The Boiler Act, 2025 replaced the Boilers Act, 1923 and provides for a new regulatory framework for boilers in India. The Indian Boiler Regulations, 1950 were earlier applicable for regulating design, manufacture, inspection, and certification of boilers. The Central Government has now proposed draft Indian Boiler Regulations, 2026 in supersession of the Indian Boiler Regulations, 1950. The draft regulations are published for inviting objections and suggestions from stakeholders within the prescribed period.

The Central Government proposes to notify the Indian Boiler Regulations, 2026, which, inter alia, provide for:

1. Short title, applicability and commencement

“These regulations may be called the Indian Boiler Regulations, 2026.”
“They shall apply to all boilers including those operating on natural circulation, assisted circulation and forced circulation principles.”
“They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.”

1. Comprehensive definitions relating to design pressure, design temperature, pipes, tubes, maximum allowable working pressure, firms, committees, and inspection authorities.
2. Mandatory compliance with prescribed material, design and manufacturing standards as a pre-condition for registration and certification of boilers under section 12 of the Act.
3. Recognition of international codes and standards such as ASME, BS, EN, DIN, JIS, GOST and TEMA for design, manufacture, inspection and certification, subject to approval by the inspection authority.
4. Detailed classification of boiler manufacturers into Special Category, Category I, II, III, IV and boiler component manufacturers, along with:
   • Minimum covered area requirements
   • Machinery and equipment requirements
   • Quality assurance and testing facilities
   • Qualified manpower requirements
   • Applicable fees and validity period of recognition
5. Procedures for inspection, certification and documentation, including prescribed Forms for:
   • Boilers
   • Pipes and tubes
   • Mountings and fittings
   • Castings and forgings
   • Headers, economisers, superheaters and allied components
6. Recognition and accreditation framework for inspection authorities, competent persons, testing laboratories, steel manufacturers, pipe/tube manufacturers, foundries, forges and remaining life assessment organisations.

Validity of recognition certificates for manufacturers and inspection agencies for a period of five years, subject to renewal as per prescribed procedure