Gas Cylinders Rules, 2016 of India chapter II section 8 stipulates identification colours of cylinders according to IS:4379 for industrial cylinders, IS:15683 or IS:2878 for fire extinguishers and IS:3933 for medical cylinders.

Industrial cylinder colours IS:4379

  • The numbers given in parenthesis refer to the reference number of the colours given in IS:5-1978 “Colours for ready mixed paints”
  • When two bands are given, the red band or the blue band shall be placed next to the valve fitting and the yellow band shall be placed between that band and the shell colour of the cylinder. The shade dark violet is also known as mauve.

Colour identification for gases and gas mixtures

  • Only colours having reflectance of munsel value not less than 6 should be used. Paints which contain aluminium that constitute a fire risk should not be used.

IMPORTATION BY SEA

Declaration by the master of ship or ship’s agent. – (1) The master of every ship carrying cylinder filled with compressed gas for importation into India, or the agent for such ship, shall give, the Conservator of the Port not less than forty-eight hours notice of its intended arrival at the port.

(2) The master of every ship carrying such cylinders shall deliver to the pilot, before entering any port, a written declaration under his signature in Form A: Provided that if the agent for such ship delivers to the Conservator of the Port a written declaration referred to in sub-rule (2) under his signature, no such declaration shall be made by the master of the ship.

(3) Every declaration delivered to a pilot under sub-rule (2) shall be made over by him without delay to the Conservator of the Port and all declarations received by the Conservator of the Port shall be forwarded by him, with all convenient dispatch, to the Commissioner of Customs of the Port.

31. Production of licence for import.- Every person desiring to import cylinder filled with any compressed gas or intended to be so filled, valve and LPG regulator shall produce personally or through his agent, before the Commissioner of Customs his licence for the import of such gas cylinder, valve or LPG regulator, as the case may be.

32. Permission of the Commissioner of Customs.- (1) No imported cylinder, valve and LPG regulator shall be landed except with the permission of the Commissioner of Customs.

(2) If the Commissioner of Customs is satisfied that the gas cylinder, valve and LPG regulator can lawfully be imported, he shall permit it to be landed.

(3) Nothing in this rule shall affect the power of the Commissioner of Customs to detain the gas cylinder, valve and LPG regulator under any other law for the time being in force.

IMPORTATION BY LAND

No gas cylinder filled with any compressed gas, valves and LPG regulators shall be imported by land save with the previous sanction in each case, of the Central Government and under such conditions and restrictions as it may impose.

IMPORTATION BY AIR

No cylinder filled with any compressed gas shall be imported by air save with the previous sanction in each case of the Director General of Civil Aviation.

By shashi kallada

25 years in Merchant Shipping, Last 13 years working on Packaged Dangerous Goods Sailor, Ex Manager Global Dangerous Goods Maersk Line * Freelance Photographer *Amateur Cyclist

One thought on “India Gas cylinder colour codes and importation by land, sea and air rules”
  1. Thank you for informing me that no gas cylinders containing compressed gas, valves, or LPG regulators may be imported by land without the Central Government’s prior approval in each case and subject to any requirements or limitations it may impose. I can now understand how valves work to regulate the flow, pressure, and security of gases within cylinders, ensuring that gases are delivered precisely, safely, and in accordance with safety regulations. These valves must operate properly to preserve efficiency, stop leaks, and protect personnel and equipment in any industry, including manufacturing, healthcare, labs, and other areas.

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