WhatsAppShort answer
A facility needs an NCEC permit to operate before it starts operating. NCEC sets its validity between 3 and 6 years. Category 2 and 3 activities renew it with an environmental audit study every 3 years, and the annual financial dues must be paid before renewal.
Key terms used in this guide 8 terms
- Category 2 activities
- Activities expected to produce moderate environmental impact throughout the different stages of the activity. The impact may be alleviated and controlled, and does not largely exceed the perimeter of the activity's site. Arabic: أنشطة الفئة الثانية (meaning “activities of the second category”) Permits reg. Art. 4(4), Second
- Closure of an activity
- Complete closure or removal of an activity (translated from the Arabic guide). Arabic: إغلاق نشاط (meaning “closure of an activity”) Permit guide, definitions
- Environmental audit study
- The study that Category 2 and 3 activities, and any activity NCEC names in a reasoned decision, submit with the renewal of the permit to operate. It is prepared by an NCEC licensed provider using the structure in Appendix 1 of the Audit regulation. The 1446H regulation no longer defines the term. Arabic: دراسة التدقيق البيئي (meaning “environmental audit study”) Audit reg. (1446H) Art. 5 and Appendix 1
- Environmental permit (general)
- Document issued by the Center to a person before undertaking an activity. Arabic: التصريح (meaning “the permit (authorisation)”) Permits reg. Art. 1
- Environmental permit to establish
- Document issued by the Center to a person granting him the permission to initiate the establishment of an activity following the completion of its classification and environmental impact assessment, and the prescription of environmental requirements and conditions to comply with during establishment. Arabic: التصريح البيئي للإنشاء (meaning “the environmental permit for construction (establishment)”) Permits reg. Art. 1
- Environmental permit to operate
- A document issued by the Center to a person granting him the permission to operate the activity. Arabic: التصريح البيئي للتشغيل (meaning “the environmental permit for operation”) Permits reg. Art. 1
- Financial dues
- An amount of money collected by the competent center from a person for the purpose of issuing or renewing licenses or permits or for providing environmental services. Arabic: المقابل المالي (meaning “the financial consideration”) Fees reg. Art. 1
- Major change
- Any expansion or change in the design, operation, or nature of any existing activity, which is likely to induce a negative impact on the environment. The Arabic text of the permits regulation is not among the sources, so no Arabic term is given. Permits reg. Art. 1
On this page
What is a permit to operate?
The permit to operate is the document NCEC issues to allow a person to operate an activity. It follows the permit to establish, which covers construction.Permits reg. Art. 1
When do you need one?
You need a permit to operate at two points:
- before operating or undertaking any activityPermits reg. Art. 6, Third (1)
- before changing the type or size of the activity, when a new permit is required.Permits reg. Art. 6, Third (2)
NCEC issues the permit once all conditions are met, including the conditions of the permit to establish.Permits reg. Art. 6, Third (4)
How long is it valid?
NCEC sets a validity of between 3 and 6 years for each activity, based on its size, operational complexity and other operating factors.Permits reg. Art. 6, Third (7)
What does renewal require?
Renewal is granted once all conditions are met. In practice that means:Permits reg. Art. 6, Third (5)
- Category 2 and 3 activities submit an environmental audit study every 3 years under the Executive Regulation for Environmental Inspections and Audits.Permits reg. Art. 6, Third (6)
- The renewal application goes in at least 30 days before the permit expires.NCEC guide LO-1-M-005, controls section
- The annual financial dues are fully paid. The permit cannot be renewed before that.Fees reg. Art. 4(7)
An audit study needs a site inspection, a records review and often monitoring data. Start well before the expiry date.
What else can affect the permit?
Three other rules apply once the permit is issued:
- NCEC may suspend the permit if major changes are made after it is issued.Permits reg. Art. 9(6)
- NCEC may include closure requirements in the permit.Permits reg. Art. 9(9)
- You may object to an NCEC decision in writing within 15 working days. NCEC decides within 30 working days.Permits reg. Art. 10
We prepare the application, the audit study and the records NCEC asks for.
References
Each small number in this guide shows the article or section that point comes from. Hover over or tap a number to see it, or open the full list below.
Show all 12 references and the 2 regulation texts
- Permits reg. Art. 1
- Permits reg. Art. 6, Third (1)
- Permits reg. Art. 6, Third (2)
- Permits reg. Art. 6, Third (4)
- Permits reg. Art. 6, Third (7)
- Permits reg. Art. 6, Third (5)
- Permits reg. Art. 6, Third (6)
- NCEC guide LO-1-M-005, controls section
- Fees reg. Art. 4(7)
- Permits reg. Art. 9(6)
- Permits reg. Art. 9(9)
- Permits reg. Art. 10
How to read these references 3 texts cited
- Art. 7(4)(b) means Article 7, paragraph 4, item (b).
- First, Second and Third are the numbered parts some articles are divided into. The Arabic texts write them أولاً، ثانياً، ثالثاً (meaning first, second, third).
Every text we cite is listed on our regulations page.
Regulation texts this guide is written from
- Executive Regulations for Environmental Permits to Establish and Operate Activities
- Executive Regulation for Controls and Procedures Pertaining to Financial Dues for Environmental Licenses, Permits and Services
This guide is general information written from the regulation texts listed above. It is not legal advice. Regulations change, and the official text always prevails. Spotted something out of date? Request a change.