Integrated Environmental Authorisation

The permit that activities with the greatest polluting potential need in order to operate. We prepare the project, submit it and follow it through to the decision.

Law 20/2009Law 16/2002IPPC Directive

In brief

  • The Integrated Environmental Authorisation (AAI) is mandatory for activities listed in Annex I of Law 20/2009.
  • It must be obtained before the activity starts.
  • It is granted by the Generalitat (Catalan Government) and the municipal council.
  • Any subsequent modification is processed as a substantial or non-substantial change.

Which companies need it?

Any newly established company whose activity is listed in Annex I of the IPPC Directive, the European rule that sets the operating conditions for the most polluting activities. In Catalonia it is governed by Law 20/2009 on environmental prevention and control of activities; at national level, by Law 16/2002.

Hazardous waste managers
Chemical installations
Tanneries
Electroplating with treatment vats over 30 m³

What does the project contain?

  • Description of the installations and their condition.
  • Raw materials, auxiliary materials and products.
  • Consumption of natural resources and energy.
  • Emissions to water, air and soil, waste, noise and light, and their effects on the environment.

How we do it

  1. Site visit
    We gather the data and advise you on fitting out the premises.
  2. Technical documentation
    We prepare the technical report, the drawings and the application forms.
  3. Submission
    We file the application through the Generalitat's online procedures office (Oficina Virtual de Tràmits, OVT).
  4. Follow-up
    We respond to the authorities' requests during the procedure.
  5. After the decision
    We continue to answer your questions and process future changes.

What happens if it is not processed?

Law 20/2009 classifies operating an activity without the mandatory Integrated Environmental Authorisation as a very serious infringement. If your company is already operating without one, it is advisable to regularise the situation as soon as possible.

Frequently asked questions

Who grants the Integrated Environmental Authorisation?

The Generalitat and the council of the municipality where the activity is located. The decision sets out the environmental requirements the company must comply with.

What happens if I expand or modify the activity?

You need to assess whether the change is substantial or non-substantial under the Generalitat's criteria and submit the corresponding project.

Do I also need a soil baseline report?

Yes, if the activity uses, produces or releases relevant hazardous substances. In that case the baseline report is a requirement for applying for the AAI.