The Ministry of Commerce and Industry vide its press release dated 15th May 2021 has provided relaxations under Gas Cylinders Rules, 2016 to fast track approvals for imported cylinders and pressure vessels for storage and transportation of medical oxygen.
These relaxations shall be valid for a period of 6 months or till further orders of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade,whichever is earlier.
The Certification of PESO will not be mandatory pre-shipment, however, its certification will be required before use of the oxygen cylinders which entails weight and hydro testing. The Indian Missions should however ensure that the oxygen cylinders should comply with India or International standards before shipment.
All the filled cylinders must be verified for quality of gas filled therein under the supervision of medical/ Food and Drugs Controllers and if quality of gas conforms to their requirement of medical oxygen, cylinder may be sent directly to hospitals for use.
Regarding PSA installations at hospitals, It is stated that the PSA plants where generated oxygen is directly supplied to hospital/ no filling of cylinder is taking place; does not need any permission or license under rules administered by PESO and can be allowed.
