An Industrial Pollution License, also known as a Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO), is a mandatory clearance issued by the Pollution Control Board (PCB) of each state. This license is required for any manufacturing or industrial activity that may discharge pollutants into the air, water, or soil.
The license ensures that industries operate within prescribed environmental standards and take measures to minimize the impact on the environment. Without this license, any industrial activity is deemed illegal and subject to penalties, closure orders, or legal prosecution.
Any industry involved in:
Manufacturing and processing
Chemical or pharmaceutical production
Textile, dyeing, paper, plastic, or metal operations
Food and beverage units
Garment washing or laundry plants
Any unit with emissions, effluents, or waste disposal
If your business generates air, water, or hazardous waste, you are required by law to obtain environmental clearance through CTE and CTO.
Consent to Establish (CTE) – Required before starting construction or installation of any industrial plant or process.
Consent to Operate (CTO) – Required before commencing operations after setup.
Both are issued under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
Legal compliance under national and state environmental laws
Eligibility for industrial loans, tenders, and contracts
Avoidance of environmental penalties, shutdowns, or legal action
Corporate responsibility and better brand reputation
Ensures cleaner, safer, and sustainable operations
Securing an Industrial Pollution License involves multiple steps, complex documentation, and regular follow-ups with government bodies. With over 26 years of expertise, Labour Laws Solutions simplifies this process with end-to-end support, ensuring your compliance is timely, accurate, and stress-free.
Site analysis and pollution category classification (Red, Orange, Green, White)
Preparation of project report and pollution management plan
Application for Consent to Establish (CTE) with Pollution Control Board
Assistance in environmental testing and audit coordination
Application for Consent to Operate (CTO) post-setup
Annual report filing and renewals
Liaison with State and Central Pollution Control Boards
Compliance advisory for waste management, emissions, and effluents
Expert Compliance Team: Legal, technical, and environmental professionals on board
Quick Turnaround: Faster approvals with accurate documentation
Pan-India Service: Support for all state-level Pollution Boards
Transparent Pricing: No hidden costs, no confusion
After-Approval Support: Guidance on audits, renewals, and expansion licenses
Company incorporation documents (PAN, GST, etc.)
Factory layout and site plan
Project report with production capacity
Details of raw materials, fuel, water usage, and waste generation
Consent applications (Form I & Form XIII)
Authorization for hazardous waste (if applicable)
Red – High pollution industries (chemical, dye, steel, etc.)
Orange – Moderate pollution (food processing, plastic, etc.)
Green – Low pollution (packaging, furniture, etc.)
White – Negligible pollution (handicraft, small workshops)
