How To Get Pollution Certificate For Factory Or Licenses?

If you plan to start a business that may generate potentially hazardous waste or pollutants, you must obtain a pollution certificate from the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB). The pollution license or certificate is written consent to establish or operate a business.

Environmentally hazardous wastes such as chemical wastes, medical wastes, fly ash, smoke emissions and detergent remains are referred to as trade effluents. If your factory discharges any of these trade effluents into the environment, contact SPCB and obtain the pollution license.

The online documents required for pollution certificate for factory operations can be obtained from the official website of the State Pollution Control Board. The website varies depending on the state in which you wish to establish a business. See the table in the end for the official websites for each state:

What is a Pollution Certificate?

A pollution certificate, often referred to as an emission certificate or pollution control certificate, is a document issued by regulatory authorities to vehicles, industries, or establishments to certify that their emissions of pollutants into the environment are within the permissible limits set by environmental regulations. Hence each factory required industrial pollution certificate.

What Are Trade Effluents?

Trade effluents refer to harmful substances released into the environment during industrial or commercial activities. These include:

• Chemical Waste: Harmful chemicals left over from manufacturing processes.
• Smoke Emissions: Smoke released into the air, including from cooking.
• Fly Ash: Tiny particles produced by burning coal or other materials.
• Detergent Wash Remnants: Leftover detergent after washing items, often from industrial processes.
• Medical Waste: Waste from healthcare activities, like used syringes or bandages.

Why Do You Need a Pollution Certificate or License?

In India, having a pollution certificate is important for several reasons:

1. Legal Requirement
   Businesses must follow the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. These laws require companies that release waste into water bodies or air to get a pollution certificate. Operating without it can lead to fines, penalties, or even closure, as these laws are meant to protect the environment.
2. Environmental Responsibility
   Getting a pollution certificate shows that your business cares about the environment. It means you’re taking steps to reduce pollution and protect resources like air and water. Without this certificate, your business might unknowingly harm the environment, leading to legal issues and a damaged reputation.
3. Building Reputation and Trust
   A pollution control license proves that your business follows environmental rules, which helps build trust with customers, investors, and authorities. In today’s world, businesses focused on sustainability and protecting the environment often stand out and gain a competitive advantage.

Required Certificates for Pollution License

1. Consent to Establish (CTE):
   Before starting any business activities, like construction, you must get official permission from the State Pollution Control Board. This is called “Consent to Establish.” You cannot begin construction or set up your business without obtaining this consent.
2. Consent to Operate (CTO):
   After completing the construction and when your building is ready to operate as the business headquarters, you must get another permission from the State Pollution Control Board. This is called “Consent to Operate.” It allows you to start your business operations in the building. The CTO is valid for five years, but its validity might vary depending on the state.

Get Pollution Certificate Or License for Business

Follow these steps to get the pollution license for your business:

• Step 1: Before getting a pollution license to start a business, you must get a consent certificate called CTE (Consent To Establish). 
• Step 2: CTE is to be obtained before participating in any activities before business initiation. After obtaining this consent certificate, you can construct the building where you intend to carry out the core business activities. 
• Step 3: After constructing the building, get a CTO (Consent To Operate) which is also known as pollution license/certificate. Both these consent certificates are to be obtained from the State Board Pollution Control Board. 
• Step 4: Once you obtain the pollution certificate, it remains valid for up to 5 years. This duration may vary as per the state in which you plan to conduct the business. 

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Eligibility Criteria for Obtaining Pollution License

Different types of industries are classified into four categories according to their pollution index. These categories include:

Red Category

The industries that release severe types of pollutants (pollution index of 60 or above) fall into the red category. Large manufacturing businesses, international hotels, multi-speciality hospitals, and other industries that release effluents, hazardous chemicals, emissions and other pollutants fall into this category. 

Orange Category

The industries that release relatively lesser pollutants (pollution index falls between 41 to 59) fall into the orange category. Food processing plants, medical supplies or pharmaceutical companies, car servicing companies, etc. belong to this category. 

Green Category

The industries that have a lower pollution index (from 21 to 40) fall into the green category. Small bakeries, flour mills, sawmills, poultries, leather footwear companies, etc. belong to this category. 

White Category

The industries that release no or negligible pollutants fall into the white category. Companies that manufacture CFL bulbs, cotton or woollen hosiery, electric lamps, etc. fall into this category. 

The industries that belong to the white category do not have to obtain the pollution licence/CTO and CTE. Yet, they must inform the SPCB before initiating any construction on the site or starting the business operations. 

Due to the formation of the white category and its associated benefits, it is better to start a business that creates a minimum impact on the environment.

Industries that belong to the green and orange categories can apply for the CTO or pollution certificate. The industries belonging to the red category cannot operate in forest-protected and ecologically sensitive areas. 

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How to Get Pollution Certificate Online?

Follow the following steps to get pollution certificate online:-

1. Visit the Official Website
   • Go to your state’s Pollution Control Board website or the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) portal.
   • For example, websites like Delhi Pollution Control Committee or CPCB.
2. Register Your Business
   • Create an account by providing details such as business name, contact information, and activity type.
   • Log in using the credentials sent to your registered email or phone.
3. Submit Required Documents
   Upload necessary documents, which may include:
   • Business registration certificate
   • Project layout or site plan
   • Details of raw materials and production processes
   • Water, air, or waste management details (if applicable)
4. Apply for Consent Certificates
   • Consent to Establish (CTE): Required before starting construction or operations.
   • Consent to Operate (CTO): Required after setting up and before starting operations.
5. Pay Application Fees
   • Pay the prescribed fees online, which vary based on the nature and size of your business.
6. Verification Process
   • The SPCB officials will review your application and may inspect your premises, if needed.
7. Download the Certificate
   • Once approved, the pollution certificate will be issued online. You can download it from the portal.

List Of Documents Required For Pollution Certificate

The documents required for the pollution certificate are listed below:

• Project location’s detailed layout
• Project location’s satellite image
• A project report with all the relevant details of raw materials and manufacturing processes
• Environmental Statement
• Investment proof
• NOC compliance report
• Effluent treatment plant’s completion certificate
• Compliance with environmental clearance criteria 

Apart from the above-listed documents, the following documents are to be submitted to the regional officer:

• A detailed pollution control proposal
• PAN and Aadhaar Card copies of the proprietor/directors/partners
• Land ownership documents (sales deed)

Some additional documents may be required including:

• Ambient air quality reports
• Site plans or index presenting the surroundings

Visit the official site of your respective SBPC to check the complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form. 

Conclusion 

The long list of documents and processes to obtain a pollution license may complicate the process, especially if you are a newbie entrepreneur. Seek expert help to get a better understanding of the environmental compliances and documents. 

As an entrepreneur, your focus must be on minimizing waste production and managing industrial waste. These things will help you get quick approvals from the State Board For Pollution Control. 

FAQs

How to get a pollution certificate license for business in India?

Here’s a simpler version:

1. Get a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) or Consent to Establish (CTE).
2. Fill out an application form with information about your site, your plans to control pollution, and any industry registration papers.
3. Take your application to the regional officer of your state’s pollution control board.
4. You can also apply online through your state’s pollution control board website.

Does MSME require pollution certificate?

Yes, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India may require a pollution certificate depending on the nature of their operations and the specific regulations in their region. The requirement for a pollution certificate is typically linked to the type of industry and the scale of its operations.

MSMEs engaged in activities that have the potential to generate pollution, such as manufacturing, processing, or chemical production, are likely to need a pollution certificate. This certificate ensures that the emissions from their operations meet the environmental standards set by regulatory authorities.

How to apply pollution certificate for factory?

To apply for a pollution certificate for a factory, follow these steps:

1. Check Requirements: Find out the specific pollution control requirements for your type of factory and location.
2. Prepare Documents: Gather necessary documents such as factory layout, production process details, waste management plan, and environmental impact assessment.
3. Apply Online: Visit the official website of your state’s Pollution Control Board. Register and fill out the application form for the pollution certificate.
4. Upload Documents: Upload the required documents along with the completed application form.
5. Pay Fees: Pay the applicable fees online as per the guidelines.
6. Inspection: After submission, authorities will inspect your factory to ensure compliance with pollution control norms.
7. Receive Certificate: If everything is in order, you will receive your pollution certificate.

How to get pollution certificate for manufacturing company?

Identify the specific pollution control norms and requirements for your industry and location. Check with the local Pollution Control Board (PCB) for guidelines.

Prepare Necessary Documents:

• Factory layout plan
• Production process details
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report
• Waste management plan (including waste generation and disposal methods)
• Consent to Establish (CTE) from the PCB, if required

Visit the official website of your state’s Pollution Control Board. Register and create an account if you don’t have one. Fill out the application form for the pollution certificate (often called Consent to Operate or CTO).

What is factory pollution certificate?

A factory pollution certificate is an official document verifying that a factory meets environmental standards for emissions and waste management. It certifies that the factory’s pollution levels comply with regulatory limits set by environmental authorities, ensuring minimal harmful impact on air, water, and soil quality. Obtaining this certificate often involves regular inspections and adherence to pollution control measures.