on any application.
6. Local Refusal: If the District Authority recommends that a licence should not be granted, the licence can only be issued if the Central Government specifically approves it.

Rule 50 — Grant of Licence or Approval

1. Payment: Licences are granted only after the fees in Schedule V are paid.
2. Compliance: You must meet all the safety rules to get the licence.
3. Conditions: Every licence comes with specific safety "conditions" you must follow.
4. Final Activation: For filling and storage (Forms E, F, G), the licence only becomes active after an official inspects the site and signs (endorses) the licence.
5. Deficiencies: If the site fails inspection, the authority will tell you what to fix, or they may suspend/cancel the licence.

Rule 51 — Validity Period of Licences

1. Import (Form D): Valid for up to one year.
2. Storage/Filling (Forms E, F, G): Can be granted for up to 10 years. These licences always expire on September 30th of the final year.
3. Specific Tasks: If a licence is only needed for a short-term project, it can be granted for a shorter, specific timeframe.

Rule 55 — Renewal of Licence or Approval

1. Authority: Licences can be renewed or extended by the Chief Controller.
2. Long-term Renewal: Storage and filling licences (E, F, G) can be renewed for up to 10 years at a time, provided you haven't broken any safety laws.
3. Refunds: If you pay for a 10-year renewal but close your business early, you can get a refund for the remaining years (excluding the year you surrender it).
4. Application: Submit the original licence (with or without plans) and the renewal fee.
5. Deadlines: You must apply on or before the expiry date. If you do, your licence stays valid while the government processes the paperwork.
6. Refusal Refund: If your renewal is denied, the government will refund your fee, minus a small amount for the time they were considering it.
7. Late Fees:
   1. If you are up to 3 months late: You must pay double the normal fee.
   2. If you are 3 to 12 months late: You must pay a heavy late fee (one full year's fee for every 3-month delay).
8. Hard Deadline: If you are more than one year late, the licence cannot be renewed; it is dead.
9. Manufacturer Renewals: Factories and testing stations must submit: a request on company letterhead; the fee; full performance and testing records; a valid ISO certificate; a signed promise that technical staff and setup haven't changed; and the original approval copy.
10. Standard Fee: Renewal fees are charged for every 12-month period.
11. Effective Date: Approval for factories begins the day the document is issued.

Rule 66 — Special Exceptions

If the Chief Controller is convinced that a specific rule can be safely ignored or modified for a particular cylinder or transport method, they can issue a written order to grant an exemption. They must record the reasons in writing and can cancel this exception at any time.

Rule 67 — Reporting Accidents

1. Who to Tell: If there is an accident, you must immediately notify:
   1. The Chief Controller/Controller (by fax/email within 12 hours, followed by a letter).
   2. The District Authority.
   3. The nearest Police Station.
2. Don't Touch Anything: You must leave the wreckage and debris exactly where it is until an investigator arrives. You can only move things to rescue injured people, recover bodies, or clear traffic on roads/railways.

Rule 68 — Inquiry Into Accidents

1. Presence of Experts: If a local Magistrate holds an inquiry, they must wait for the Chief Controller or their representative to be present unless the Chief Controller says they aren't coming.
2. Notice: The Magistrate must give the Chief Controller at least 14 days' notice of the time and place of the inquiry.
3. Human Life: If someone died, the Magistrate can identify the bodies and order burials before the full inquiry starts.
4. Questioning: The Chief Controller's representative is allowed to question any witness during the inquiry.
5. Neglect Reports: If the Magistrate finds that neglect or a defect caused the accident, they must notify the Chief Controller in writing.

Rule 70 — Dangerous Practices

1. Emergency Fixes: If a Controller visits a site and sees something dangerous that isn't specifically covered by the rules, they can issue a written order to fix it. The owner/occupier must fix the issue within the time limit provided.
2. Right to Object: If you think the Controller's order is unfair, you can appeal to the Chief Controller.
3. Appeal Deadline: This appeal must be in writing and submitted within 30 days of the original order.
4. Failure to Comply: If a facility owner does not fix a safety issue within the time given, they are officially in breach of the law and liable for penalties.

Rule 71 — Powers of Inspection and Enforcement

1. Authorised Officers: The following officials have the power to inspect, search, seize, and detain cylinders in their jurisdictions:
   • Chief Controller / Controller: All of India.
   • District Magistrate: Their specific district.
   • Subordinate Magistrates: Their specific local area.
   • Police (Sub-Inspector and above): Their specific local area.
2. Removal and Destruction: A Magistrate or Police Officer cannot destroy or remove gas cylinders without specific instructions from the Chief Controller or a Controller.
3. Assistance: Business owners must provide every facility and help to these officers to ensure rules are being followed.

Rule 72 — Legal Protection for Officials

1. Good Faith Actions: No lawsuit or legal proceeding can be filed against the Central Government or safety officials for actions taken "in good faith" while carrying out these rules.
2. Damage Protection: Officials are not legally liable for damages caused while performing their duties in good faith.

Rule 73 — Repeal and Savings

1. Replacement: The older Gas Cylinders Rules, 2004 are officially cancelled (repealed).
2. Continuity: Any licences, fees, or approvals granted under the 2004 rules remain valid and are now considered part of the 2016 rules.

A-1. Indian Origin — Cylinders

• Welded Steel (LPG): Manufactured to IS:3196 (Parts 1, 2, 4) and IS:7142.
• Auto LPG Containers: IS:14899.
• Dissolved Acetylene (DA): IS:7312.
• Cryogenic Containers: EN-1251, EN 13458, or ASME Section VIII.
• Seamless Aluminium: Luxfer Uttam India (Faridabad) to ISO 7866.
• Seamless Steel & CNG: Bharat Pumps & Compressors (Naini), Everest Kanto (Mumbai/Tarapur/Gujarat), Maruti Koatsu (Halol), Rama Cylinders, and several others.
• Large "Jumbo" Cylinders: Everest Kanto to ISO-11120.

A-2. Global Manufacturers (Approved for Import)

B. Indian Origin — Valves and Regulators

The following must be certified by BIS and approved by the Chief Controller:

• LPG Valves/Regulators: IS:8776, IS:8737, or IS:9798.
• Multi-Function Valves (Auto LPG): IS:15100.
• Medical Gas Valves: IS:3745.
• Breathing Apparatus Valves: IS:7302.
• Industrial & CNG Valves: IS:3224.

B-2. Italian Origin — Approved Valve Models

• CNG Valves: Models 119, 198/1, 120, VAL-B-305, 323, and 315 by M/s EMER S.r.l. or OMB Saleri SPA, certified by Bureau Veritas.
• Multi-Function Valves: "EUROPA" models by M/s M.T.M. s.r.l. (BRC); E-67-01 and Landi Renzo models by Emer S.r.l.; MV-305 by M/s Lovato S.p.a.; OMVL, Tomasetto Achille, and Borel GPL models by M/s Tomasetto Achille (must meet ECE-R-67-01).
• Residual Pressure Valves: Model VGE 3RAR by Pergola S.R.L. (Cavagna Group) — ensures a small amount of pressure stays in the cylinder to prevent contamination (ISO-10297/15996).