To perform prescribed activities that may cause harm, you must have a permission such as a licence, permit or registration. 

Permissions work alongside the general environmental duty, ensuring performance standards and conditions are met across a range of activities. There are three tiers of permissions based on the level of risk to human health and the environment: 

1. Licences for high-risk prescribed activities.  
2. Permits for medium-risk prescribed activities.  
3. Registrations for low-risk prescribed activities.  

This risk-based approach means we can target different levels of risk with the right balance of permissions and conditions. Our permissions scheme (publication 1799) outlines:  

• your role, as the permission holder, in ensuring compliance and preventing harm  
• what we consider when assessing an application for a permission  

• how permissions work to manage the risks related to prescribed activities.  

Changes to existing licences and approvals

EPA is bringing existing licences, approvals and exemptions over to the new Environment Protection Act 2017. EPA is: 

• contacting licence holders to explain the changes 
• updating waste acceptance and treatment codes, and their conditions 
• updating conditions to reflect the new laws. 

Most duty holders who currently hold a permission will automatically continue to hold the equivalent permission under the new Environment Protection Act 2017 (the Act).

Changes are being made now for some licence and permit holders who manage prescribed waste or prescribed industrial waste under the Environment Protection Act 1970. You will have the waste codes that are attached to your licences or permits amended on 1 July 2021. To find out more, see Changes to licences and permits for waste.

All licences and permits will receive new permission identification numbers as they transition to equivalent permissions.

In the 12-month transition period ending 30 June 2022, all operating licences will transition to the Environment Protection Act 2017 and be amended. In consultation with duty holders, EPA will determine which conditions will be amended, added or revoked. These amendments will also include the addition of new standard conditions where appropriate.

While the transition approach is underway, you must continue to meet all existing conditions of your operating licence.

Check if you need a permission to find out more.