The new Law on Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control, published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia, No. 63/2026 of 10 July 2026, aligns Serbian legislation with European standards and introduces more specific obligations for operators of installations subject to the integrated permit regime. For companies operating in industry, energy, the chemical sector, waste management, and other activities covered by the Law, we highlight several key developments:
Obligation to Identify Installations and Plan the Obtaining of an Integrated Permit
Operators are required to submit information on their installation, its capacity, and the planned deadline for filing an application for an integrated permit to the competent authority. The integrated permit must cover the installation’s overall environmental impact, including emissions to air, water and soil, waste generation, the use of natural resources, energy efficiency, noise, accident prevention measures, and site remediation following the permanent closure of the installation.
Greater Focus on Best Available Techniques (BAT)
Operators are required to:
- apply Best Available Techniques (BAT);
- prevent significant pollution;
- use energy efficiently;
- prevent waste generation and manage waste in accordance with the waste hierarchy;
- implement measures to prevent accidents and restore the site after the installation permanently ceases operations.
Enhanced Obligations Following the Issuance of an Integrated Permit
The new Law introduces ongoing obligations for operators, including:
- carrying out environmental monitoring;
- submitting monitoring results to the competent authorities;
- promptly reporting accidents, incidents, and any non-compliance with permit conditions;
- renewing water permits and waste management permits in a timely manner;
- submitting relevant data to the Serbian Environmental Protection Agency.
Stricter Consequences for Non-Compliance
Where non-compliance with the permit conditions poses an immediate risk to human health or causes significant harm to the environment, the Law provides for the suspension of the operation of the installation, or part thereof, until compliance with the permit conditions is restored.
Clearer Operator Liability
Operators are liable for damage caused by pollution originating from their installation and are responsible for bearing the costs of remediation. If the operator fails to carry out the required remediation within the prescribed deadline, the competent authority may undertake the remediation at the operator’s expense.
Key Takeaway for Businesses
Companies operating installations covered by the Law should promptly review the compliance of their internal procedures, environmental monitoring systems, waste management practices, and accident response plans, bearing in mind that the Law enters into force on 18 July 2026.
For additional information or consultations, the Tasić & Partners team is at your disposal.