Classification of Industries for Consent Management

A Vital Framework for Environmental Compliance

For over 25 years, Perfect Pollucon Services has been at the forefront of environmental monitoring and compliance in India. Our expertise spans across various industries, helping businesses navigate the complexities of environmental regulations.

The classification of industries for consent management was first introduced in 1989 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to regulate industries based on their pollution potential. Initially, industries were classified based on size, workforce, and resource consumption. However, as industries evolved and environmental challenges grew, the need for a more scientific and standardized approach became evident.

To streamline this process, a national-level working group in April 2015 introduced the Pollution Index, a numerical system that objectively assesses industrial pollution levels. Based on this, industries are now categorized into four groups: Red, Orange, Green, and White.

At Perfect Pollucon Services, we assist businesses in obtaining Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) while ensuring compliance with the latest environmental regulations.

Why Industry Classification for Consent Management is Crucial

Over the years, we have observed significant inconsistencies in how different State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) classify industries. This led to confusion, delays, and unnecessary compliance burdens for businesses.

A uniform classification system was needed to:

• Ensure fair and standardized regulations across states.
• Encourage sustainable industrial growth without compromising environmental safety.
• Prevent delays in obtaining consents due to subjective interpretations of pollution impact.

The Pollution Index approach, based on scientifically determined parameters such as air emissions, water effluents, hazardous waste, and resource consumption, is a game-changer in industrial regulation.

With our extensive experience, we help industries correctly assess their pollution category and avoid costly mistakes in their compliance journey.

Read more about Step-by-Step Breakdown of the MPCB Consent Process for EHS Professionals

What is Pollution Index?

Pollution index is nothing but a number range from 0 to 100 with increasing degree of pollution. In pollution index major factors considered are as follow:

• Air pollutants – emissions
• Water pollutants – Effluent
• Hazardous waste generated
• Consumption of resources

✅ Expert Insight: Why Pollution Index Matters for Your Industry
“Many businesses assume that pollution classification is static. However, over the years, we’ve seen reclassifications due to advancements in cleaner technology and changing regulations. For instance, some sectors in the Orange category have transitioned to Green after adopting sustainable practices. This highlights why businesses should regularly reassess their environmental impact and work towards lower pollution scores. Our team at Perfect Pollucon Services specializes in helping industries achieve this transition, ensuring long-term compliance and cost savings.”

Weightage of 100 marks is based on Three criteria’s which are Air pollution score (40), Water pollution score (40) and hazardous waste score (20).

Parameters are decided to measure pollution index based on industry.

In case of industry is not generating hazardous waste, score will be normalized wrt 100.

We offer Services in obtaining consent to establish and Consent to operate

Classification of Industries for Consent Management

As we all are aware that there were three categories, but recently working group has created a new category after various brainstorming sessions i.e. White.

Categorization of industries by CPCB

Categorization of Industries as per CPCB Guidelines

Note: Industries in the Red category cannot be established in eco-sensitive zones. If an industry is not listed in CPCB’s predefined sectors, a committee decides its categorization.

White category introduced to categorize industry sectors which are almost non-polluting industry. It include industries such as assembling, packaging, scientific instruments manufacturing, solar power generation, wind power etc.

Red category of industries cannot be permitted in environmentally delicate area or protected area.

In case any industry is not present in sectors defined by working group, decision with regard to their categorization will be taken by committee at head.

Read here How to get consent from MPCB

Duration of MPCB consent by category

Consent provided to each category has different validity period. Please refer to below table for more information:

Pro Tip: Avoid Common Mistakes in Consent Applications

✔️ Ensure that pollution control measures are well-documented before applying.
✔️ Double-check your industry’s categorization under the latest CPCB guidelines to avoid unnecessary delays.
✔️ If your industry has switched to cleaner technology, you may qualify for a lower pollution category—consult with experts like Perfect Pollucon Services for guidance.

List of Industries under categories of consent

Lets see major list of industries covered by categories of industries decided by CPCB.

Red Categories industries by CPCB

There are total 60 industry sectors are categorized under red categories. Major ones are mentioned below:

• Chemical, Paint, Pesticides, fertilizers, Petrochemicals & Pharmaceuticals industry
• Automobile, battery manufacturing
• DG Set (> 5MVA)
• Nuclear, thermal Power generation plant
• Sugar industry
• Fire crackers industry
• Airports and commercial air strips
• Cement industry

 Orange Categories Industries by CPCB

There are total 83 sectors are categorized under orange category by CPCB. Major industry sectors are mentioned below:

• Automobile Servicing and repairing
• Ayurvedic and homeopathic medicines
• Raw food processing
• DG Set (> 1MVA but < 5 MVA)
• fermentation
• Fish feed, poultry feed and cattle feed
• Fish processing and packing
• Glass Ceramics and earthen potteries and tile
• Tyre industry
• Printing ink and press
• Tobacco products including cigarettes

Green Category Industries

There are total 63 industries are categorized under green category.

• Small bakeries
• Carpentry and wooden furniture
• Dal Mills, flour mills, Oil mills, Rice mills, Saw mills
• small cotton spinning and weaving
• handling and storage of food grains
• Packing materials
• Cement products
• Soap manufacturing
• Spice blending and grinding
• small hotels
• Mineralized water

White Category Industries

There are total 36 industry sectors categorized under white category. lets see the important ones mentioned below:

• Air coolers / Conditioners
• Bio fertilizers
• Blending / Packing of tea
• chalk making
• electric lamp and CFL and other electrical item
• Leather cutting and stitching
• Repairing of electric motors
• Solar power generation through solar photovoltaic cell, wind power and mini hydel power (less than 25 MW)
• Scientific and mathematical instrument
• Organic manure

Objectives of Categorization of industries

Objective of classification of industries for consent management is to create clean and transparent working environment in country and reduce hurdles in doing business.

Government is also promoting installation of continuous online emissions/ effluent monitoring systems for polluting industries, assessment of high polluting industrial areas, revising of pollution standards etc.

Please feel free to contact us in case of any queries.

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Need Expert Guidance for Your Industry Compliance?

With over 25+ years of experience, Perfect Pollucon Services has been helping industries navigate MPCB consent, pollution monitoring, and environmental compliance.

📞 Contact us today to ensure hassle-free approvals and seamless consent management for your business.