1. Introduction

This license is issued under the powers granted by the National Environmental Act No. 47 of 1980 and regulations made by the Minister in charge of the environment, in order to regulate and control certain industries or activities that may cause adverse environmental impacts. It is required to obtain this license from the Central Environmental Authority before commencing such activities.

Notes:

i. The authority to issue Environmental Protection Licenses lies with the Central Environmental Authority.

ii. The powers related to issuing licenses for certain industries have been delegated to local authorities under Section 26 of the National Environmental Act.

iii. Local authorities issue licenses only for industries listed in the relevant schedule, while other industries must obtain approval from the Central Environmental Authority.

2. Legal Authority

(a) National Environmental Act No. 47 of 1980;

(b) Regulations published under the Act up to 27.01.2022.

3. Eligibility

(a) Persons who intend to start or operate an industry within the local authority area are eligible.

(b) All conditions set out in the ministerial regulations must be fulfilled.

4. Procedure for Implementation by Local Authorities

4.1 A total of 199 industries/activities listed under Schedules A, B, C, and D in Gazette No. 2264/18 dated 27.01.2022 require Environmental Protection Licenses.

4.2 Local authorities are empowered to issue licenses for 39 activities listed under Schedule D.

5. Fees

Serial No.	Investment (Rs.)	Inspection Fee (Rs.)
01	250,000 or less	3,000.00
02	250,001 – 500,000	3,750.00
03	500,001 – 1,000,000	5,000.00
04	Above 1,000,000	10,000.00

Environmental Protection License fee = Rs. 4,950.00

6. Required Documents

1. Environmental Protection License application form
2. Sketch of the access road to the business location
3. Certified copy of business registration certificate
4. Approved building plan and Certificate of Conformity
5. Certified copy of approved survey plan of the land
6. Details of number of employees

Note: The building used for the industry must be purpose-built, and the approved building plan and Certificate of Conformity must reflect this.

7. Application Procedure

Applicants must obtain the form, complete it, and submit it with required documents before starting the industry or before expiry of an existing license. Processing includes receipt, inspection, field visit, approval, and issuance of license by relevant officers and the Chairman.

8. If the Application is Not Recommended

If the application is not recommended, reasons are communicated and the applicant is given time to fulfill requirements before reconsideration.

9. Renewal of License

Category D licenses are valid for up to 3 years and must be renewed at least 3 months before expiry.

10. Appeal Procedure

If a license is rejected, the applicant may appeal to the Secretary of the Ministry of Environment within 30 days. The decision of the Secretary is final.