Before any environmental permit, your activity needs a classification. The classification decides the study you need, how long the review takes, and the size of your obligations after operation starts. It is governed by the Implementing Regulation for Environmental Permits for Establishing and Operating Activities.
Where classification starts
You submit the environmental classification form through the permits and licences platform of the National Center for Environmental Compliance, and the Center decides your category within ten working days according to the expected environmental impact.
Categories by size of impact
- Category 1: activities with limited environmental impact.
- Category 2: activities with moderate, controllable impact.
- Category 3: activities with significant impact.
What each category needs
- Category 1: an environmental management plan, plus a rehabilitation plan for activities listed in the regulation.
- Category 2: an environmental impact assessment, reviewed by the Center within 30 working days. The Center may raise the project to Category 3.
- Category 3: a scoping report first, then a full environmental impact assessment reviewed within 60 working days.
These studies are prepared by a service provider licensed by the Center.
Classification stays with you after operation starts
The construction permit is valid for three years and the operating permit for three to six years. Category 2 and 3 facilities submit an environmental audit study every three years. Any change in the activity's type or size may change the category and needs a new permit.
Practical tips
- Describe your activity, capacity and location accurately in the classification form; the description is the basis of the decision.
- Build the review periods into your schedule before committing to a construction start date.
- If your site is near an environmentally sensitive area, expect a more detailed assessment.
How we help
We review your activity and estimate its likely category before you apply, prepare the classification form and the required study, and follow it until the permit is issued.