Pollution Control Board Licence Assam | APCB Registration - Leegal
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Pollution Control Board Licence in Assam – APCB Registration Made Easy

End-to-end assistance for Consent to Establish (CTE), Consent to Operate (CTO), Renewal & Environmental Compliance under APCB.

What is a Pollution Control Board Licence?

A Pollution Control Board (PCB) Licence is a mandatory environmental clearance issued by the Assam Pollution Control Board (APCB) under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.

Any industrial, manufacturing, or commercial unit that generates pollution (air, water, noise, or hazardous waste) must obtain PCB consent before establishing or operating in Assam.

⚠️ Legal Consequences

Operating without APCB consent can result in heavy penalties, closure orders, criminal prosecution, and cancellation of business licences. Ensure compliance before starting operations.

Types of APCB Licences

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Consent to Establish (CTE)

Required before setting up any new industrial unit or expanding existing facilities. Covers land, construction, and pollution control setup.

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Consent to Operate (CTO)

Mandatory for running and operating an industrial unit. Issued after inspection and compliance verification by APCB authorities.

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PCB Licence Renewal

CTO must be renewed periodically based on category classification. Timely renewal avoids operational disruptions and penalties.

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Expansion / Amendment

Required when changing production capacity, adding new products, or modifying manufacturing processes in existing units.

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Environmental Returns

Regular submission of environmental statements, pollution monitoring data, and compliance reports to APCB.

Which Industries Require APCB Licence?

PCB consent is mandatory across various sectors in Assam

🏭 Manufacturing & Industrial Units
🍵 Tea Processing & Agro-based Industries
🏗️ Construction & Infrastructure Projects
Oil, Gas & Refinery Units
🏥 Hospitals & Healthcare Facilities
🏨 Hotels, Resorts & Hospitality
⛏️ Mining & Stone Crushers
♻️ Scrap Dealers & Recycling Units
🏢 MSMEs & Startups

APCB Category Classification

Industries are classified based on pollution potential, which determines compliance requirements and renewal periods

Red Category

Highly Polluting

Industries with high pollution potential requiring stringent monitoring.

Examples:

  • Chemical manufacturing
  • Dye & pigment units
  • Distilleries
  • Oil refineries
Orange Category

Moderately Polluting

Industries with moderate pollution levels requiring regular compliance.

Examples:

  • Food processing units
  • Textile manufacturing
  • Tea processing plants
  • RMC plants
Green Category

Low Polluting

Industries with minimal pollution requiring basic compliance.

Examples:

  • Small-scale units
  • Packaging units
  • Assembly operations
  • Trading establishments
White Category

Non-Polluting

Industries with negligible pollution, minimal documentation required.

Examples:

  • IT & software services
  • Office spaces
  • Retail stores
  • Educational institutions

Documents Required for APCB Licence

Checklist of essential documents for PCB consent application

PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, GST Registration Certificate
Site / Factory Layout Plan with Dimensions
Manufacturing Process Flow Chart
Water Consumption & Wastewater Generation Details
Air Emission Details (if applicable)
Land Ownership Document / Lease Deed
Authorization Letter (if applying through consultant)
Previous Consent Copy (for renewal/amendment)
Capital Investment Details

APCB Application Process

Our streamlined 5-step process ensures hassle-free PCB licence approval

Free Consultation & Category Identification

Our experts analyze your business type, pollution potential, and determine the appropriate APCB category classification for accurate compliance planning.

Document Review & Compliance Assessment

We verify all documents, prepare technical reports, and ensure complete compliance with APCB guidelines before filing the application.

Online Application Filing on APCB Portal

Our team submits the complete application through the official APCB online portal with accurate data, technical details, and required attachments.

Department Follow-up & Query Resolution

We coordinate with APCB authorities, attend inspections, respond to queries, and ensure smooth processing of your consent application.

Approval & Licence Issuance

Upon APCB approval, we collect and deliver your PCB consent certificate, enabling you to legally commence or continue business operations.

Why Choose Leegal for PCB Licence?

Your trusted partner for APCB compliance in Assam

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Experienced Professionals

Team of legal, tax, and compliance experts with deep knowledge of APCB regulations and procedures.

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End-to-End Handling

Complete application management from documentation to approval—you focus on business, we handle compliance.

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Transparent Pricing

No hidden charges. Clear fee structure with upfront cost estimation based on your industry category.

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Pan-Assam Coverage

Serving clients across Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Silchar, Tezpur, Jorhat, and all districts of Assam.

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Dedicated Support

Assigned relationship manager for personalized assistance and real-time updates throughout the process.

Faster Turnaround

Efficient processing and proactive follow-up with APCB to ensure timely approval and licence issuance.

💡 Pricing Information

Government fees for APCB consent depend on industry category, capital investment, consent validity period, and pollution load. Contact Leegal for accurate pricing and customized quotation based on your specific requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common queries about PCB Licence in Assam

Is PCB licence mandatory in Assam?
Yes, PCB consent (CTE/CTO) is mandatory for all industries that generate air, water, noise pollution, or hazardous waste. Operating without valid consent can result in penalties, closure orders, and legal action under environmental protection acts.
What is the difference between CTE and CTO?
Consent to Establish (CTE) is required before setting up a new unit or expanding existing operations. Consent to Operate (CTO) is required to run the unit after completion of construction and installation of pollution control equipment. CTE comes first, followed by CTO.
How long does APCB approval take?
The processing time varies by category: White category (7-15 days), Green category (30-45 days), Orange category (60-90 days), Red category (90-120 days). Timeline depends on document completeness, site inspection, and APCB workload.
What is the validity period of PCB licence?
CTO validity depends on industry category: Red (3-5 years), Orange (5 years), Green (10 years), White (one-time consent). Renewal must be applied 4-6 months before expiry to avoid operational disruption.
What is the penalty for operating without APCB consent?
Penalties include fines up to ₹1 lakh per day, closure/sealing of premises, criminal prosecution with imprisonment up to 7 years, cancellation of trade licences, and disconnection of utilities. Repeat violations can lead to harsher penalties.
Can I operate my business while PCB application is pending?
For CTE, construction can proceed after filing, but operations cannot start without CTO. For CTO renewal, existing operations can continue if renewal is applied before expiry. New units cannot operate until CTO is issued.
Do I need separate consents for water and air pollution?
No, APCB issues a combined consent covering both water and air pollution under a single application. However, separate details and pollution control measures for each medium must be provided.
Is site inspection mandatory for PCB licence?
Yes, APCB officials conduct site inspections for Red and Orange category industries before issuing CTO. For Green category, inspection may be conducted selectively. White category typically doesn't require inspection.

Contact Leegal – APCB Licence Experts

Get professional assistance for PCB compliance in Assam

Leegal

Legal | Tax | Compliance Consultancy

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Call / WhatsApp

+91 95721 91163
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Working Hours

Monday – Saturday | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

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Service Coverage

Assam (Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Silchar, Tezpur, Jorhat & all districts)

Get APCB Licence Assistance

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Mr. Gaurav Kumar
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