Pollution Control Board consent (Consent to Establish and Consent to Operate): documents, fees and how to apply online and offline
Industries in the red, orange and green categories need consent before building (CTE) and before starting production (CTO); white-category industries only inform the Board.
How to apply online, step by step
- Check your industry's category on the State PCB website (CPCB classification).
- Apply for Consent to Establish on the State PCB online consent system with the site plan, process, raw materials, water use, effluents and waste plan.
- After setting up, apply for Consent to Operate; the Board inspects and grants consent with conditions.
How to apply offline (in person)
- Submit the forms at the regional office of the State PCB.
Documents required for Pollution Control Board consent (Consent to Establish and Consent to Operate), and how to get each
Site plan, layout of machines and process flow chart
Get it online
- Prepare a simple layout drawing (an architect or engineer can certify it if the authority asks) and a step-by-step process chart.
Get it in person
- Same, printed and signed.
Fee: Professional fee if certified · Time: 1 to 3 days
Proof of the business address: rent agreement or ownership papers, owner's NOC, and a recent utility bill
Get it online
- Rented premises: buy an e-stamp paper for the rent agreement online (SHCIL e-stamping in most States) and get it signed by both sides; some States register leave-and-licence agreements online.
- Get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the owner allowing business use of the address.
- Download the latest electricity, water or gas bill of the premises (not older than 2 months).
Get it in person
- Buy stamp paper from a licensed vendor or the sub-registrar's office, draft the agreement, sign before witnesses and notarise it (register it at the sub-registrar's office if the State requires).
- Ask the owner for a signed NOC and a copy of the property tax receipt or utility bill.
Fee: Stamp duty as per the State; notary fee nominal · Time: 1 to 3 days · Official site
Building plan approval and occupancy / completion certificate of the premises
Get it online
- Ask the owner; many municipal bodies let you download sanctioned plans and the occupancy certificate from their portal.
Get it in person
- Obtain certified copies from the municipal corporation or development authority's building department.
Fee: Copying fee set by the local body · Time: A few days
Udyam registration certificate
Get it online
- See 'Udyam registration' below: issued online the same day, free.
Get it in person
- District Industries Centre can help.
Fee: Free · Time: Same day · Official site
Questions people ask
How much does Pollution Control Board consent (Consent to Establish and Consent to Operate) cost?
Set by the State by capital investment and category
How long does Pollution Control Board consent (Consent to Establish and Consent to Operate) take?
CTE about 30 to 120 days; CTO about 30 to 60 days
Who issues Pollution Control Board consent (Consent to Establish and Consent to Operate)?
State Pollution Control Board / Committee
Can I apply for Pollution Control Board consent (Consent to Establish and Consent to Operate) without an agent?
Yes. Every step above can be done by the founder on the official portal or at the office; agents and consultants are optional.
Official source: https://cpcb.nic.in/. Rules and fees change; the official page is the authority. Checked October 2026.
Find out everything your startup needs
The Startup Evaluator lists the registrations and licences for your sector, State and team size, in the order to get them, with costs, schemes and a three-year cash plan. All licence guides.