How does it work?

The route a new factory takes through the state government departments, and every approval activity along the way.

Enviro Tech ZoneApprovals Simplified

The approval route

As shown in the ETZ profile: the route starts with TNPCB, then moves through the single window, the departments, contract labour registration, the BDO or local panchayath, and final approval.

  1. Start

    Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB)

    The route begins with the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board.

  2. Step 1

    Single Window Clearance

    Applications are submitted through the single window system of the Guidance Bureau.

  3. Step 2

    Department approvals through the single window

    The single window works back and forth with each of these departments until their approvals are in place:

    • Inspector of Factories
    • Fire and Rescue
    • Health Department
    • DTCP

  4. Step 3

    Registration of contract labour

    Contract labour is registered with the Inspector of Factories.

  5. Step 4

    Approval from BDO / local panchayath body

    The Block Development Office or the local panchayath body gives its approval.

  6. Step 5

    Final approval from TNPCB / Inspector of Factories

    Final approvals are issued by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board and the Inspector of Factories.

List of activities for government approvals

The serial numbers do not follow the order of the activities. Targets are indicative, from the ETZ profile; actual times depend on the department and your application.

S.NoActivityDepartmentType of clearanceTargetRemarks
1 TNPCB clearance (under Air & Water Act) Department: Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board Type of clearance: Consent to Establish Target: 30–45 days Remarks: Before starting construction
2 Registration of contract labour Department: Inspector of Factories Type of clearance: Registration certificate Target: 7 working days Remarks: To be applied before 30 days to start construction
3 Submission of all documents Department: District Industries Centre, Guidance Bureau Type of clearance: Forwarding letter Target: 7 days Remarks: Single window system co-ordination for all departments
4 Submission of building plan Department: Inspector of Factory Type of clearance: Building plan approval Target: 21 days –
5 Health & hygiene conditions approval Department: Dy. Director of Health Services Type of clearance: Building plan approval Target: 21 days –
6 Fire safety plan approval Department: Fire and Rescue Services Type of clearance: No Objection Certificate Target: 21 days –
7 Building approval as per Town & Country Planning Act & Rules Department: DTCP / CMDA Type of clearance: Building plan approval Target: 60 days –
8 Change in land use Department: DTCP / CMDA Type of clearance: Issue of re-classification through G.O. Target: 6 months –
9 Running licence & assessment of building tax Department: Block Development Office / Local Panchayat Body Type of clearance: Local body approved factory licence Target: 30 days Remarks: Village panchayat council to pass resolution
10 Pollution clearance Department: TNPCB Type of clearance: Consent to Operate Target: 30 days Remarks: After completion of erection and before the beginning of trial production
11 Factory licence Department: Inspector of Factories Type of clearance: Factory licence Target: 30 days Remarks: After installation of machinery and before starting trial production
12 Hazardous / explosive clearance Department: RDO Type of clearance: Conditional approval for using explosive / hazardous / inflammable material Target: – Remarks: Required for diesel / chemical storage of more than 200 litres. A separate application is required for usage of explosive materials.
13 Apply for power Department: TNEB Type of clearance: Power connection Target: 45 days Remarks: After completion of S.No 5
14 No Objection Certificate Department: Local Panchayat Type of clearance: No Objection Certificate for constructing industry Target: 15 days Remarks: Before starting construction

The S.No above does not follow the order of the activities (as noted in the ETZ profile). Targets are indicative.

Approval decisions and timelines rest with the respective government authorities. ETZ provides preparation, coordination and follow-up support.

Common questions

Which departments does ETZ help with?

Guidance Bureau (Single Window Clearance), Pollution Control Board, Director of Industrial Safety & Health, Health Department, Fire and Rescue Department, Town and Country Planning / CMDA, Block Development Office, and PESO NOC / licence.

Does ETZ only handle approvals?

No. In the pre-setup period ETZ also identifies sites, clears revenue documents, assists with land title transfer, introduces architecture professionals, and prepares drawings and documents.

How long do approvals take?

The ETZ profile lists indicative targets for each activity, from 7 working days for contract labour registration to 6 months for a change in land use. Actual times depend on the department and the application, so they are not guaranteed.

Can ETZ guarantee my approval?

No. Approval decisions are made by the respective government authorities. ETZ helps you prepare, submit and follow up correctly.

What do I need to get started?

See the documents and drawings checklist, then send an enquiry or call +91 98416 65444.

Where does ETZ work?

ETZ supports manufacturing units in and around Chennai, from its head office in Mugappair.

Abbreviations

BDO
Block Development Office (or Officer)
BOCW
Building and Other Construction Workers
CL
Contract Labour
CMDA
Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority
CRZ
Coastal Regulation Zone
DIC
District Industries Centre
DISH
Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health (Inspector of Factories)
DTCP
Directorate of Town and Country Planning
EC
Encumbrance Certificate
ETP / STP
Effluent Treatment Plant / Sewage Treatment Plant
FMB
Field Measurement Book (sketch)
G.O.
Government Order
HP
Horsepower
ISM
Inter-State Migrant workmen
NOC
No Objection Certificate
PESO
Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation
RDO
Revenue Divisional Officer
SIPCOT
State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu
SWC
Single Window Clearance
TNEB
Tamil Nadu Electricity Board
TNPCB
Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board

Planning a manufacturing unit in Chennai?

Tell ETZ where you are in the process. From site selection to the final factory licence, the team supports you through every department.

Send an enquiry Call +91 98416 65444