Gas Cylinders Rules- 2016: Comprehensive Overview and Key Amendments Explained

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Dated: 03.01.2026

Gas Cylinders Rules- 2016: Comprehensive Overview and Key Amendments Explained

Gas cylinders are an essential part of modern life, used for various purposes such as industrial applications, medical gases, automotive fuels, and more. However, their handling, storage, transportation, and usage require strict regulations to ensure safety and compliance. The Gas Cylinders Rules, 2016, established by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade), provide a detailed framework for regulating gas cylinders in India. Over the years, these rules have been amended to address emerging technologies, safety concerns, and industry needs.

In this blog, we will explore the Gas Cylinders Rules, 2016, and its subsequent amendments, providing a detailed overview of the regulations, licensing processes, safety measures, and the latest updates.

What Are the Gas Cylinders Rules, 2016?

The Gas Cylinders Rules, 2016, were notified on November 22, 2016, under the Explosives Act, 1884. These rules replaced the Gas Cylinders Rules, 2004, and introduced updated provisions for the safe handling, storage, transportation, and usage of gas cylinders. The rules aim to ensure safety, standardization, and compliance across industries that deal with compressed gases.

Key Definitions Under the Rules

The Gas Cylinders Rules, 2016, provide clear definitions to ensure uniformity and understanding. Some of the key definitions include:

Gas Cylinder

A closed metal container with a volume exceeding 500 ml but not exceeding 1000 liters, intended for the storage and transport of compressed gas. For specific gases like Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Compressed Hydrogen Gas (CHG), cylinders with a water capacity of up to 3000 liters are allowed, provided the diameter does not exceed 60 cm (or 80 cm for hydrogen cylinders).

Compressed Hydrogen Gas 

Hydrogen gas, including green hydrogen, compressed for use as automotive fuel, conforming to specifications IS 16061 or ISO 14687.

Compressed Hydrogen Gas Dispensing Station 

A facility designed to dispense hydrogen gas as automotive fuel, adhering to NFPA-2 and ISO standards. It includes hydrogen pipelines, compressors, gas cylinder cascades, dispensers, and other related infrastructure.

Green Hydrogen

Hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources, such as electrolysis or biomass conversion, with well-to-gate emissions not exceeding 2 kg CO2 equivalent per kg H2.

Electrolyser

An equipment used to generate hydrogen through electrolysis, conforming to IS 16509 or ISO 22734 specifications.

Licensing and Approval Process 

Types of Licenses

The Gas Cylinders Rules, 2016, specify various forms of licenses for different purposes:

Form D: Import of gas cylinders (empty or filled) and valves.
Form E: Filling compressed gas in cylinders.
Form F: Storage of compressed gas in cylinders.
Form G: Dispensing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as automotive fuel.
Form H: Dispensing Compressed Hydrogen Gas (CHG) or Green Hydrogen as automotive fuel.

Steps to Obtain a License 

Application Submission: Submit the required application forms (Form B or C) through the PESO portal.
Documentation: Provide supporting documents, including:
- Site and layout plans.
- Ownership proof for the premises.
- Firefighting facilities verification.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from local authorities.
- Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) study and risk assessment reports for flammable and toxic gases.
Inspection: The premises are inspected by authorized personnel to ensure compliance with the rules.
Approval: Licenses are granted after thorough scrutiny of the documents and inspection reports.

Manufacturing Standards

The rules mandate strict compliance with national and international standards for the manufacturing of cylinders, valves, and regulators. Some of the key standards include:

IS:3196, IS:7142, IS:14899, IS:7312 for cylinders.
ISO 7866, ISO 11439, ISO 11120 for seamless and composite cylinders.
IS:3224, IS:3745, IS:7302 for valves.

Manufacturers must obtain approval from the Chief Controller of Explosives and provide detailed documentation, including:

Design drawings and calculations.
Quality control measures.
Testing procedures and equipment details.

Testing and Examination

Periodic Testing

Cylinders must undergo periodic testing, including hydrostatic or hydrostatic stretch tests, as per IS:15975 or other approved standards. Composite cylinders require testing every three years, as per ISO 11623 or ISO 19078.

Testing Stations

Testing stations must meet stringent requirements, including:

Adequate equipment for cleaning, inspection, testing, and painting.
Qualified personnel with relevant experience and training.
Compliance with ISO standards for quality management systems.

Safety Measures

Safety is a cornerstone of the Gas Cylinders Rules, 2016. Key safety measures include:

Proper labeling and marking of cylinders, including bar codes for identification.
Adequate firefighting facilities, such as DCP and CO2 extinguishers.
Maintenance of safety distances between storage units and other facilities.
Prohibition of smoking, open flames, and ignition sources near storage and dispensing areas.

Transportation of Cylinders 

The rules specify guidelines for the safe transportation of cylinders:

Prohibited Vehicles: Cylinders cannot be transported by bicycles or two-wheeled vehicles.
Securing Cylinders: Cylinders must be adequately secured to prevent falling or damage.
Restrictions: Flammable gases cannot be transported with other types of gases or foodstuffs.

Amendments to the Rules 

Gas Cylinders (Amendment) Rules, 2025 

The amendments introduced new definitions, updated standards, and additional safety measures. Key changes include:

Introduction of bar codes for permanent and tamper-proof identification of cylinders.
Inclusion of green hydrogen and compressed hydrogen gas in the rules.
Updated safety standards for hydrogen storage systems and generation units.
Mandatory periodic testing for composite cylinders every three years.

Gas Cylinders (Third Amendment) Rules, 2025 

Further amendments were made to address emerging technologies and safety concerns. Key updates include:

Inclusion of new standards for hydrogen permeation and embrittlement tests.
Mandatory compliance with CGA PS-46 for hydrogen storage system roofs.
Online submission of documents and payment of fees.
Enhanced safety measures for hydrogen generation, storage, and dispensing systems.

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Source: DPIIT

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