Pollution Control Board Licence in Maharashtra – MPCB Registration Made Easy
End-to-end assistance for Consent to Establish (CTE), Consent to Operate (CTO), Renewal & Environmental Compliance under MPCB.
What is Pollution Control Board Licence?
The Pollution Control Board (PCB) Licence is a mandatory environmental clearance issued by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) for industries and commercial establishments that generate air, water, noise, or hazardous waste pollution.
Under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, businesses must obtain MPCB consent before establishing or operating polluting units in Maharashtra.
⚠️ Legal Consequences of Operating Without MPCB Licence
Types of MPCB Licences in Maharashtra
Consent to Establish (CTE)
Required before starting construction or setting up any new industrial unit or expansion project.
Consent to Operate (CTO)
Required after construction and before commencing commercial operations of the unit.
PCB Renewal
Renewal application must be filed 60-90 days before expiry to ensure continuous compliance.
Expansion / Amendment
Required when increasing production capacity, adding new machinery, or changing manufacturing process.
Environmental Compliance
Regular monitoring reports, annual returns, and compliance statements to MPCB.
Pollution Audit
Environmental audit and compliance verification for industries under Red and Orange categories.
Industries Requiring MPCB Approval in Maharashtra
Manufacturing Units
All industrial manufacturing facilities
Construction Projects
Real estate & infrastructure projects
Hospitals & Clinics
Healthcare facilities with bio-waste
Hotels & Restaurants
Hospitality & food service units
Stone Crushers
Mining & quarrying operations
Recycling Units
Scrap dealers & waste processors
Chemical & Pharma
Chemical manufacturing facilities
MSMEs & Startups
Small & medium enterprises
MPCB Category Classification
Industries are classified into four categories based on their pollution potential. Category determines approval process, fees, and compliance requirements.
Red Category
High RiskHighly polluting industries requiring stringent monitoring and compliance.
Examples:
- Chemical manufacturing
- Pharmaceutical units
- Distilleries & breweries
- Textile dyeing & printing
- Pulp & paper mills
Validity: CTO valid for 5 years
Orange Category
Medium RiskModerate pollution industries with regular compliance requirements.
Examples:
- Food processing units
- Plastic manufacturing
- Stone crushers
- Automobile servicing
- Hotels (>20 rooms)
Validity: CTO valid for 5 years
Green Category
Low RiskLow pollution industries with minimal environmental impact.
Examples:
- Solar panel assembly
- Modular wooden furniture
- IT/ITES offices
- Packaging units
- Engineering workshops
Validity: CTO valid for 10 years
White Category
Minimal RiskNon-polluting industries requiring only basic registration.
Examples:
- Trading & retail
- Software development
- Educational institutions
- Small offices
- Warehousing
Validity: One-time registration
Documents Required for MPCB Licence
📄 Business Documents
- ✓ PAN Card of Company/Proprietor
- ✓ Aadhaar Card of Authorized Signatory
- ✓ GST Registration Certificate
- ✓ Udyam Registration / MSME Certificate
- ✓ Company Incorporation Certificate
- ✓ Partnership Deed / MOA & AOA
🏭 Technical Documents
- ✓ Factory/Site Layout Plan
- ✓ Manufacturing Process Flow Chart
- ✓ Water & Air Pollution Details
- ✓ Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) Details
- ✓ Land Ownership Proof / Lease Agreement
- ✓ Previous Consent Copy (if renewal)
📌 Note: Document requirements may vary based on industry category and project type. Leegal experts will provide a customized checklist after initial consultation.
MPCB Licence Process – Step by Step
Free Consultation & Category Identification
Our compliance experts analyze your business and determine the correct MPCB category (Red/Orange/Green/White) and applicable consent type (CTE/CTO).
Document Verification & Compliance Review
We verify all required documents, prepare technical reports, pollution control plans, and ensure your application meets all MPCB guidelines.
Online Application Filing on MPCB Portal
We file your application on the official Maharashtra Pollution Control Board portal with all supporting documents and pay the prescribed government fees.
Department Follow-up & Query Resolution
Our team handles all communications with MPCB officials, responds to queries, coordinates site inspections, and ensures timely processing.
Approval & Licence Delivery
Once approved, we collect your MPCB consent letter and deliver it to you. We also brief you on ongoing compliance requirements and renewal timelines.
⏱️ Processing Time: 15-45 days depending on category and completeness of application. Leegal ensures fastest turnaround through dedicated follow-up.
Why Choose Leegal for MPCB Licence?
Experienced Professionals
Team of legal and environmental compliance experts with 10+ years experience in MPCB matters.
End-to-End Service
From consultation to approval and post-compliance support – we handle everything under one roof.
Transparent Pricing
No hidden charges. Clear breakup of professional fees and government fees upfront.
Pan-Maharashtra Coverage
We serve clients across all districts - Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Nagpur, Nashik, Aurangabad and more.
Dedicated Relationship Manager
Single point of contact for all your queries. Regular status updates throughout the process.
Faster Turnaround
Proactive follow-up with MPCB officials ensures quickest possible approval without delays.
MPCB Licence Fees & Pricing
Government fees for MPCB licence vary based on:
Industry Category
Red / Orange / Green / White
Capital Investment
Project cost & scale
Consent Validity
1 year to 10 years
📞 For Accurate Pricing: Contact Leegal at +91 95721 91163 with your business details for customized quotation including government fees and professional charges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is MPCB licence mandatory in Maharashtra?
Yes, MPCB licence is mandatory for all industries and commercial establishments that generate air, water, or hazardous waste pollution in Maharashtra under the Water and Air Pollution Control Acts.
What is the difference between CTE and CTO?
Consent to Establish (CTE) is required before starting construction or setting up a new unit. Consent to Operate (CTO) is required after construction is complete and before commencing commercial operations. CTE comes first, CTO follows.
How long does MPCB approval take?
Processing time is typically 15-45 days depending on the industry category, completeness of application, and timely site inspection by MPCB officials. Leegal ensures faster processing through dedicated follow-up.
What is the validity of PCB licence?
Validity depends on category: Red & Orange – 5 years, Green – 10 years, White – One-time registration. Renewal must be applied 60-90 days before expiry.
What are the penalties for operating without MPCB consent?
Penalties include fines up to ₹1 lakh per day, closure orders, business suspension, criminal prosecution under environmental laws, and difficulty in obtaining loans and government subsidies.
Can small businesses or MSMEs get exemption from MPCB?
No blanket exemption exists for MSMEs. However, businesses in White category only need one-time registration with minimal compliance. Green category units get 10-year validity. Category is determined by pollution potential, not business size.
Do I need MPCB approval for home-based business?
Yes, if your home-based business involves manufacturing or any activity generating pollution (dyeing, chemical processing, food manufacturing with effluents), MPCB consent is mandatory.
How much does MPCB licence cost?
Cost varies based on industry category, capital investment, and validity period. Government fees range from ₹5,000 to ₹1,00,000+. Contact Leegal for accurate quotation based on your specific business.
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Phone/WhatsApp: +91 95721 91163
Email: info@leegal.in
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🌐 About Leegal
Leegal is a leading Legal, Tax & Compliance consultancy providing end-to-end business compliance solutions across India.
Website: https://leegal.in
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