In a landmark move to promote industrial ease and cut regulatory red tape, the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) has officially classified 716 new sectors under the White Category. This expands the existing list of 54 sectors originally identified by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), bringing the total to 770 sectors in Andhra Pradesh that are now exempt from pollution consent requirements.
The decision is aligned with the guidelines of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023, the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
🔍 What Is the White Category?
White Category industries are considered non-polluting or minimal-polluting, meaning they do not require prior Consent to Establish (CTE) or Consent to Operate (CTO) from pollution control authorities. This classification allows such industries to start operations without regulatory delays, provided they comply with basic environmental standards.
🧾 Key Highlights of the New White Category List:
- 716 additional sectors identified using revised Pollution Index methodology by APPCB committees.
- Sectors include handicrafts, textile work, light assembly, trading, non-extractive food processing, and low-impact manufacturing.
- Activities like computer assembling, embroidery, jute pressing, herbal product making, gemstone polishing, and even rental vehicle services are included.
- Ceramic products, wooden toys, sports kits, bamboo items, paper bags, and clay carving now require no environmental consent.
🛠️ Examples of New White Category Sectors Include:
| S. No | Sector |
| 1 | Computer and peripheral assembling |
| 2 | Distributors of agricultural machinery |
| 3 | Floriculture & Horticulture |
| 4 | Hand-made match manufacturing |
| 5 | Manufacturing of wooden toys |
| 6 | Gem stones cutting and polishing |
| 7 | Paper bags making |
| 8 | Handmade jewellery (assembly only) |
| 9 | Steel scrub making |
| 1o | Power Loom Shuttles & Pickers Assembly |
Many of these are cottage-scale or manual labor-based activities, traditionally found in rural and semi-urban areas, offering an opportunity for MSMEs and artisans to benefit from simpler regulations.
📌 Conditions and Notes:
- In case of conflict with CPCB’s Red/Orange/Green/Blue classifications, CPCB’s notification prevails.
- The White Category list will be updated annually.
- No Consent Required from APPCB for operations under these sectors unless other pollution norms are violated.
📢 Official Action Required
All Zonal and Regional Officers (ZOs & ROs) have been directed to:
- Implement this new classification with immediate effect (July 9th,2025)
- Report compliance within one week.
📈 Impact
This move is expected to:
- Reduce bureaucratic hurdles
- Encourage micro and small enterprises
- Foster entrepreneurial activity in clean and non-polluting sectors
- Promote decentralized economic development in Andhra Pradesh
📄 Access the Full List
For the detailed sector-wise list and implementation guidelines, visit the official APPCB website.