Back to Make an application

Apply for an authorisation

Use this service to make an application for a registration or permit to carry out activities under the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations (EASR).

This service can’t be used for:

• Waste carriers, brokers and Professional Collectors and Transporters of Waste (PCTW).
• Private Sewage Treatment Systems (PSTS).
• Applications with a joint applicant.
• To vary, surrender, or transfer an authorisation.

Please note, the regulation of water, waste management and industrial activities will transition under EASR from 1 November 2025.

You cannot apply for an EASR authorisation using our digital application service until 1 November 2025.

If you need to apply for a new authorisation before 1 November 2025, read Authorisations and Permits on our legacy website.

To apply online

You will need to provide:

• Details about your business or organisation.
• An activity form.
• Supporting information.
• Payment by credit/debit card or BACS.

As part of your application, you will be asked if any information within relates to national security or is commercially confidential. You will need to upload a file to provide further details.

You will also be asked if anyone has an unspent conviction for any of these offences or if anyone has been served any previous SEPA Fixed Monetary Penalty (FMP) or Variable Monetary Penalty (VMP) notices.

What do I need to know?

You will not be able to save an incomplete application and return to finish it later. All documents must be completed and ready to upload.

Your company information may be pulled from Companies House, ensure these details are up to date before starting your application.

An activity form for each activity being applied for must be included in your application. This form, and guidance on how to complete it, can be found on the information page for an activity. It’s quicker and easier to apply online. If you can’t, or if you need help please contact us.

If you are a user of British Sign Language, the Contact Scotland BSL service will give you access to an online interpreter.

After you apply

We will assess your application and tell you of our decision, the statutory timescale for a registration is within 28 days and four months for a permit. On occasion, there may be circumstances where these timescales might need to be extended.

We may need to contact you when we are assessing your application if we have questions or need more information.

If you choose to combine multiple related activities under one application, the determination period will default to the longest timescale (e.g. if your application includes both a registration level and permit level activity, the determination period for both will be four months).

If your application is declined on the grounds that insufficient information has been provided, you will be refunded 80% of your application fee.

If your application is refused, you will be told why this decision has been made and provided with details of what to do next. Application fees will not be refunded for applications which are refused or withdrawn.

If you can’t apply online

You can also submit application by email or post however, these methods will take longer.

To apply by email or post, you’ll need to provide:

• A generic application form, which will ask details about your business or organisation.
• An activity form.
• Supporting information.
• Payment by credit/debit card or BACS.