Installation, repairs, inspections and testing of gas equipment and filling of containers with gases

A craft trade (field No 26 of Annex 1 to the Trade Licensing Act) authorising the installation, repairs, inspections and testing of dedicated gas equipment and the filling of containers with gases. The authorisation arises on the day of notification once a professional qualification under Section 21 or Section 22 of Act No 455/1991 Coll. has been demonstrated.

Examples of activities

• Installation of domestic and industrial gas pipelines and gas distribution systems
• Repairs and maintenance of gas boilers, burners and gas appliances
• Inspections and tests of dedicated gas equipment
• Installation and servicing of gas regulating and metering stations
• Filling of pressure containers with gases (e.g. propane-butane, technical gases)
• Commissioning of gas equipment and pressure tests
• Maintenance of safety and shut-off elements on gas equipment
• Connecting appliances running on gaseous fuel to the gas distribution system

What this trade is and what it is for

The trade "Installation, repairs, inspections and testing of gas equipment and filling of containers with gases" is a craft trade (field No 26 of Annex 1 to the Trade Licensing Act). It authorises you to carry out professional work on dedicated gas equipment – from its installation, through repairs and maintenance, to inspections, tests and the filling of pressure containers with gases. This is a regulated activity with an emphasis on safety, because gas equipment is classed among dedicated technical equipment.

The scope of specific work is governed by classes of professional qualification under technical regulations, in particular Section 12(9) of Czech Mining Authority Decree No 392/2003 Coll., Section 4 of Decree No 21/1979 Coll. and Section 11 of Decree No 85/1978 Coll. The trade authorisation itself is only one of the prerequisites; for some activities you additionally need the relevant certificates and authorisations from an authorised organisation (e.g. TIČR).

What falls under this trade (and what does not)

The trade covers in particular work on gas pipelines, gas appliances, regulating and metering stations and pressure containers for gases. It concerns gas distribution systems, boilers, burners and related safety elements.

Boundaries with neighbouring trades:

• Heating engineering and plumbing is a separate craft trade; work directly on gas equipment belongs here.
• Manufacture, installation and repairs of electrical equipment covers the electrical part; the gas part falls under this trade.
• Inspections and tests of dedicated pressure equipment have their own trade definition – do not confuse pressure equipment with gas equipment.
• Design activity in construction is governed by a different regime (authorisation by the Czech Chamber of Chartered Engineers), not by this trade.

If you are unsure how to classify a particular contract, check the scope with the Trade Licensing Office.

Conditions for obtaining the trade under the law

As with any craft trade, you must meet the general conditions under Section 6 of the Trade Licensing Act: full legal capacity and a clean criminal record. A clean criminal record is required here – yes (Section 6 of Act No 455/1991 Coll.). The law does not require medical fitness or liability insurance for the notification itself; any impediments to operating a trade are governed by Section 8.

You must also demonstrate a professional qualification. Under Section 21 of the Trade Licensing Act you prove it with:

• an apprenticeship certificate in the relevant field,
• a school-leaving certificate from complete secondary vocational education of a technical orientation,
• a diploma from higher vocational or university education in the relevant field,
• recognition of professional qualification (Directive 2005/36/EC), or
• a professional qualification under the National Qualifications Framework.

Under the technical regulations, classes of professional qualification are distinguished that determine the scope of work: Class I – complete secondary vocational education of a technical orientation and 2 years of practice; Class II – an apprenticeship in a mechanical engineering field and 1 year of practice.

If you do not have a document in the field, use the alternative ways under Section 22:

• proof of education in a related field + 1 year of practice in the field,
• proof of retraining for the relevant trade + 1 year of practice in the field, or
• 6 years of practice in the field without proof of education.

You do not have to hold the qualification in person – you can appoint a responsible representative under Section 11 who meets the conditions on your behalf. One person may act as a responsible representative for at most four entrepreneurs.

How to notify or obtain the trade step by step

1. Prepare the documents on your professional qualification (apprenticeship certificate, school-leaving examination, diploma, proof of practice or retraining) and proof of identity.
2. Fill in the Unified Registration Form (JRF) for the notification of a craft trade.
3. Submit the notification at any municipal Trade Licensing Office, electronically via the rzp.gov.cz portal, or at a Czech POINT branch.
4. Pay the administrative fee of CZK 1,000 on notification; CZK 800 for electronic submission.
5. Wait for the entry – the office will make the entry in the Trade Register within 5 working days. The trade licence arises on the day of notification.

A detailed procedure can be found in the guide How to start a trade. For the actual performance of the work, do not forget the necessary professional certificates under the technical regulations.

Documents and fees

• Proof of identity (identity card / passport).
• Proof of professional qualification under Section 21, or alternative proof under Section 22 (including proof of practice).
• A completed Unified Registration Form (JRF).
• Where applicable, proof of appointment of a responsible representative (Section 11).
• Administrative fee: CZK 1,000 (notification), CZK 800 (electronically).
• Entry deadline: within 5 working days of notification.

Frequently asked questions

Is this trade a craft trade or a licensed (concession) trade?

It is a craft trade (field No 26). The authorisation arises already on the day of notification, with no waiting for a decision on a concession. However, you must demonstrate a professional qualification under Section 21 or Section 22.

Is a trade licence enough for me to carry out gas inspections?

No. The trade licence is the basis, but for the installation, repairs and inspections of dedicated gas equipment you additionally need the relevant certificates and authorisations under the technical regulations (e.g. from TIČR). The scope is determined by Classes I and II.

I do not have an apprenticeship certificate in the field. Can I still obtain the trade?

Yes, through Section 22 – for example proof of education in a related field and 1 year of practice, retraining and 1 year of practice, or 6 years of practice in the field. Alternatively, appoint a responsible representative under Section 11.

Do I need a medical report or insurance?

For the notification of the trade itself, the law does not require medical fitness or liability insurance. Specific work activities, however, may have their own medical and safety requirements.

How much will I pay and how quickly will I get the trade?

The fee is CZK 1,000 (CZK 800 electronically). The entry in the Trade Register will be made within 5 working days of notification.

Sources

• Ministry of Education – database of regulated activities (detail id 607)
• Trade Licensing Act No 455/1991 Coll.
• Ministry of Industry and Trade