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SPCB Consent to Operate(CTO) in Kerala - Process, Fees

Updated on January 08, 2026 01:26:18 PM

In Kerala, the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) is required to grant the Consent to operate (CTO) in accordance with the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981. Before starting operations, any business, manufacturing facility, hotel, healthcare facility, or industry that produces waste, emits pollutants, or releases effluents must obtain a CTO.

The CTO is required to begin and maintain regular operations, whereas the Consent to Establish (CTE) is obtained at the time of unit establishment. This approval guarantees that businesses have implemented waste treatment techniques, installed the appropriate pollution control equipment, and are abiding by the environmental standards established by the KSPCB.

Depending on their pollution load, Keralan industries are divided into Red, Orange, Green, and White categories. A CTO is then granted based on these categories, each of which has a specific validity period. Penalties, closure orders, or license cancellation by the board may result from noncompliance, failure to obtain, or delays in CTO renewal.

To put it simply, Kerala's Consent to Operate law serves as a legitimate license for companies and industries, enabling them to conduct their operations in an environmentally responsible manner. In addition to guaranteeing adherence to state pollution control regulations, it also enhances the company's reputation and promotes sustainable development.

Consent To Operate Sample

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What is Consent to Operate(CTO)?

The Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) formally authorizes industries, businesses, and institutions to operate lawfully in Kerala through the Consent to Operate (CTO). It is only granted after confirmation that the unit is adhering to the board's environmental standards and has implemented the required pollution control measures.

Once the project or industry is prepared to operate and the Consent to Establish (CTE) has been obtained, the CTO takes effect. The CTO is crucial to running a unit daily, even though the CTE authorizes its setup.

Based on their potential for pollution, Kerala industries are divided into Red, Orange, Green, and White categories, and the CTO is granted in accordance with these classifications. The approval has a time limit and needs to be renewed promptly to stay out of trouble with the law.

  • Factories having 20 or above workers without power
  • Factories having 10 or more workers, working with power tools or machinery
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Benefits of Consent to Operate(CTO) in Kerala

Obtaining the Consent to Operate (CTO) in Kerala from the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) provides multiple advantages for industries and businesses, including:

  • Legal compliance:- Legal compliance guarantees penalty-free, efficient business operations.
  • Easy Operations:- Easy Operations: Acts as a formal authorization to carry on with business or industrial operations.
  • Market Credibility:- Market Credibility: Fosters trust among stakeholders, clients, and consumers.
  • Environmental safety:- Environmental safety aids in the control of pollution, waste, and emissions.
  • Easier Approvals:- Easier Approvals: Makes getting additional licenses and permissions easier.
  • Business expansion:- Business expansion raises the likelihood of winning contracts, opportunities, and tenders.
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Documents Required for Consent to Operate(CTO) in Kerala

To apply for a Consent to Operate (CTO) from the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), industries and businesses must submit the following documents:

  • Address of Factory
  • Layout Plan Showing Details of Manufacturing
  • Latest Analysis Report of Solid Waste and Other Pollutants
  • Copy of Balance Sheet Duly Attested by CA or CA Certificate
  • Details of Land in Case the Effluent is Discharged on Land or Percolation
  • Occupational Certificate Issued by Local Authorities Such as Municipal Corporation
  • MoA & AoA and Partnership Deed
  • Basic Details of Occupant
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How to Get Consent to Operate(CTO) in Kerala

To obtain a Consent to Operate (CTO) in Kerala from the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), businesses need to follow these steps:

Applicants are required to file for authorization to the Kerala state pollution control board. Consent will be given only after prior verification and completion of the due registration process.

Once the application form is duly completed, Applicants are required to attach valid documents to commence further process. With Professional Utilities, our team can cross verify and file applications on your behalf to make sure consent applications did not get rejected.

Once the application is submitted, it will be verified by authorities and re-examined by authorities for any discrepancy.

The Grant of Authorization or consent to operate is given to factories by the state pollution control board within 30 days of filing of an application.

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Fees for Consent to Operate(CTO) in Kerala

The professional Fee to obtain the state pollution control board consent certificate for factories in Kerala is ₹34,999/- with Professional Utilities.

Note: The aformentioned Fees is exclusive of GST.

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Exemption For Factories in Kerala

The Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) does not require all factories in Kerala to obtain a Consent to Operate (CTO). Small businesses or industries that fit into the "green category" and don't produce a lot of pollution are typically exempt. These include businesses with low emissions, no production of hazardous waste, and little effect on air or water pollution.

Industries in Kerala are classified into White, Green, Orange, and Red categories based on their pollution potential. White category industries are fully exempt from SPCB consent, while Green, Orange, and Red categories require prior approval and compliance.

However, before beginning or continuing their operations, medium and large industries that fall into the orange and red categories must obtain a CTO.

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Penalties For Non- Compliance in kerala

    If factories running without consent from local authorities shall be punished with 3 month jail
  • Or if a factory owner is found not fulfilling the state pollution control board then they shall be fined with INR 10,000.
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Conclusion

Businesses and industries in Kerala must obtain a Consent to Operate (CTO) in order to guarantee adherence to the regulations set forth by the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB). It guarantees the successful implementation of pollution control measures in addition to permitting units to operate lawfully. Businesses show their dedication to environmental preservation, sustainable practices, and regulatory compliance by hiring a CTO. Long-term smooth operations and the avoidance of fines are facilitated by timely renewal and compliance with CTO requirements.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does Consent to Establish (CTE) in Mizoram differ from Consent to Operate (CTO) in Kerala?

Mizoram’s CTE is simple with basic setup checks, while Kerala’s CTO is stricter with detailed pollution compliance. In between, Consent to Establish in Mizoram needs fewer documents than Kerala.

Where to get an SPCB certificate for factories in Kerala?

Applicants are required to apply online on their respective state portal to acquire consent from the state pollution control board to operate their factories in Kerala.

How to get SPCB Consent to operate certificates for Factories?

You can get your consent with the help of Professional Utilities in just 3 steps.

  • Contact us
  • Provide Details & fee Submission
  • Get you certificate

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