White Category Industries Exempted from GPCB Consent – A Big Relief for Non-Polluting Businesses
In a significant move toward simplifying environmental compliance and promoting ease of doing business, the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) has exempted White Category industries from the requirement of obtaining Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO). This change aligns with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)’s classification and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)’s guidelines.
This blog explains what the White Category is, what the exemption means, who benefits, what still needs to be done by industries, and why this is a major reform in India’s environmental regulation framework.
Background: Why This Change Matters
Earlier, under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, all industries—regardless of size or pollution level—were required to apply for CTE and CTO from the State Pollution Control Boards (like GPCB) before starting operations.
However, this process involved time, paperwork, and sometimes delays even for very small businesses or units with zero pollution potential—such as handloom work, organic jaggery making, or small-scale assembling. These businesses often don’t discharge pollutants into air or water and are environmentally benign.
To make regulation more efficient and industry-friendly, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) introduced a harmonized classification of industries in 2016. This categorized industries into:
- Red – High pollution potential
- Orange – Moderate pollution potential
- Green – Low pollution potential
- White – Practically no pollution potential
The White Category was introduced to specifically identify industries that do not require environmental clearance. Gujarat has now fully adopted this framework.
What Is the White Category?
Industries falling under the White Category are those which:
- Have a Pollution Index (PI) below 25
- Do not discharge pollutants into water or air
- Have no significant environmental impact
- Operate in a clean, eco-friendly manner
- Are often small-scale, cottage, or household-based operations
Some examples of White Category industries include:
- Organic manure production by composting
- Assembling of electric goods without metal treatment
- Tailoring shops
- Handloom or khadi weaving
- Cold storage without boilers
- Solar power generation
- Bread, biscuit, and bakery units without ovens or boilers
(A full list is attached by CPCB and regularly updated by GPCB.)
What Has Changed Now?
📌 Exemption from Consent Requirements
According to the recent GPCB notification:
- All industries classified under the White Category are now exempted from the need to apply for Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO).
- White Category industries do not need to submit applications, pay consent fees, or wait for approvals.
- The relief is automatic for industries in the White Category.
📌 Self-Declaration Still Required
Even though these industries are exempt from formal consent, they must:
- Intimate GPCB about their operations via an online self-declaration form
- Ensure full compliance with environmental laws
- Follow the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued under the MoEFCC notification
- Avoid any discharge into water bodies or the air
- Ensure they are not using hazardous materials or chemicals
This step is meant to maintain transparency and keep pollution boards informed, while keeping the process paperless and burden-free.
Who Will Benefit?
This exemption is a major benefit for small and micro-enterprises, especially those:
- Operating in rural or semi-urban areas
- Not using heavy machinery or boilers
- Focused on crafts, handwork, services, or assembling
- Starting with low capital and minimal environmental risk
It also helps start-ups and green businesses that often struggle with compliance due to limited resources.
List of White Category Industries
The CPCB and GPCB have published an official list of industries that fall under the White Category. This includes more than 200 types of activities, such as:
- Bamboo products without chemical treatment
- Electric bulb assembling
- Ice cream manufacturing (without boiler)
- Mineral RO water units (without chemical use)
- Plastic button manufacturing (without colouring or chemical treatment)
You can find the full list on the official CPCB website or GPCB portal.
Industries must ensure they fall within this list before claiming the exemption.
Power to Update the List
The GPCB has also authorized its Chairman to:
- Add, delete, or modify entries in the White Category list
- Do this through a Category Committee formed by an official order dated 22.06.2022
This means that the list is dynamic and can be updated as per new environmental concerns or industry developments.
Industries should regularly check the GPCB portal for updates in the White Category list to ensure compliance.
Key Takeaways
| Topic | Summary |
| What is White Category? | Non-polluting industries with PI < 25 |
| Consent Needed? | ❌ No CTE or CTO needed |
| Who Benefits? | Small, micro, and green businesses |
| Still Required? | Online self-declaration & SOP compliance |
| Authority for Changes | GPCB Chairman & Category Committee |
| Where to Check List? | CPCB/GPCB official websites |
Benefits of This Move
✅ Faster Setup for Businesses
New industries in the White Category can now begin operations immediately after self-declaration, saving weeks or months of waiting.
✅ Less Paperwork
No need to fill lengthy applications, attach technical drawings, or hire consultants for minor, non-polluting businesses.
✅ Environmental Focus Remains
Even without formal consent, units must follow environment-friendly practices, so sustainability is not compromised.
✅ Promotes Green Economy
Helps in encouraging non-polluting businesses, clean energy, and eco-friendly entrepreneurship in Gujarat and India.
Conclusion
The GPCB’s decision to exempt White Category industries from obtaining Consent to Establish and Operate is a welcome and progressive step. It balances the need for environmental protection with the ease of doing business, especially for micro and small-scale units.
By trusting low-risk industries and focusing regulatory energy on higher-pollution sectors, the state shows that smart governance is not about more rules, but about better, efficient rules.
If you or someone you know operates a clean, small business in Gujarat, it’s time to check if your activity falls under the White Category—and enjoy the benefits of this simplified system!