What is an Environmental Permit?

Environmental permits are legal authorizations granted by government agencies to businesses and industries that may have an impact on the environment. These permits are designed to ensure that the activities of the business or industry comply with environmental regulations, protect public health, and prevent harm to the environment.

In Malta, the Environment & Resources Authority (ERA) is responsible for granting environmental permits to facilities that have the potential to cause environmental pollution or harm. Facilities that may require environmental permits include but are not limited to manufacturing facilities, chemical plants, waste management facilities, and energy production facilities.

Environmental permit applications must be submitted through ERA's Electronic Reporting and Information System (ERIS) portal. This portal is a web-based application that allows users to submit and manage applications for environmental permits online. Our team is well-versed in using this portal and can apply for environmental permits on behalf of our clients quickly and efficiently.

Where does AIS come in?

AIS Environment will guide you through every step of the environmental permit process:

Compilation of documentation: AIS will coordinate with the client to consolidate the documentation necessary for the Environmental Permit application.

Permit Application: AIS will prepare the environmental permit application on behalf of the client and submit it onto the ERIS portal. With our 25+ year history we will pre-empt any additional information that ERA might request during the permit process and will guide the client accordingly.

Additional documentation: Environmental permits are not straightforward processes. Particularly for complex sites, ERA may request additional documents to be submitted with the permit, including waste management plans, pollution control assessments, environmental policies, etc. Our team works closely with clients to understand their business operations and environmental goals to develop any additional documentation that may be required as part of the permitting process.

ERA Board Hearings: AIS will prepare a presentation outlining the development and the results from the permitting application process, and the ERA will then take a decision on whether to issue the permit. We will also handle any environmental questions on behalf of the client.

What are General Binding Rules?

General Binding Rules (GBRs) are a set of environmental regulations that businesses and industries must follow to operate in a responsible manner and minimize their impact on the environment. GBRs typically apply to businesses or industries that have the potential to emit pollutants or other harmful substances into the environment.

Compliance with GBRs is mandatory and failure to comply can result in penalties or legal action. GBRs vary depending on the country or region, but they are designed to ensure that businesses and industries operate in an environmentally sustainable and responsible manner.

What is Environmental Registration through GBRs?

Environmental registration through General Binding Rules (GBRs) is a legal requirement in Malta for certain types of businesses and industries. The purpose of GBRs is to ensure that these businesses operate in an environmentally responsible manner and comply with environmental regulations.

Industries that may require environmental registration through GBRs include but are not limited to:

• Automotive repair and maintenance facilities

• Chemical manufacturing facilities

• Waste management facilities

• Printing and publishing facilities

• Food and beverage manufacturing facilities

• Paint manufacturing facilities

• Textile manufacturing facilities

Where does AIS come in?

AIS Environment will guide you through every step of the environmental registration process:

Compilation of documentation: AIS will coordinate with the client to consolidate the documentation necessary for the environmental registration of the facility.

Permit Application: AIS will prepare the permit application on behalf of the client and submit it onto ERA’s ERIS portal. AIS will also handles any comments on behalf of the client.