Back to About EASR authorisations

Types of authorisation

Waste management, water, industrial activities and radioactive substances are all regulated under the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations (EASR). The Regulations set out a common framework that integrates the authorisation, procedural and enforcement arrangements, and standardises the process for complying with environmental legislation in Scotland.

The Regulations came into force in September 2018, when radioactive substances became the first activities to be brought under EASR. The framework was extended to waste management, water and industrial activities in 2025 under the Environmental Authorisation (Scotland) Amendment Regulations.

Types of authorisation under EASR

Under EASR, the same types of authorisation are used for all activities, regardless of whether the activity is related to water, waste management, industrial activities, or radioactive substances. This provides a consistent approach to how we authorise regulated activities and creates a level playing field for operators.

The level of authorisation needed for an activity is decided by considering the risk to the environment and human health, legislative requirements, fairness to the operator, vulnerability to misuse (e.g. waste crime), and public and third-party interests.

There are four different types of authorisation:

1. General Binding Rules
2. Notification
3. Registration
4. Permit

General Binding Rules (GBRs)

General Binding Rules (GBRs) are mandatory rules that apply to low-risk activities. If the activity you are carrying out is covered by a GBR, as long as you comply with the rules in full, you are authorised. You do not need to apply for any other authorisation and there is no need to let us know.

If you exceed the limits set out in a GBR or cannot comply with all the rules, you will need a different type of authorisation.

Notification

Notifications are used for low-risk activities that we need to know are being carried out and by who, but we do not need to decide whether to grant or refuse an authorisation. The activity is considered authorised as soon as we have been notified.

Notifications may be associated with GBRs that must be complied with.

Notifications do not expire (unless specifically stated), and the authorisation exists until it is surrendered or revoked.

Registration

Registrations are used for activities that need a simple assessment before we decide to grant or refuse the authorisation. You will need to apply for a registration. We have 28 days to determine a registration application.

Activities that are authorised by a registration have standard conditions (rules) that apply and must be complied with. If you are unable to comply with the standard conditions that apply to your activity you must apply for a permit instead.

Registrations do not expire (unless specifically stated), and the authorisation exists until it is surrendered or revoked.

Standard conditions for all registration activities have been consulted on and are available on the relevant activity pages of our website.

Permit

Permits are used for higher risk and non-standard activities that need a rigorous assessment before we decide to grant or refuse the application. Activities that need a detailed Fit and Proper Person assessment, bespoke conditions or involve public consultation will be authorised under a permit. You will need to apply for a permit. We have four months to determine a permit application.

Permits can include standard conditions and bespoke conditions (conditions specific to the activity in the application that we think are needed to mitigate risk of environmental harm).

Permits do not expire (unless specifically stated), and the authorisation exists until it is surrendered or revoked.

Combined authorisations

Operators carrying out multiple regulated activities will only need to apply for one authorisation that covers all their activities. The type of authorisation required will be decided by the highest level of authorisation needed for each activity.