How to open an authorized auto pollution control checking centre in India
Planning to start a PUC centre in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kochi or any other city in India? This article explains how to submit an application for setting up a pollution control checking centre for petrol, diesel and other types of motor vehicles in India. You will get details of the site requirements, list of equipment required for the auto polluction checking centre, qualifications criteria of the authorized operator, etc.
With the PUC (Pollution Under Control) Certification being mandatory to certify that your vehicle meets the requisite emission & pollution control norms in India, one can set up a business venture in this field. This article provides basic FAQs towards opening a pollution control checking centre for petrol, diesel and other types of motor vehicles in India.Auto pollution checking centre FAQs
Whom to approach for the application?
You need to approach your city's Transport Commissioner's Office which is authorized to give sanction to a Service Station Petrol Pump or workshop to act as Pollution checking Centre.How long is the authorization valid?
You can retain the authorization for 1 year only, starting from the date of issue. After that, your centre will undergo a review check by the Trasport office and if satisfactory, then you will get a fresh authorization sanctioned for another 1 year. In short, you need to renew the authorization each year.Who can open an auto pollution control checking centre?
What are the site requirements?
It should be a petrol pump or a retail outlet of an oil company.
OR
It should be an authorized workshop of a manufacturer of vehicles having minimum workshop space of 400 sq. ft. for checking 2 and 3-wheel vehicles and 1000 sq. ft. for checking 4-wheel and other vehicles
OR
In the case of an individual/firm/company, the minimum space requirement is 200 sq. ft. in the conforming area, with adequate parking space to ensure there are no traffic jams & the general public is not hampered in any way.
What are the qualifications required for the PUC operator?
The person who actually performs the pollution check must be holding at least a valid Certificate in Automobile Engineering or Motor Mechanics/Auto Mechanic/ Scooter Mechanic/Diesel Mechanic or its equivalent as issued by a recognized Industrial Training Institute. This operator should be in regular employment of the concerned Centre. The person performing the test must also be knowledgeable about the precise procedures to conduct minor repairs or adjustments with which the pollution level of a vehicle can be brought down, at the same time ensuring that the vehicle's engine's performance is not affected in any way.
Note that the functions of pollution checking levels and issue of Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) must be performed only by the authorized operator. What are the instruments and equipment required?
For Checking of Diesel Vehicles
Note that while submitting your application, you will need to provide:
(i) The concerned smoke meter's valid approval certificate including conformity of production (COP) from any agency referred to in rule 126 of Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989.
(ii) The AMC contract for smoke meter and other equipment taken (enclose self-attested details) For checking Petrol and CNG/LPG vehicles
Note that while submitting your application, you will need to provide:
(i) The concerned Exhaust Gas Analyzer's valid approval certificate including conformity of production (COP) from any agency referred to in rule 126 of Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989.
(ii) The AMC Contract for analyzer and other equipment taken (enclose self-attested details)
Important NoteIn the case of both, petrol and diesel pollution checking centres, you must ensure calibration of the instrument at least once in a year and as recommended by the manufacturer. Also, the certificate of the last calibration done should be made available for inspection, with the instrument being produced for inspection to the officers of the Motor Vehicles Department.Where to get approval of the requisite equipment?
You will need to contact the Transport Office to confirm this. In the case of the State of Maharashtra, the Transport Office has stated that the instruments/equipment which will be used at the centre to measure the pollution levels of automobiles must be approved by any one of the following agencies:Where to get the PUCC?
The Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) is to be obtained only from the authorized printing presses as notified by the Transport office. All the certificates are numbered in a serial form. You will need to maintain an account of receipt and utilisation of these certificates, producing the same for inspection as and when asked for by the Inspection officers.
Note that the PUCC must be signed by only one of the authorized operators who has been named in the application form for grant of authorisation. Also, the PUCC must indicate the pollution levels both before as well as after adjustments.What are the fees for setting up a centre?
The fee varies from one State to another.
In Delhi, it includes:
In Jammu and Kashmir, it includes:How to apply
You must check the official website of your city's Transport Office to obtain the application form or visit in person if you are unable to get it online.
Some useful links:
(i) Application in J & K: http://jaktrans.nic.in/pollutioncontrol.htm
(ii) Application in Maharashtra: http://mahatranscom.in/polution_control_puc-test.aspx
(iii) Application in Delhi:
In this page, you can see the separate links for diesel and petrol vehicles.Troubleshooting Tips to keep in mind
Further useful reading: How to apply for Mahanagar Gas CNG station dealership
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In case the PUC (Pollution Under Control) Certification Center is proposed to be opened inside an existing petrol/diesel/CNG dispensing station, the prior approval from the concerned office of Petroleum & Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) is also required as the center has to be set up within a area licensed under Petroleum Act. After installing the facilities as per approved plan, amendment of the license should also be obtained.