When does an activity need an ICPE authorisation rather than a notification?
The regime depends on the threshold reached in the classified installations nomenclature: notification, registration or environmental authorisation. Authorisation is required for installations that present serious danger or nuisance to the protected interests, and it is granted by the prefect after an impact assessment, a hazard study and a public inquiry. Operating without the required authorisation is a criminal offence and can lead to a formal notice, a financial guarantee order or suspension of the activity.
Source
- Source
- French Environment Code, Articles L. 511-1, L. 512-1 and L. 512-8
- Source
- Légifrance
- Area
- Sustainability, CSR and environment
- Checked
- 2026-09-21
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