Gas Cylinders (Third Amendment) Rules, 2025, Introduce Enhanced Safety Standards and Hydrogen Service Norms

The Central Government, through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry's Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, issued the Gas Cylinders (Third Amendment) Rules, 2025, on July 28, 2025. These rules, which came into force upon their publication in the Official Gazette on the same date, further amend the principal Gas Cylinder Rules, 2016. The amendment follows a public consultation process where a draft was published on April 15, 2025, inviting objections and suggestions. No objections or suggestions were received within the stipulated thirty-day period, leading to the finalization of these rules. Enacted under the powers conferred by sections 5 and 7 of the Explosives Act, 1884, the new rules introduce several key provisions aimed at bolstering safety and quality standards for gas cylinders, with a particular focus on hydrogen applications.

The amendments modify various aspects of the existing regulatory framework. Specifically, in rule 4 of the Gas Cylinders Rules, 2016, sub-rule (1) was updated to include new standards for containers and valves. Clause (viii) now mandates that containers conform to IS 18608 or ISO 21011, while clause (ix) requires valves to conform to CGA V-1. A significant addition is the insertion of a new sub-rule (5) in rule 19, which stipulates material conformity for manufacturing. The legislation provided: “The materials used for manufacturing gas cylinders, valves and LPG regulators shall be conforming to IS/ISO 11114-1 and IS/ISO 11114-2 standards and cylinders, valves and regulators used for all other gases shall have suitable metallic and non-metallic materials, with approval of Chief Controller.” Furthermore, rule 21 was amended to include sub-rule (8), requiring the roof of hydrogen storage systems to conform to the CGAPS-46 standard. Rule 35 now incorporates sub-rule (5), which mandates specific ISO tests for cylinders used in hydrogen service, including ISO 17081 for hydrogen permeation, ISO 10587 for residual embrittlement, ISO 16573 for hydrogen embrittlement resistance, and ISO 15330 for preloading tests. Lastly, FORM H in Schedule V was updated to include a new condition (11a), ensuring that the fuel systems of vehicles operating on hydrogen conform to ISO 21266-1 or ISO 21266-2, or any other code approved by the Chief Controller. These changes directly affect manufacturers, suppliers, and users of gas cylinders, particularly those involved in hydrogen storage and transport.

The legislative intent behind these amendments is to enhance the safety and reliability of gas cylinders and associated equipment, addressing the evolving landscape of gas storage and usage, especially with the increasing adoption of hydrogen as a fuel. The earlier legal position, while comprehensive, required updates to incorporate newer national and international standards and testing protocols, particularly for specialized applications like hydrogen service, which presents unique material and safety challenges. The amendments aim to fill these statutory gaps by introducing precise technical specifications and mandatory testing regimes. By requiring conformity to standards such as IS/ISO 11114-1, IS/ISO 11114-2, IS 18608, ISO 21011, CGA V-1, CGAPS-46, and various ISO tests for hydrogen embrittlement and permeation, the rules seek to mitigate risks associated with material failure and ensure the structural integrity of gas containment systems. This policy rationale underscores a commitment to public safety and the promotion of robust industrial practices, aligning Indian regulations with global best practices in the handling and storage of pressurized gases. The introduction of these specific standards and testing requirements establishes clear enforcement mechanisms for ensuring compliance in the manufacturing and operational phases of gas cylinders.

Keywords: Gas Cylinders, Amendment Rules, 2025, Hydrogen Safety, Material Standards, Explosives Act, DPIIT, India, Cylinder Testing, ISO Standards Geo Tags: Country: India District: Not Applicable