## Report on Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) Third Party Conformity Assessment Amendment Regulations, 2021
**1. Executive Summary:**
This report analyzes the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) Third Party Conformity Assessment Amendment Regulations, 2021, as published in the Gazette of India on September 17, 2021. This amendment modifies the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Third Party Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2015. Key changes include expanding the scope of regulations covered by conformity assessments, revisions to internal audit requirements, modifications to experience requirements for inspectors, clarification on application and renewal fees, and updated periodicity for ERDMP review and T4S audits. The amendment aims to enhance the safety and regulatory compliance of petroleum and natural gas infrastructure.
**2. Introduction:**
This report provides an overview and analysis of the PNGRB Third Party Conformity Assessment Amendment Regulations, 2021, based solely on the provided policy text. The purpose is to inform affected industry stakeholders about the specific changes introduced by this amendment.
**3. Policy Overview:**
* This document amends the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Third Party Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2015.
* The core objective of the original policy, as can be inferred from the amendment's additions, is to ensure the safety and compliance of petroleum and natural gas infrastructure through third-party conformity assessments. The amendments aim to refine and broaden the scope and implementation of these assessments.
**4. Background and Rationale:**
This amendment likely aims to address gaps in the original 2015 regulations and incorporate subsequent technical standards and safety standards introduced by PNGRB. The amendment includes updated regulations published between 2016-2020. This implies that the original policy needed updating to maintain relevance and effectiveness in light of evolving industry standards and regulatory practices. The changes to audit frequency and inspector experience suggest a drive to increase the rigor and expertise involved in conformity assessments.
**5. Key Provisions / Changes:**
This section details the specific changes introduced by the amendment:
* **i. Expansion of Scope (Regulation 4):** The scope of the conformity assessment is expanded to include the following regulations:
* Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Technical Standards and Specifications including Safety Standards for Petroleum and Petroleum Products Pipelines Regulations, 2016.
* Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Technical Standards and Specifications including Safety Standards for Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities Regulations, 2017.
* Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Technical Standards and Specifications including Safety Standards for dispensing of Automotive Fuels Regulations, 2018.
* Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Technical Standards and Specifications including Safety Standards for LPG Storage, Handling and Bottling Facilities Regulations, 2019.
* Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Technical Standards and Specifications including Safety Standards for Petroleum Installations Regulations, 2020.
* **Effect:** This change broadens the range of PNGRB regulations subject to third-party conformity assessment, potentially leading to more comprehensive safety oversight across different aspects of the petroleum and natural gas sector.
* **ii. Internal Audit Requirements (Regulation 6):** Sub-regulation 2, clause a is substituted to state, "The entities shall undertake an internal audit for ensuring compliance to relevant regulations notified by the Board at least once a year."
* **Effect:** This reinforces the importance of regular self-assessment by entities to ensure they are meeting the standards set by PNGRB regulations.
* **iii. Inspector Experience (Schedule 1, Clause 1.4.1):** A new clause (h) is inserted, requiring "Minimum 5 years of working experience in operation and maintenance in the relevant area" for inspectors.
* **Effect:** This change increases the minimum experience required for individuals conducting inspections, potentially enhancing the quality and credibility of the assessment process.
* **iv. Application and Renewal Fees (Schedule 2, Paragraph 2.7):** The amendment clarifies that application and renewal fees for empanelment of Third Party Inspection Agencies are nonrefundable and are governed by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Levy of Fee and Other Charges Regulations, 2007, and its subsequent amendments.
* **Effect:** This clarifies the fee structure for third party inspections.
* **v. Periodicity for ERDMP Review and T4S Audit (Appendix 1):** A new table is substituted which modifies the Periodicity for ERDMP and T4S audits. Additionally, Note 2 and Note 3 have been updated regarding audit periodicity for verification of IMS documents and compliance of mitigation of any non conformity reported in the previous audits.
* **Effect:** Changes to the intervals at which ERDMP reviews and T4S audits are needed for certain installations, in some cases increasing it. This indicates a change in prioritization of the areas for installations, potentially based on safety performance of each.
**6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:**
The primary target audience includes:
* Entities involved in the petroleum and natural gas sector, including those involved in:
* Refining
* Gas processing
* LNG regasification
* Natural gas pipelines
* Propane Butane Pipelines
* Liquid Petroleum Product Pipelines
* Petroleum storage
* Gas Storage
* Hydrocarbon gas bottling
* City or Local Natural Gas Distribution
* Dispensing Stations
* Transportation of Petroleum Products by road
* Third-Party Inspection Agencies seeking empanelment with PNGRB.
**7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):**
* **Responsible Agency:** The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) is responsible for implementing and enforcing these regulations.
* **Timelines:** The amendment came into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette (September 17, 2021).
* **Procedures:** Third Party Inspection Agencies must adhere to the empanelment regulations outlined in the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Levy of Fee and Other Charges Regulations, 2007. Internal audits should be conducted annually.
**8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:**
The intended outcomes of these amendments are likely to include:
* **Enhanced Safety:** Broadening the scope of conformity assessments should lead to improved safety standards across a wider range of petroleum and natural gas facilities.
* **Improved Compliance:** Stricter internal audit requirements and higher qualification standards for inspectors are expected to increase compliance with PNGRB regulations.
* **Greater Transparency:** Clarifying the fee structure ensures the fairness and clarity of processes.
* **Optimized Audit Schedules:** Adjusting the periodicity of audits could create better safety by allowing more auditing for areas that are potentially more unsafe.
**9. Conclusion:**
The PNGRB Third Party Conformity Assessment Amendment Regulations, 2021 represent a significant update to the regulatory framework governing the petroleum and natural gas sector in India. By expanding the scope of conformity assessments, reinforcing internal audit requirements, and increasing the experience requirements for inspectors, these amendments aim to enhance safety, improve regulatory compliance, and promote a more robust and transparent regulatory environment. The changes reflect a proactive approach by PNGRB to adapt its regulations to evolving industry standards and address emerging challenges in the sector.
Key Entities Referenced
New Delhi: The city where the notification was issued.
Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board: The regulatory body issuing the notification.
Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, 2006: The act under which the powers are conferred to the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board.
Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Third Party Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2015: The regulations being amended by this notification.
Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Third Party Conformity Assessment Amendment Regulations, 2021: The short title of the new regulations introduced in the notification.
Petroleum and Natural Gas Distribution Networks Regulations, 2013: Regulations related to petroleum and natural gas distribution networks.
Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Technical Standards and Specifications including Safety Standards for Petroleum and Petroleum Products Pipelines Regulations, 2016: Regulations about technical standards and safety standards for petroleum and petroleum products pipelines.
Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Technical Standards and Specifications including Safety Standards for Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities Regulations, 2017: Regulations about technical standards and safety standards for Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities.
Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Technical Standards and Specifications including Safety Standards for dispensing of Automotive Fuels Regulations, 2018: Regulations about technical standards and safety standards for dispensing of Automotive Fuels.
Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Technical Standards and Specifications including Safety Standards for LPG Storage, Handling and Bottling Facilities Regulations, 2019: Regulations about technical standards and safety standards for LPG Storage, Handling and Bottling Facilities.
Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Technical Standards and Specifications including Safety Standards for Petroleum Installations Regulations, 2020: Regulations about technical standards and safety standards for petroleum installations.
Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Levy of Fee and Other Charges Regulations, 2007: Regulations about the levy of fee and other charges by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board.
Integrity Management Regulations: Regulations related to integrity management.
City or Local Natural Gas Distribution CGD Networks: City or Local Natural Gas Distribution CGD Networks
natural gas pipelines NGPL: natural gas pipelines NGPL
Petroleum and Petroleum Products Pipelines PPPL: Petroleum and Petroleum Products Pipelines PPPL
Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi: Location of Government of India Press.
Delhi: Location of Controller of Publications.
रजिस्ट्री स.ं डी.एल.- 33004/99 REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99
सी.जी.-डी.एल.-अ.-17092021-229758
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CG-DL-E-17092021-229758
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असाधारण
EXTRAORDINARY
भाग III—खण् ड 4
PART III—Section 4
प्राजधकार स ेप्रकाजित
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
स.ं 396] िई दिल्ली, िुक्रिार, जसतम्ब र 17, 2021/भाद्र 26, 1943
No. 396] NEW DELHI, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2021/BHADRA 26, 1943
परे ोजलयम और प्राकृजतक गसै जिजियामक बोडड
अजधसचू िा
िई दिल्ली, 16 जसतम्ब र, 2021
फा. स.ं पीएििीआरबी/टेक/24-टीपीसीए/(1)/2019 (पी-354).—पेरोजलयम और प्राकृजतक गैस जिजियामक
बोडड अजधजियम, 2006 (2006 का 19) की धारा 61 द्वारा प्रित्त िजियों का प्रयोग करत े हुए, पेरोजलयम और प्राकृजतक
गैस जिजियामक बोडड एतद्द्वारा पेरोजलयम और प्राकृजतक गैस जिजियामक बोडड (तृतीय पक्ष अिुरूपता आकलि) जिजियम,
2015 संिोधि करिे के जलए जिम्नजलजखत जियम बिाता ह,ै अर्ाडत्: -
1. संजक्षप्त िीर्कड और प्रारंभण
(1) इि जिजियमों को पेरोजलयम और प्राकृजतक गैस जिजियामक बोडड संिोधि (तृतीय पक्ष अिरूु पता आकलि)
जिजियम, 2021 कहा िाएगा ।
(2) िे रािपत्र में उिके प्रकािि की तारीख से लाग ूहोंगे।
2. पेरोजलयम और प्राकृजतक गैस जियामक बोडड जिजियम (तीय पक्ष अिरूु पता आकलितृ), 2015 म–ें ,
(i) (i) जिजियम 4 में , िीर्डक "कायडक्षत्रे " के अिच्ु छेि म,ें "पेरोजलयम और प्राकृजतक गैस ..." स े िुरू होिे िाल े
और "... एकीकृत प्रबन्ध ि प्रणाली ) जिजियम, 2013" के सार् समाप्त होिे िाल े िब्िों के बाि, ,
जिम्नजलजखत अजधसूजचत जिजियम िोडे िाएगं ,े अर्ाडत्: -
“
(च) पेरोजलयम और प्राकृजतक गैस जिजियामक बोडड (पेरोजलयम और पेरोजलयम उत्पाि पाइपलाइिों
के जलए सरु क्षा मािकों सजहत तकिीकी मािक और जिजिजियां) जिजियम, 2016;
5234 GI/2021 (1)2 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART III—SEC.4]
(छ) पेरोजलयम और प्राकृजतक गैस जिजियामक बोडड (तरलीकृत प्राकृजतक गैस सुजिधाओं के जलए
सुरक्षा मािकों सजहत तकिीकी मािक और जिजिजियां) जिजियम, 2017;
(ि) पेरोजलयम और प्राकृजतक गैस जिजियामक बोडड (ऑटोमोटटि ईंधि के जितरण के जलए सुरक्षा
मािकों सजहत तकिीकी मािक और जिजिजियां) जिजियम, 2018;
(झ) पेरोजलयम और प्राकृजतक गैस जिजियामक बोड ड (एलपीिी भंडारण, हडैं ललगं और बॉटललंग
सुजिधाओं के जलए सुरक्षा मािकों सजहत तकिीकी मािक और जिजिजियां) जिजियम, 2019;
(ञ) पेरोजलयम और प्राकृजतक गैस जिजियामक बोडड (पेरोजलयम संस्ट् र्ापिों के जलए सुरक्षा मािकों
सजहत तकिीकी मािक और जिजिजियां) जिजियम, 2020 I ”
(ii) जिजियम 6 में -
(क) उप-जिजियम (2) म,ें खंड (क) के जलए, जिम्नजलजखत खडं को प्रजतस्ट्र्ाजपत दकया िाएगा,
अर्ाडत:् -
“(क) संस्ट्र्ाए ं िर् ड म ें कम स े कम एक बार बोडड द्वारा अजधसूजचत प्रासंजगक जिजियमों के
अिुपालि को सुजिजित करिे के जलए एक आतं टरक लेखा परीक्षा करेंगी। ”
(iii) अिुसूची -1 म,ें खंड 1.4.1 म,ें खंड (छ) के बाि, जिम्नजलजखत खंड िोडा िाएगा, अर्ाडत्: -
“(ि) संबंजधत क्षेत्र म ेंसंचालि और रखरखाि में न्यिू तम 5 िर्ड का कायड अिुभि। ”
(iv) अिुसूची -2 म,ें अिुच् छेि 2.7 म,ें “बोडड ... ” िब्िों स े िरूु होिे िाले और “... ि दकया गया हो ” िब् िों के
सार् समाप् त होिे िाले भाग के बाि, जिम्ि जलजखत िोडा िाएगा, अर्ाडत-् :
“तृतीय-पक्ष जिरीक्षण एिेंसी के पैिल के जलए आिेिि के सार्-सार् उत् तरितती ििीकरण िल्ु क (गरै -िापसी
योग्य) पेरोजलयम और प्राकृजतक गैस जियामक बोड ड (िल्ु क और अन्य प्रभारों की िसूली) जिजियम, 2007
और समय - समय पर इसके संिोधिों के प्रािधाि 3 के अिुसार होगा।”
(v) पटरजिि-1 म-ें
(क) ताजलका के स्ट्र्ाि पर, जिम्नजलजखत ताजलका प्रजतस्ट् र्ाजपत की िाएगी, अर्ाडत:् -
“
टी 4 एस लखे ा ईआरडीएमपी समीक्षा
क्रमाकं स्ट्र्ापिा का िाम परीक्षा की और प्रमाणि की
आिजधकता (िर्)ड आिजधकता (िर्)ड
1 टरफाइिरी 3 3
2 गैस प्रोसेलसंग स्ट्टेिि 3 3
3 एलएििी पिु : गैसीकरण स्ट्र्ापिा 3 3
4 प्राकृजतक गैस पाइपलाइि ें 3 5
5 प्रोपेि/ब्यूटेि पाइपलाइि ें 3 5
6 तरल पेरोजलयम उत्पाि पाइपलाइिें 3 5
7 पेरोजलयम भंडारण सुजिधाए ं 3 5
8 गैस भंडारण सुजिधाएं और टर्मडिल,जििमें एलएििी पिु :
3 5
गैसीकरण टर्मडिलों म ेंभंडारण सुजिधाएं िाजमल हों ;
9 हाइड्रोकाबडि गैस बॉटललंग स्ट्र् ापिाए,ं जििमें प्राजप्त, भंडारण
3 5
और हडैं ललगं सुजिधाओं सजहत एलपीिी, प्रोपेि और ब्यूटेि के[भाग III—खण् ड 4] भारत का रािपत्र : असाधारण 3
जलए भंडारण िाजमल हों;
10 िगर या स्ट्र्ािीय प्राकृजतक गसै जितरण िेटिकड 3 5
11 जितरण स्ट्टेिि और खुिरा जबक्री केन् द्र 3** 5
12 सडक माग डद्वारा पेरोजलयम उत्पािों का पटरिहि 3*** 5
13 अन्य कोई स्ट्र्ापिा, जिस े समय-समय पर बोडड द्वारा अजधसूजचत
# #
दकया गया हो ।
# बोडड द्वारा समय-समय पर जिणडय जलया िाएगा।
** कंपिी द्वारा स्ट्ि-प्रमाणि के आधार पर।
*** स्ट् र्ापिाओं या संयंत्रों या जडपो या टर्मडिल या इसी प्रकार के अन् य स्ट्र् ािों के टी4एस जिरीक्षण सजहत सत्याजपत
दकए िाएंगे।”
(ख) खंड (2) के जलए िोट म,ें जिम्नजलजखत खडं प्रजतस्ट्र्ाजपत दकए िाएंगे, अर्ाडत:् -
"(2) आईएमएस िस्ट्तािेिों के सत्यापि के जलए आिजधकता संबंजधत जिजियम जिजिजियों के अिुसार होगी । तर्ाजप,
िगर या स्ट्र्ािीय प्राकृजतक गैस जितरण (सीिीडी) िेटिकड, प्राकृजतक गैस पाइपलाइि (एििीपीएल) और
पेरोजलयम और पेरोजलयम उत्पाि पाइपलाइि (पीपीपीएल) के जलए एकीकृत प्रबंधि जिजियमों के तहत आिजधक
तृतीय पक्ष लेखा परीक्षाएं टी4एस और आईएमएस िोिों जिजियमों के संयुि कायडक्षेत्र म ें टी4एस जिजियमों के तहत
तृतीय-पक्ष लेखा परीक्षाओं सजहत की िा सकती ह ैं।
(3) आिजधक ततृ ीय-पक्ष लेखा परीक्षा म ें जपछले लेखा परीक्षा िैसे टी4एस / एकीकृत प्रबन्धि लेखा परीक्षा या
आंतटरक लेखा परीक्षा या इसी प्रकार की अन् य लेखा परीक्षाओं म ें सूजचत की गई दकसी भी गरै -अिुरूपता को कम
करिे के अिपु ालि को भी िाजमल दकया िाएगा।”
िन्ििा िमा,ड सजचि
[जिज्ञापि-III/4/असा./260/2021-22]
पाि टटप्प णी : मूल जिजियम एफ.स.ं पीएििीआरबी/एम/(आई)/टी4एस/कॉन्फो/1/2009, दििांक 17.04.2015 द्वारा
अजधसूजचत दकए गए र्े।
PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS REGULATORY BOARD
NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, the 16th September, 2021
F. No. PNGRB/Tech/24-TPCA/(1)/2019 (P-354).— In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 61
of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, 2006 (19 of 2006), the Petroleum and Natural Gas
Regulatory Board hereby makes the following regulations to amend the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory
Board (Third Party Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2015, namely: -
1. Short title and commencement
(1) These regulations may be called the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (Third Party
Conformity Assessment) Amendment Regulations, 2021.
(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
2. In the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (Third Party Conformity Assessment) Regulations,
2015, -
(i) in regulation 4, in the para heading “Scope”, after the words beginning with “the Petroleum and
Natural Gas…” and ending with “…Distribution Networks Regulations, 2013”, the following
notified regulations shall be added, namely: -4 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART III—SEC.4]
“(f) the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (Technical Standards and Specifications
including Safety Standards for Petroleum and Petroleum Products Pipelines) Regulations,
2016;
(g) the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (Technical Standards and Specifications
including Safety Standards for Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities) Regulations, 2017;
(h) the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (Technical Standards and Specifications
including Safety Standards for dispensing of Automotive Fuels) Regulations, 2018;
(i) the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (Technical Standards and Specifications
including Safety Standards for LPG Storage, Handling and Bottling Facilities)
Regulations, 2019;
(j) the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (Technical Standards and Specifications
including Safety Standards for Petroleum Installations) Regulations, 2020.”
(ii) in regulation 6-
(a) in sub-regulation (2), for clause (a), the following clause shall be substituted, namely: -
“(a) The entities shall undertake an internal audit for ensuring compliance to relevant
regulations notified by the Board at least once a year.”
(iii) in Schedule-1, in Clause 1.4.1, after clause (g), the following clause shall be inserted, namely: -
“(h) Minimum 5 years’ of working experience in operation and maintenance in the relevant
area.”
(iv) in Schedule-2, in paragraph 2.7, after the portion beginning with the words, “The Board…” and
ending with the words “…at New Delhi”, the following shall be inserted, namely: -
“Application as well as subsequent renewal fees (non-refundable) for empanelment of Third-
Party Inspection Agency shall be as per the provision 3 of the Petroleum and Natural Gas
Regulatory Board (Levy of Fee and Other Charges) Regulations, 2007 and its amendments
from time to time.”.
(v) in Appendix-1-
(a) for the table, the following table shall be substituted, namely: -
“
Periodicity for ERDMP Review
Periodicity for T4S
S. No. Name of Installation and Certification
Audit (Years)
(Years)
1 Refinery 3 3
2 Gas Processing station 3 3
3 LNG Re-gasification Installation 3 3
4 Natural Gas Pipelines 3 5
5 Propane/ Butane Pipelines 3 5
6 Liquid Petroleum Product Pipelines 3 5
7 Petroleum Storage Facilities 3 5
8 Gas Storage Facilities and terminals
including storage facilities at LNG Re- 3 5
gasification terminals
9 Hydrocarbon gas bottling Installations
having receiving, storage and handling
3 5
facilities including storage for LPG,
propane and butane;
10 City or Local Natural Gas Distribution 3 5[भाग III—खण् ड 4] भारत का रािपत्र : असाधारण 5
Network
11 Dispensing Stations and retail outlets 3** 5
12 Transportation of Petroleum Products by
3*** 5
road
13 Any other installation as may be notified
# #
by the Board from time to time
# To be decided by the Board from time to time
**based on self-certification by the entity.
***to be verified along with the T4S inspection of installations or plants or depots or terminal or like
other places.”
(b) in Note for clause (2), the following clauses shall be substituted, namely: -
“(2) The periodicity for verification of IMS documents shall be as specified in respective
regulations. However, the periodic third-party audit under Integrity Management Regulations
for City or Local Natural Gas Distribution (CGD) Networks, natural gas pipelines (NGPL) and
Petroleum and Petroleum Products Pipelines (PPPL) may be undertaken alongwith the third-
party audits under T4S Regulations with combined scope of both T4S and IMS regulations.
(3) The periodic third-party audit shall also cover the compliance of mitigation of any non-
conformity reported in the previous audits such as T4S or Integrity Management Audits or
internal audits or like other audits”.
VANDANA SHARMA, Secy.
[ADVT.-III/4/Exty./260/2021-22]
Foot Note : The Principal regulations were notified vide F.No. PNGRB/M/(I)/T4S/Confo/1/2009, dated 17.04.2015.
Uploaded by Dte. of Printing at Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi-110064
and Published by the Controller of Publications, Delhi-110054.