Bunker Supplier Registration in India
- by legalbabu
- Updated May 12, 2025
- 5 mins read
Bunker supplier registration in India is a regulatory requirement established by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) to ensure fuel supplied to ships complies with international quality and environmental standards. As per MARPOL Annex VI Regulation 18(7), only DGS-approved bunker suppliers are permitted to supply marine fuel to vessels in Indian ports and coastal waters.
Suppliers who are not registered with the DG shipping are prohibited from supplying fuel to foreign-going vessels. Any violation can result in detainment of the vessel by Flag State or Port State Control authorities.
Eligibility
To qualify for registration as a bunker supplier, the applicant must:
- Be a legally registered Indian entity (Pvt Ltd, LLP, Partnership, etc.).
- Possess infrastructure for safe fuel storage and transportation.
- Have arrangements for issuing Bunker Delivery Notes and representative fuel samples.
- Be capable of complying with MARPOL Annex VI fuel quality requirements.
- Implement a Quality Management System (QMS) aligned with ISO 9001:2000 (now updated to the latest ISO 9001 standard).
- Hold any required local licenses (e.g., PESO, port NOCs).
Process
- Submission of Application: Apply to the Directorate General of Shipping along with supporting documents.
- Interim Certificate (if required): If ISO 9001 QMS is not yet implemented, an interim certificate valid for 6 months will be issued.
- QMS Implementation: The supplier must establish a QMS within the 6-month validity; no extension is granted without QMS certification.
- Inspection by IRS: Inspection by IRS will be conducted to verify:
- Compliance with MARPOL Annex VI.
- Proper issuance of BDNs and fuel sampling.
- Full QMS implementation.
- Issuance of Registration Certificate: Once compliant, a full registration certificate is granted, which may be valid for 5 years.
- Renewal: Requires re-inspection and updated documentation.
- Update Obligations: Any changes in business address must be reported with a fresh application and applicable fee.
Benefits
- Legal Authorization: Permits supply of bunker fuel to both foreign-going and coastal vessels.
- Regulatory Protection: Prevents penal action by Port/Flag State authorities.
- Market Credibility: Enhances trust and eligibility for high-value contracts.
- Compliance Assurance: Ensures alignment with MARPOL Annex VI and global standards.
- Risk Mitigation: Protects from suspension or blacklisting due to non-compliance
Documents Required
- Company Incorporation Certificate
- PAN and GST registration
- PESO license / Port NOC
- Details of bunker delivery system (barge, trucks, terminal)
- QMS Certification (ISO 9001)
- Sample Bunker Delivery Note (BDN)
- Fuel quality control procedures
- Interim certificate request (if ISO QMS not implemented yet)
- Undertaking for MARPOL compliance
- Past supply records (if available)
What is the process for obtaining the full-term bunker supplier registration certificate?
New applicants first receive an Interim Certificate (valid for up to 6 months) upon a satisfactory interim audit by the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). During this period, the supplier must demonstrate its operational capabilities through actual bunkering operations.
A full-term certificate, valid for a maximum of 5 years, is granted by the Directorate General of Shipping only after receiving a clear recommendation from IRS based on a successful verification of the bunker supply chain.
What is a Bunker Delivery Note (BDN) and is it mandatory?
A BDN is a mandatory document that records the details of bunker fuel delivered to a vessel, including fuel grade, quantity, and supplier identity. A BDN must be provided for every bunker operation, as per MARPOL Annex VI.
Can bunker suppliers operating only within Indian coastal waters be exempted?
Currently, registration is required for all, regardless of operational zone.
What happens if bunkers are supplied by an unregistered supplier?
If a foreign-going vessel receives fuel from an unregistered supplier, it may face detention by Flag State or Port State Control authorities. Additionally, the supplier may face suspension or cancellation of registration, along with regulatory penalties.
Is ISO 9001 certification mandatory for registration?
Yes. Bunker suppliers must implement a Quality Management System (QMS) in line with ISO 9001:2000 (or the latest version) as a mandatory requirement for full registration. Suppliers without QMS may receive a temporary 6-month certificate to complete implementation.
Who needs to register as a bunker supplier in India?
Any company or entity supplying marine fuel (bunker fuel) to ships, drilling rigs, or offshore platforms in Indian waters must register with the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) under the MARPOL Annex VI compliance regime.
What is the validity of the bunker supplier registration certificate?
The initial registration certificate is generally valid for, and the full term is valid for 5 years.
What happens if a bunker supplier misses the annual surveillance audit?
A bunker supplier’s registration certificate will cease to be valid if it fails to undergo the annual surveillance audit within three months before or after each anniversary of certificate issuance. The verification audit must be conducted by an approved agency (e.g., IRS), and the audit report must be submitted to the Directorate General of Shipping for official records. Failure to comply may lead to suspension or cancellation of the certificate.
How can a bunker supplier renew its registration certificate?
A registered bunker supplier must apply for renewal using at least three months prior to the expiry of the existing certificate. The renewal is granted based on a audit conducted by IRS and their recommendation.
What should a bunker supplier do in case of changes to company name or authorized representative?
The supplier must notify the Directorate General of Shipping within 30 days of any changes to the company name or authorized representative. A new registration certificate reflecting these changes will then be issued.
Can multiple registrations be issued to the same address or storage location?
Generally, only one registration is issued per company address or fuel storage location. If an applicant seeks an exception, they must submit documentary evidence and clarification justifying the request. The final decision rests with the Directorate, based on compliance with fuel handling standards and operational integrity.
Is there an annual compliance requirement for registered bunker suppliers?
Yes. Every registered bunker supplier must submit an annual declaration by 31st January of the following calendar year. Failure to do so may result in regulatory action, including possible suspension or withdrawal of the registration.
You may also like
New Tax Regime vs. Old Tax Regime
The Finance Act 2023 has made the new tax regime under Section 115BAC the defaul
