Installations classified as environmental protection (ICPE)
Verified 21 November 2022 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
Installations classified for the protection of the environment (ICPE) can have impacts (water, air, soil pollution, etc.) and present dangers (fire, explosion, etc.) on the environment. For these reasons, they are subject to specific regulations.
To determine if a project is a PCI, consult the nomenclature PCIs.
If the risk to the environment is lower, the installation shall be subject to declaration.
The registration system differs from the authorization system in that the requirements for installations are standardized.
If the project is covered by an authorization (A), registration (E), declaration (D and DC), declaration (D) scheme, it is a PCI. This classification also determines whether installations are affected by major accident hazards (Seveso high or low threshold) or by the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED).
A PCI is operated or owned by a natural or legal person, public or private. For example, a plant, a Seveso plant, a quarry, a waste storage facility, a onshore wind farm, etc.
Warning
operating a classified installation without the necessary authorization, registration or declaration is subject to administrative and/or criminal fines.
PCI can also be an Iota.
Schemes A, E, DC and D identify the applicable procedures for obtaining permits to operate the installations and the texts to be complied with.
The inspection of classified installations shall be competent for the instruction and control of such installations.
Below the threshold of the declaration, the installation is said to Non-Classified (CN) and is subject to the mayor's police: the departmental health regulations apply.
Depending on the different schemes identified for the project, different procedures may apply:
- If the project is subject to authorization for at least one heading, the environmental authorization procedure shall apply.
- If the project is not subject to environmental authorization, the PCI registration or declaration procedure applies depending on the scheme identified.
Please note
The applicable legal texts depend on the PCI heading concerned by the project. They can be found on the website aida.ineris.fr
The preparation of an application file for an authorization, registration or declaration may require the use of a design office.
The application file for an environmental authorization, for a PKI registration, is examined by an instructing officer of the State services.
On the administrative side of the inquiry, the petitioner can contact the environmental offices (or counters). They are based either in the Prefecture, or in DDT, or in the Departmental Unit of DREAL (in the department where the IOTA is located).
This administrative aspect may concern in particular the following points:
- Receipt of file (unless deposit is dematerialized)
- Organization of the public consultation phase
- Organization of the Consultative Commission
- Management of the adversary
- Signature of the decision
On the technical side of the case, the petitioner must contact the coordinating training officer located in one of the following departments (in the department where the Aiot is located):
- Departmental unit of DREAL (Regional Directorate for Environment, Planning and Housing): for non-livestock and non-agri-food PCIs (with exceptions).
- In DDPP (Departmental Directorate of Population Protection): for Aiot/ICPE livestock and agri-food (except exceptions)
Who shall I contact
Who shall I contact
An ITO that may pose serious risks to the environment, public health or safety, or significant impacts on the aquatic environment is subject to environmental authorization.
The operator or the developer must prepare a file and apply for an environmental permit before it is put into service or carried out. This application shall include in particular all the measures envisaged to demonstrate the acceptability of the project in the light of the risks and impacts. The IOTA may not be operated or carried out until such authorization has been obtained.
Exchanges between the project owner and the administration in the upstream phase of the environmental authorization are recommended and may facilitate the preparation of the dossier. After submission to the Administration, the file shall be examined by the coordinating instructor. It shall then be subject to public consultation. At the end of the procedure, the prefect may issue an authorization or refusal order. The duration of the procedure is generally between 9 and 12 months.
You can consult the page of the ministry in charge of the environment on the environmental authorization, and the information card.
Drop Folder
Online
A paperless environmental authorization application must be submitted on Service-Public.fr.
This teleprocedure provides the petitioner with simplifications and time savings throughout the investigation procedure, including:
- The acknowledgement of receipt shall be automatically issued if all mandatory documents are submitted
- There is no longer a request for a wicket appointment for the completeness exam
- Supplements and other procedural documents (third-party expert, response of the petitioner to the opinion of the EA, contradictory, file of ERC measures) are also filed on Service-Public.fr
- The complete updated file is automatically submitted to environment-projects.gouv.fr
- The petitioner shall be automatically informed of the progress of the examination of his application
For all the information on teleprocedure and the preparation of the file, you can consult the booklet and the guide to building the paperless folder
The template files referred to in this guide are available here:
- Warrant of deposit (where the office of study files on behalf of the petitioner)
- Parcels (for terrestrial projects if the list of parcels is filed via a file instead of the online table)
- Geographical references (for maritime or river projects if information is provided via a file instead of the online table)
- ERC Metrics File for the metropolis and its notice
On the spot
Application for environmental authorization
The form must be deposited at the ICPE or Iota window in the prefecture, DDT or DREAL, in the department where the AIOT is to be established.
Who shall I contact
Who shall I contact
Where the project is subject to environmental assessment, all information necessary for the geolocation and description of compensatory measures must also be provided.
Project subject to environmental assessment
See the nomenclature environmental assessment determines whether the project is routinely submitted or is scheduled for review case-by-case examination. A project subject to environmental assessment includes an impact assessment that may contain ERC (Avoid, Reduce, Offset) measures. This impact assessment shall be subject in particular to public consultation and carried out by an authorization procedure. You may choose to submit to it on your own initiative.
A project may be subject to an environmental assessment without falling under any A/PCI, A/Iota or E/PCI heading. If no authorization procedure is applicable, it shall be subject to environmental authorization as supplementary authorization.
The contracting authority shall provide all information necessary for the geolocation and description of the compensatory measures. The general public shall have access to compensatory measures which provide information on the Geoportal.
On-board procedure within an environmental authorization
Depending on its nature and location, a project may also be subject to other procedures. Where it is subject to environmental authorization, this will take place and embark these procedures (out of city planning).
Embedded procedures are as follows:
- Special authorization for classified sites or is pending classification if the project is on the perimeter of one of these sites
- Special authorization under natural reserves if the project is within the perimeter of one of these reserves
- Absence of opposition under the site assessment regime Natura 2000 if the project is located on the perimeter of one of these sites
- Authorization for the emission of greenhouse gases
- Derogation from measures to protect wild fauna and flora (derogation for protected species)
- Approval or declaration for the use of genetically modified organisms
- Approval for waste treatment
- Authorization to operate electricity generation
- Authorization for clearing
- Necessary authorizations for wind-driven power generation installations (wind turbines)
- Authorizations for terrestrial linear transport infrastructure projects
- Derogation from the objectives of the Master Plan for Water Management and Management (SDAGE)
- Authorization to Affect Tree Aisles and Alignments
City planning Procedures
General case
A PCI project can also be submitted to a city planning authorization (e.g. building permit, development permit, demolition permit or advance work declaration).
If a project is inconsistent with the local city planning plan (PLU), the file may be rejected.
However, if a review of this PLU is in progress, the statement can be suspended until compatibility is achieved. The deliberation of the local authority initiating the review of the Local City planning Plan is then attached to the file.
If a project is subject to both environmental and construction authorization, the application files may be filed separately.
The public inquiry can be common, but you have to have the 2 authorizations before starting the work.
Wind turbine
A onshore wind project is exempt from construction permits if it is subject to environmental authorization.
Biodiversity raw data repository
It is mandatory to provide raw biodiversity data used in development projects submitted for approval to the administrative authority.
Environmental Authorization | Before the public inquiry phase |
PCI Declaration | Before the decision of the administrative authority |
ICPE Record | Before the decision of the administrative authority |
How do I prepare my file?
You may need insight into environmental issues, how the proceedings will unfold, and the timelines for the investigation. To this end, you have regulatory tools at your disposal that are planned for the upstream phase of environmental authorization:
- Upstream exchange via a meeting with government agencies
- Project Certificate: Sign Contract Prefect - project leader which establishes a framework of procedure
- Request for preliminary framing: ask the administration for clarification on the content of the impact assessment
- Case-by-case request: its instruction will determine whether an impact assessment can replace the impact assessment. If this is the case, the opinion of the environmental authority will not be sought and the public inquiry will be shorter.
The upstream phase can thus make it possible to produce a file of better quality which will facilitate subsequent investigation and reduce delays.
Who can take the step?
To apply for an environmental authorization, a petitioner must provide a document certifying:
- either he is the owner of the land
- or that he has the right to carry out his project there
- or that a procedure is under way to confer that right on him.
Scheme E is a simplified authorization which differs from the authorization scheme in that the risk management measures are similar from one site to another for the same heading.
This procedure applies within certain size limits to installations such as livestock farms, fuel warehouses, cold stores for example.
The operator must apply for registration before it can be put into service. It must demonstrate that it complies with the technical measures for the prevention of risks and nuisances laid down in a ministerial decree of general requirements.
Once the file is complete and regular, a public consultation will be carried out, then the prefect will sign the simplified authorization or refusal decision closing the procedure.
In the case of simplified authorization, the prefectural decree will cover the ministerial decree of general requirements to be complied with as well as any specific requirements.
The duration of instruction is generally between 5 and 6 months.
Any borehole more than 10 m in depth must also be the subject of a declaration sent by the contracting authority to the prefect at least 1 month before the work begins.
Who can take the step?
To apply for registration, a petitioner must provide a document certifying:
- Either he's the owner of the land
- Either he has the right to carry out his project there
- Either a procedure is under way to confer that right on him
How do I prepare my file?
You may need to shed light on environmental issues, address issues or questions about the project, ask for details about the procedure and the time limits for the investigation.
To this end, you have the opportunity to contact the environmental inspectorate (prior to the filing of the application for registration) in order to build a file of better quality that will facilitate the subsequent investigation.
Drop Folder
Online
A paperless simplified application (registration) must be submitted online.
Submit a simplified application for authorization (registration)
This teleprocedure allows for simplifications and time savings throughout the investigation procedure, including:
- The acknowledgement of receipt shall be automatically issued if all mandatory documents are submitted
- There is no longer a request for a wicket appointment for the completeness exam
- Supplements and other procedural documents (reply of the petitioner to a possible request for supplements, contradictory...) are also filed online
For all the information on teleprocedure and the preparation of the file, you can consult the booklet and the guide to preparing the teleregistration application procedure.
The template files referred to in this guide are available online:
- Warrant of deposit (for example, where a research bureau files on behalf of the petitioner)
- Parcels (for projects if the list of parcels is filed via a file instead of the online table)
- Geographical references (for projects if information is provided via a file instead of the online table)
On the spot
You must complete the cerfa form n°15697. An explanatory note is available.
The registration file must be deposited with the ICPE window (according to the organization of each territory) in the department where the AIOT is to be established.
Who shall I contact
Who shall I contact
City planning Procedures
A PCI project may also be subject to city planning authorization (e.g. building, development, demolition or advance work declaration).
Administrative formalities concerning the city planning shall be filed separately in the registration file.
If a project is inconsistent with the city planning document in force, the file may be refused.
If a building permit has been applied for, it can be granted but the work cannot be carried out until the prefect has issued the simplified authorization order (registration).
Biodiversity raw data repository
It is mandatory to provide raw biodiversity data used in development projects submitted for approval to the administrative authority.
The data must be provided before the decision of the administrative authority.
An installation covered by the reporting scheme (D) under PCI is an activity which does not present serious hazards or nuisances. It must nevertheless comply with requirements in the context of its operation.
The declaration shall include the installations, works, works and activities (IOTA) which are necessary for the classified installation owing to their interconnection or whose proximity is such as to modify significantly the hazards or disadvantages thereof.
For new installations, the operator shall must make a pre-project teledeclaration.
You can consult the list of component parts a report application file.
Within the same teleprocedure, the following declarations may be made (in addition to an initial declaration):
- Modification (of the location, nature or capacity of the installations, mode of operation of the installations, specification(s) applicable to the installation): for more information, see the chapter on Modification
- Acquired rights (grandfathering in case of modification of the PCI nomenclature): For more information, see the chapter "Acquired rights"
- Change of operator: For more information, see the chapter "Change of operator"
- Discontinuance: For more information, see the chapter "Discontinuance"
For all the information on teleprocedure and the preparation of the file, you can consult the booklet and the guide to preparing the PCI reporting teleprocedure.
The template file referred to in this guide is available online:
- Warrant of deposit (for example, where a research firm files on behalf of the petitioner).
For a remote declaration of an initial project
Proof of lodgment of the declaration shall be issued immediately by electronic means and shall be made available to the public on the website of the Prefecture for a minimum period of 3 years.
On-line declaration of a classified installation for the protection of the environment (ICPE)
The registrant must wait at least 15 days from the proof of filing of his PKI teledeclaration before he can start up and operate his installation. If an environmental assessment is requested, the notifier will have to wait until he has an environmental authorization to operate before he can put his facility into service.
If the project is concerned by a Natura 2000 site (in particular because it is located in or near a Natura 2000 site, or because one or more land application plots are located in Natura 2000 area), the registrant must attach a Natura 2000 impact assessment to his declaration file and must wait for the approval of the administration before being able to operate. You can visit the Natura 2000 section on the website Ministry of Ecological Transition.
The completeness and accuracy of the declared elements are the responsibility of the declarant. In case of inaccurate information or omission of elements, there will be a lack of reporting and the operator will be subject to administrative or criminal sanctions under the Environmental Code.
A PCI project can also be submitted to a city planning authorization (e.g. building permit, development permit, demolition permit or advance work declaration).
The operator undertakes to submit, together with his declaration, his application for a building permit if necessary. If a project is inconsistent with the city planning document in force, the file may be rejected.
It is mandatory to provide raw biodiversity data used in development projects submitted for approval to the administrative authority.
Any borehole more than 10 m in depth must also be the subject of a declaration sent by the contracting authority to the prefect at least 1 month before the work begins. This is not necessary where the drilling has been subject to an IOTA or environmental authorization.
Installations which, after having been regularly put into service, are subject, under a decree on the classification of classified installations, to the PCI scheme concerned. They may continue to operate without this declaration, provided that the operator has already made himself known to the prefect of the department or makes himself known to him within one year of the entry into force of the decree.
This provision shall also apply where the origin of the change in classification of the installation is a change in the hazard classification of a substance, mixture or product used or stored in the installation. The one-year period shall, in this case, be calculated from the date of entry into force of that change of classification.
For the installations concerned covered by the authorization and registration system, a declaration must be made to the prefect of department.
For the relevant installations covered by the reporting scheme, the operator of the installation falling within the scope of the classification of classified installations must make the remote declaration of the benefit of acquired rights by entering the information by clicking on the following link:
On-line declaration of a classified installation for the protection of the environment (ICPE)
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
PCI subject to environmental authorization (A) or registration (E)
Once the authorization or registration has been obtained, any major change projects must be reported to the prefect of the department.
In cases where the modification is substantial, a new application for an environmental authorization or registration must be filed.
If the change is significant, a report is sent to the prefect of the department. If the examination by the environmental inspectorate confirms its non-substantial nature, a prefectural order of additional requirements may be signed if necessary.
The Prefect of the Department may at any time amend the requirements by order of the Prefect in order to strengthen, adapt or mitigate the requirements laid down. Such modifications shall be made either at the justified request of the holder or on a proposal from the environmental inspectorate.
PCI subject to reporting (D)
Once the declaration has been obtained, any major change projects must be reported to the prefect of the department, by entering the information by clicking on the following link:
On-line declaration of a classified installation for the protection of the environment (ICPE)
In cases where the change is substantial, a new declaration should be filed by clicking on the following link:
On-line declaration of a classified installation for the protection of the environment (ICPE)
If the change is significant, a report is sent to the prefect of the department. If the examination by the environmental inspectorate confirms its non-substantial nature, a prefectural order of special requirements may be signed if necessary.
The Prefect of the Department may at any time amend the requirements by order of the Prefect in order to strengthen, adapt or mitigate the requirements laid down. Such amendments may be made either at the justified request of the holder or on a proposal from the environmental inspectorate.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
PCI subject to environmental authorization (A)
The request for a change of operator is addressed to the Prefect.
Within 3 months of the transfer, the new operator shall make a declaration stating:
- In the case of a natural person: the first and last names and domicile of the new operator
- In the case of a legal person: name or business name, legal form, address of registered office and capacity of the declarant.
The prefect shall acknowledge receipt thereof within one month.
In the following cases, the change of operator shall be subject to authorization:
- Waste storage facilities (excluding inert)
- Careers
- Seveso threshold high
- Carbon dioxide geological storage sites
- Certain installations likely to cause significant soil and water pollution.
PCI subject to registration (E) or declaration (D)
The change of operator is subject to authorization for certain installations subject to the registration system and likely to cause significant soil and water pollution. The technical and financial capacity of the new operator and the financial guarantees shall be annexed to that application. This shall not apply where their amount is less than €100,000.
In other cases, the new farmer shall notify the prefect of the department within one month of taking over the holding by entering the information by clicking on the following link:
On-line declaration of a classified installation for the protection of the environment (ICPE)
The statement states:
- In the case of a natural person: the first and last names and domicile of the new operator
- In the case of a legal person: name or business name, legal form, address of registered office and capacity of the declarant.
A receipt for this declaration shall be issued free of charge.
PCI covered by declaration with periodic inspection by a recognized organization
The change of operator declaration shall be accompanied by proof of completion of the last periodic inspection. A receipt for this declaration shall be issued free of charge.
The prefectural decree for environmental authorization, registration or declaration shall cease to have effect if the project has not been put into service or carried out within three years from the date of notification or within the period laid down in the act, where applicable.
This period may be extended in the event of force majeure or of a justified and accepted request for an extension of the period.
The Prefectural Decree shall lapse if the holding has been interrupted for more than three consecutive years. In such cases, a new application must be made in accordance with the rules in force.
Any cessation of the operation of a PCI subject to environmental authorization or registration must be notified to the prefect at least 3 months before the date of the permanent cessation. This period shall be extended to 6 months for a waste storage facility, a carbon dioxide geological storage site or a quarry.
This period shall be 1 month for a PCI subject to reporting. The information should be entered by clicking on the following link:
On-line declaration of a classified installation for the protection of the environment (ICPE)
The operator has an obligation to secure and restore the site.
The provisions applicable in the event of a shutdown of the installation for the safety and restoration of the site depend on the use of the site and the regime of the installation (A, E).
The more sensitive the future use, the more important the measures to be taken.
Who can help me?
Find who can answer your questions in your region
- Environmental Code: Article L229-6Authorization for the emission of greenhouse gases
- Environment Code: Articles L332-1 to L332-10Special authorization for national nature reserves
- Environment Code: Articles L341-1 to L341-15-1Special authorization for classified or pending sites
- Environmental Code: Article L411-2Derogation for protected species
- Environmental Code: Article L414-4No objection under the Natura 2000 assessment regime
- Environment Code: Articles L511-1 to L517-2
- Environmental Code: Article R122-2Projects subject to environmental assessment
- Environmental Code: Article R181-46Modification of a project subject to environmental authorization
- Environmental Code: Articles R516-1 to R516-6Financial guarantees
- Environmental Code: Article L532-3Approval or declaration for the use of genetically modified organisms
- Energy Code: Article L311-1Authorization to operate electricity production facilities
- Heritage Code: Article L621-32Authorization for road and rail infrastructure ‘State’
- Heritage Code: Articles L632-1 to L632-3Authorization for road and rail infrastructure ‘State’
- Decree No. 2016-1661 of 5 December 2016 amending the Environmental Code and the nomenclature of PCIs
- Decree No. 2018-458 of 6 June 2018 amending the nomenclature of classified installations for the protection of the environment
- Decree No. 2019-1096 of 28 October 2019 amending the nomenclature of classified installations for the protection of the environment
- Decree No. 2019-292 of 9 April 2019 amending the nomenclature of classified installations for the protection of the environment
- Decree n°2020-559 of 12 May 2020 amending the nomenclature of PCIs - registration regimeIntroduction of the registration scheme for 3 headings: 2915, 2930 and 2940 in the nomenclature
- Order of 15 December 2015 on the dematerialization of the declaration of installations classified for the protection of the environment
- Order of 3 March 2017 laying down the national model application for registration of a classified installation for the protection of the environmentForm for applications for registration
- Order of 11 April 2017 on the general requirements for covered warehouses under item 1510
- Order of 21 November 2017 amending certain ministerial orders applicable to certain installations classified for the protection of the environment
- Order of 28 June 2018 amending the Order of 5 December 2016 on PCIs subject to reporting with periodic monitoring
- Circular of 12 January 2012 on the appraisal of wind projects by civil aviation services (PDF - 1.2 MB)
- Order of 21 November 2017 on the requirements for installations covered by the permit scheme under heading No 2150 of the PCI nomenclature
- Order of 21 November 2017 on the requirements for installations covered by the declaration with periodic inspection scheme under heading No 2150 of the PCI nomenclature
- Warrant for the filing of a teleprocedure D ICPE
Document template
- Apply for an environmental permit
Online service
- Submit a simplified application for authorization (registration)
Online service
- File an IOTA Declaration (Facilities, Works and Activities)
Form
- Notification of the cessation of activity of an installation classified as PCI covered by the declaration scheme
Form
- Declaration of grandfathering of an installation classified as PCI
Form
- Declaration of change of operator of a PCI classified installation
Form
- Change Declaration for an ICPE Classified Installation
Form
- Initial declaration of a PCI rated installation
Form
- On-line declaration of a classified installation for the protection of the environment (ICPE)
Online service
- Application for environmental authorization
Form
- Consultation of projects submitted for impact assessment
Online service
- Application for registration for one or more installations classified for the protection of the environment
Form
- Request for instruction of a wind project by civil aviation services
Form
- Single authorization for an installation classified as PCI - Title II (other than energy installations)
Form
- Single authorization for an installation classified as PCI - Title I (energy installations)
Form
- Warrant for filing an application for registration
Document template
- Parcels
Document template
- Geographical references
Document template
- Installation of a domestic or agricultural wind turbine
- Environmental authorizationMinistry of the Environment
- Consultation of projects submitted for impact assessmentMinistry of the Environment
- Aiot Teleprocedure Guide (PDF - 1.5 MB)Ministry of the Environment
- Brochure - Teleprocedure Environmental Authorization (PDF - 199.8 KB)Ministry of the Environment
- Plots - environmental authorization (CSV - 0)Ministry of the Environment
- Geographical references - environmental authorization (CSV - 0)Ministry of the Environment
- ERC Measurement File - Environmental Authorization (ZIP - 2.6 MB)Ministry of the Environment
- Legal texts applicable to PCINational Institute of Industrial Environment and Risks (Ineris)
- Nomenclature of Iota (installations polluting aquatic environments)National Institute of Industrial Environment and Risks (Ineris)
- KPI NomenclatureNational Institute of Industrial Environment and Risks (Ineris)
- Projects subject to environmental assessmentLegifrance
- Environmental assessment: request for case-by-case reviewMinistry of the Environment
- Site PolicyMinistry of the Environment
- Protected areas in FranceMinistry of the Environment
- Natura 2000Ministry of the Environment
- Authorization to operate a power-generating facilityMinistry of the Environment
- Clearing a forestMinistry responsible for research
- Environmental authorization: simplified procedures, secure projects (PDF - 335.4 KB)Ministry of the Environment
- Environmental authorizationMinistry of the Environment
- Warrant of filing for environmental authorization (ODT - 21.7 KB)Ministry of the Environment
- Brochure for the presentation of the teleregistration application procedure (PDF - 256.6 KB)Ministry of the Environment
- Guide to preparing the teleprocedure for the application for registration (PDF - 653.2 KB)Ministry of the Environment
- List of constituent documents of a declaration application dossierLegifrance
- Guide to the preparation of the PCI reporting teleprocedureMinistry of the Environment
- Teleprocedure Reporting Brochure - PCIMinistry of the Environment