Direction of CPCB regarding harmonization of classification of industrial sectors under Red, Orange, Green, White and Blue categories
NO. CLE-HO/POL/CIRCULAR/2025
September 08, 2025
Members of the Council.
Sub: Direction of CPCB regarding harmonization of classification of industrial sectors under Red, Orange, Green, White and Blue categories.
Dear Member,
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) vide circular dated 12th February 2025 (copy enclosed) has made the following change with regard to classification of industries.
– Leather footwear and leather products (excluding tanning and hide processing) has been placed under “White” category from earlier classification of “Green” category
The following industries however will have no change in classification
– Tanneries (raw to finish), tanneries (raw to wet blue), tanneries (wet blue to finish) will continue to be in “red” category.
– Vegetable tanning will continue to be in “Orange” category
– Leather cutting and stitching (more than 10 machine and using motor) will continue to be in “White” category.
Industries which are categorized under “White” are exempted from the need to obtain Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) from State Pollution Control Boards. Hence, you may accordingly approach the State Pollution Control Board for obtaining further procedural/ compliance details.
Members may kindly take a note of the above
With regards,
R. Selvam IAS
Executive Director