GPCB Exempts White Category Industries from Consent Requirements

Introduction

In a major move to streamline compliance for low-risk industries, the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) has officially exempted White Category Industries from the requirement of obtaining Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO). This exemption aligns with CPCB’s harmonized classification system and promotes ease of doing business by removing redundant permissions for industries with no pollution potential and a Pollution Index (PI) of less than 25. Issued on June 5, 2025, the office order consolidates various past communications, including MoEFCC guidelines and CPCB circulars, to create a single framework for self-declaration-based environmental compliance and White Category Consent Exemption.

Exempted?

White Category Industries that meet both of the following conditions:

Pollution Index (PI) less than 25
Zero pollution potential

Such industries no longer need to apply for:

Consent to Establish (CTE)
Consolidated Consent and Authorization (CCA) / Consent to Operate (CTO)

What Must These Industries Still Do?

Even though formal consents are not required, these industries must:

Inform GPCB about their operations
Submit a self-declaration confirming adherence to environmental laws
Follow the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) prescribed by the MoEFCC Notification (12/11/2020)

Who Can Modify the List?

The Chairman, GPCB, has been authorized to:

Add, delete, or amend industries on the white category list
Do so through a category committee established under the 22/06/2022 GPCB order

Where Was This Decision Taken?

The exemptions were approved in the 279th Board Meeting of GPCB, held on 15/05/2025.

Official References Cited:

GPCB Office Orders: 12/04/2016, 02/02/2025, 22/06/2022
MoEFCC Notification: 12/11/2020
Circulars aligning White Category with CPCB and MoEFCC classification

Full List of Exempted Industries (Highlights)

Here are just a few examples of industries now exempted from CTE and CTO:

Assembly of Baby Carriages & Non-Motorized Vehicles
Bailing of Waste Paper or Cotton
Coir Mat and Brush Manufacturing
Scientific Equipment Manufacturing (without hazardous operations)
Footwear Manufacturing (non-leather)
Biscuit Packaging from Rolled PVC Sheets
Solar Panel & Module Assembly Units
Handloom and Power Loom (without dyeing)
Mini Hydel Power Plants (≤25 MW)
Repair of Electrical Motors and Generators (dry mechanical only)
Composting Plants (bio-degradable cow-dung based only)

The full list contains 54 industry types (see Annexure-I of the order).

Benefits of the White Category Exemption

Promotes ease of doing business for micro and small enterprises
Reduces administrative load on GPCB and industries
Saves time and cost for startups and rural industries
Focuses enforcement on high-risk sectors
Encourages self-regulation through responsible declarations

Conclusion

With this exemption, GPCB reinforces its commitment to risk-based regulation. White Category units must, however, act responsibly, submit self-declarations, comply with SOPs, and maintain pollution-free operations. This proactive framework removes barriers without compromising environmental safety. Industries must review their categorization and take advantage of this compliance relaxation.

Download: White Category Consent Exemption Granted by GPCB 2025