Industries are classified as Red, Orange, Green or White by pollution potential. Red, Orange and Green units need Consent to Establish (CTE) before construction and Consent to Operate (CTO) before production; White-category units are exempt and only need to inform the board.
Factory licence, pollution consent (CTE/CTO) and fire NOC explained
Updated · ImportGap guides
Beyond registrations, a factory needs site approvals from the state. Most states now route them through a single-window portal, so you apply once and track all of them together.
Pollution Control Board consents
Other approvals
- Factory Licence under the state factory rules when the worker count crosses the threshold for your state.
- Fire NOC from the local fire authority, depending on building size and process.
- Trade licence from the municipal body or panchayat.
- Building plan approval if you construct, from the industrial corporation or local authority.
- Labour registrations (shops/establishment, contract labour) and EPFO / ESIC once you hire.
Apply through your state single-window portal or the National Single Window System . Each business page on ImportGap lists the licences specific to that industry.
Frequently asked questions
What is a white-category industry?
A category of practically non-polluting industries notified by CPCB, such as some assembly units, which don't need consent from the pollution control board.
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