EASR authorisations in Scotland

Environmental authorisations in Scotland are changing 

In 2018 the Scottish Government introduced new rules under the Environmental Authorisation (Scotland) Regulations (EASR).  

These rules create a single, simpler integrated authorisation framework for providing authorisation for activities that affect the environment. 

The framework is based on the level of risk posed by the activities and aims to help businesses comply in a quicker ands easier way. 

Until now, only activities involving radioactive substances have been operating under this framework. However, as of 1 June 2025, for activities relating to applying waste to land for soil improvement purposes only, you can apply for an EASR authorisation or an exemption under the current regime – this regime remains in place until 31 October 2025. 

From 1 November 2025, the new regulations will apply to all:

• industrial activities
• water activities
• waste activities

Theses are currently regulated under Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC), the Controlled Activities Regulations (CAR) and Waste Management Licensing (WML).

What is changing? 

Under the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018 (EASR), activities that could harm the environment will need an authorisation.

EASR aims to make authorisation simpler and quicker for businesses, by using the same types of authorisations for all activities, whether they relate to water, waste, industrial activities, or radioactive substances. 

What are the different types of authorisations? 

These are rules for low-risk activities. If you follow the rules, you’re automatically authorised and don’t need to contact SEPA.  

These are for low-risk activities that SEPA need to know about. Once you notify SEPA, the activity is authorised (usually with some GBRs you must follow). 

These cover slightly higher-risk activities. SEPA will check your application and decide within 28 days whether to approve it. Registrations include standard conditions you must follow to maintain compliance. Fit and proper person tests may apply.

These are for higher-risk, or complex activities that require a detailed assessment by SEPA. Permits can have both standard and non-standard site-specific conditions. It may take SEPA up to four months to approve a permit and once it is issued you must follow its conditions to maintain compliance. Fit and proper person tests will apply.

Multiple activities  

Under EASR, if your site carries out more than one regulated activity, you won’t need separate authorisations. Instead, you will need just one – based on the highest level of risk.

For example: if you carry out two activities covered by a registration and one that needs a permit, you will be authorised under a permit that covers all three.  

Who can hold an authorisation?

When applying for either an EASR registration or permit, SEPA will assess whether you are:

• the person who will have control over the regulated activity
• a fit and proper person to be in control of the regulated activity

The test of being ‘in control’ is the same for all authorisations. The fit and proper person test will be carried out differently for different activities, reflecting the individual risks. 

Read the SEPA guidance on Who can hold an authorisation - SEPA: Who can hold an authorisation

NetRegs guidance update (Scotland only) 

We are currently updating the guidance on NetRegs (in relation to Scotland only) to reflect the changes brought in by EASR. The updates will affect guidance for a wide range of regulated activities. 

This includes: 

This update will ensure that NetRegs continues to provide clear, consistent, guidance, now aligned with the new EASR framework. Please check back regularly for the most up-to-date information. 

Further information