The Static and Mobile Pressure Vessels (Unfired) Rules, 2016 regulate storage, handling, and transportation of compressed gases in pressure vessels across India. These rules were originally notified on December 1, 2016 and have been amended subsequently through notifications issued in 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2025. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) has now issued draft amendment rules proposing modifications relating to ISO tank containers, licensing permissions, and certain forms prescribed under the 2016 Rules.

1. Insertion in Rule 21

After sub-rule (15), the following sub-rule shall be inserted:

“(16) ISO Tank Container can be used for, above ground storage compressed gas, if properly anchored to the foundation. The structural integrity after anchoring to the foundation shall be certified by reputed structural engineer.”

1. Amendment in Rule 22(3)

After the words “vessels in one group shall not exceed six”, the following words shall be inserted:

“, however, the number of mounded storage vessels in one group can be nine.”

1. Omission of Rule 47

Rule 47 of the Static and Mobile Pressure Vessels (Unfired) Rules, 2016 shall be omitted.

1. Amendments in Rule 50

• In clause (i)(c), the words:

“permission to transport compressed gas in ISO Tank Container within the Indian territory or to”
shall be deleted.

• Clause (vi) shall be deleted.

1. Amendments in Rule 51

• After the words “Period for which licences”, the words “or permission” shall be inserted.
• After sub-rule (3), the following shall be inserted:

“(4) A permission in Form-LS-2B for the transport or import and transport of the compressed gas in ISO tank container shall be granted or renewed subject to a maximum ten years from the date of grant of such permission.

1. Amendments in Forms

• Form AS-4 – Title substituted to:

“APPLICATION FOR THE GRANT OF PERMISSION TO IMPORT AND / OR TRANSPORT COMPRESSED GAS IN ISO TANK CONTAINERS”.

• In clause (vi) of Form AS-4, the words and figures “Rs. 5000/-” shall be deleted.
• Form LS-2 (Condition 16) – Words requiring submission of No Objection Certificate issued under Rule 47 shall be deleted.
• Form LS-2A – Omitted.
• Form LS-2B – Substituted to prescribe the format for permission for import and/or transport of ISO tank containers filled or intended to be filled with compressed gas, along with operational and safety conditions.

1. Public Comments

Objections or suggestions on the draft rules may be submitted within 30 days from the date the notification copies are made available to the public.