NCEC Compliance
& Permitting
Expert guidance through Saudi Arabia's environmental permitting process — from project classification to permit issuance and ongoing compliance monitoring.
Schedule an NCEC consultationWhat is the NCEC and why does compliance matter?
The National Center for Environmental Compliance (NCEC) is the Saudi Arabian authority responsible for issuing environmental permits and enforcing the Kingdom's environmental protection standards. Established under the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the NCEC oversees the environmental impact assessment process for all development projects operating within Saudi Arabia.
Environmental compliance is not merely a legal obligation — it is a prerequisite for project financing, insurance, and social licence to operate. Investors, lenders and international partners increasingly require robust environmental documentation as part of their due diligence processes.
Non-compliance can result in project suspension, significant financial penalties and reputational damage that is difficult to reverse. Hills & Field ensures your project meets every NCEC requirement, on time and to the highest standard.
Why compliance matters
Three categories, one framework
The NCEC classifies projects into three environmental impact categories, each with distinct study and documentation requirements.
Environmental Management Plan
Projects with low or readily manageable environmental impacts. Requires preparation of an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) outlining mitigation measures, monitoring protocols and emergency response procedures.
- Environmental Management Plan (EMP)
- Site-specific mitigation measures
- Monitoring and reporting schedule
- Emergency response plan
Environmental Impact Assessment
Projects with moderate or significant environmental impacts. Requires a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report covering baseline conditions, impact prediction, mitigation and monitoring.
- Full EIA report
- Environmental baseline survey
- Impact prediction and assessment
- Stakeholder engagement record
Full EIA with Scoping Study
Projects with complex or potentially significant environmental impacts. Requires a scoping study to define the assessment boundaries, followed by a comprehensive EIA report.
- Scoping study and ToR
- Comprehensive EIA report
- Alternatives analysis
- Public consultation process
Step-by-step to permit issuance
Project Classification
Determine the environmental impact category based on project type, scale and location.
Study Preparation
Conduct baseline surveys, environmental assessments and prepare required technical reports.
Document Compilation
Compile all required documents including site plans, technical reports and compliance pledges.
Portal Submission
Submit the complete application package through the NCEC online portal.
Permit Issuance & Monitoring
Receive the environmental permit and implement ongoing monitoring obligations.
What your application needs
* Exact requirements vary by project category and type. Hills & Field prepares a tailored document checklist for every engagement.
How Hills & Field supports your project
Project Classification
We assess your project against NCEC criteria to determine the correct environmental impact category, informing your timeline and budget planning from day one.
- Regulatory screening
- Category determination
- Timeline and cost planning
Environmental Studies
Our environmental scientists conduct rigorous baseline surveys and impact assessments, producing NCEC-compliant reports that withstand regulatory scrutiny.
- Baseline environmental surveys
- EIA and EMP preparation
- Specialist studies (air, noise, ecology, water)
Monitoring & Compliance
Post-permit, we implement monitoring programmes and provide compliance audits to ensure your project meets its ongoing environmental obligations.
- Environmental monitoring programmes
- Compliance audits
- Annual NCEC reporting
Frequently asked questions
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Our team is happy to discuss your specific project requirements.
Ask a questionReady to navigate the NCEC process?
Schedule a consultation with our NCEC specialists. We'll assess your project, determine the correct category and outline a clear path to permit issuance.
Schedule an NCEC consultation