Khartoum State Supreme Council: Environmental Approvals Mandatory for Industrial Licenses

• The Supreme Council for Environment and Urban and Rural Development in Khartoum State has made environmental approvals a mandatory condition for industrial licenses.
• The new regulations are based on the Khartoum State Environmental Protection and Development Act of 2008, as amended in 2020.
• Lawyers advising on industrial projects should factor in the time and cost of obtaining environmental approval when planning project timelines and budgets.

The Council has emphasized its commitment to cooperation with relevant authorities and compliance with applicable regulations and bylaws.

The Supreme Council for Environment and Urban and Rural Development in Khartoum State has introduced a new condition for the licensing of industrial and service activities. According to a decision issued by Secretary-General of the Khartoum State Government Ahmed Al-Mustafa, no license will be granted unless the establishment has obtained environmental approval from the Supreme Council for Environment. This move is aimed at ensuring that all industrial and service establishments meet the required environmental standards before commencing operations.

The procedures for obtaining environmental approvals have been completed through the General Administration for Environmental Impact Assessment and Licensing, in accordance with the Khartoum State Environmental Protection and Development Act of 2008, as amended in 2020. The Council has emphasized its commitment to cooperation with relevant authorities and compliance with applicable regulations and bylaws.

The new condition is based on the Khartoum State Environmental Protection and Development Act of 2008, which was amended in 2020. The Act sets out the framework for environmental protection and development in Khartoum State, including provisions for environmental impact assessments and licensing requirements. The amendments to the Act introduced new regulations aimed at strengthening environmental governance and ensuring that industrial activities are carried out in an environmentally responsible manner.

The General Administration for Environmental Impact Assessment and Licensing plays a crucial role in implementing these regulations, overseeing the procedures for obtaining environmental approvals and meeting environmental requirements for all establishments.

Lawyers advising on industrial projects in Khartoum State should note that obtaining environmental approvals is now a mandatory condition for license issuance. Clients should be advised to factor this into project timelines and budgets, as the process of obtaining environmental approval can take several months. The new regulations aim to ensure that industrial activities are carried out in an environmentally responsible manner, which is essential for maintaining public health and safety.

The introduction of environmental approvals as a mandatory condition for license issuance is a significant development in Khartoum State's efforts to strengthen environmental governance and promote sustainable development.

Lawyers advising on industrial projects in Khartoum State should note that obtaining environmental approvals is now a mandatory condition for license issuance, and clients should be advised to factor this into project timelines and budgets.

Source: Original reporting via SUNA