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Somma Energy and Consultancy

Industrial Licensing

Industrial Licensing.

Legal compliance without bureaucracy.

Industrial licensing is a legal requirement for any industrial establishment in Portugal.
Somma accompanies the entire process, from classifying the establishment to obtaining the licences.
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INDUSTRIAL LICENSING in portugal

The Portuguese industrial sector in figures.

The manufacturing industry is one of the pillars of the national economy. All industrial companies in Portugal are subject to licensing under the terms of the Responsible Industry System. The complexity of the process varies according to the type of establishment, the activity carried out and the complementary legal regimes applicable.

Complementary legal regimes that may apply cumulatively to the licensing of your activity
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Of the Gross Value Added of the national non-financial sector generated by the manufacturing industry
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Manufacturing companies active in Portugal, all subject to industrial licensing under the terms of the SIR
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Industrial Licensing Services

Somma accompanies the entire industrial licensing process, from the classification of the establishment to obtaining the digital titles needed to start or continue the activity. Our work ensures that each process is rigorously instructed, submitted on the correct platforms and followed up with the competent authorities until its conclusion.

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Assessment of the facilities and activity to determine the type of establishment (1, 2 or 3), identify the competent coordinating body, the applicable legal regimes and estimate fees and deadlines associated with the process.

Preparation of the required technical documentation, preparation of the necessary auxiliary projects and submission of the process on the SIR platform, with monitoring by the coordinating body until the final decision.

Verification of eligibility for the simplified regime of mere prior communication, preparation of documentation and submission via the Balcão do Empreendedor, with follow-up until the digital operating licence is issued.

Comprehensive support in the final phase of the process, including preparation for inspections, obtaining the operating licence, processing registrations and planning renewals and legal updates.

Systematic monitoring of periodic legal obligations, support for adapting to new regulatory requirements and internal compliance audits to identify non-conformities at an early stage.

How we manage licensing:
From diagnosis to issuing the digital licence.
Diagnosis and Framework

Identification of the type of establishment, the applicable legal regimes, the competent coordinating body and the documentary and technical requirements needed to complete the process.

Instruction and Submission

Preparation of the technical documentation, drafting of the required auxiliary projects and submission of the process on the SIR platform, with active monitoring by the coordinating body and response to requests for additional information.

Obtaining and Maintaining a Licence

Accompanying inspections, obtaining the digital operating licence and continuous monitoring of periodic legal obligations to ensure compliance throughout the establishment's life cycle.

Why regularise the activity?

Industrial licensing is not a one-off formality. It is a permanent legal requirement that accompanies the entire life cycle of the establishment, from installation to alterations, from suspension to cessation of activity. Any change to the installations, the installed power or the activity carried out can lead to the establishment being reclassified and the need to update the existing licence.

The regulatory framework of the Responsible Industry System has been updated successively since 2012. Companies that have operated for years with a valid licence can find themselves out of compliance with current requirements without knowing it, exposing themselves to avoidable legal and operational risks.

Somma carries out an initial diagnosis to identify the company's exact situation, detect any non-compliance and define the most efficient way to regularise or update the current licence.

industrial licensing data consultation

Any change to the installations, the power contracted or the activity carried out can lead to the establishment being reclassified and the obligation to update the licence. Operating without a valid licence exposes the company to legal and operational risks with direct consequences for the business.

The licensing process involves multiple public entities with different requirements and deadlines. Knowing the exact framework of the activity is the first step to avoiding delays, requests for additional elements and unnecessary costs.

The CRS has seen successive legislative updates since 2012. Companies with old licences may be out of compliance with current requirements without knowing it. A technical diagnosis makes it possible to identify and correct these situations before they become a problem.

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Legal and Regulatory Framework

Legislation applied to each process.

Industrial licensing in Portugal is based on a set of legal diplomas and complementary legal regimes that are constantly being updated. Somma is constantly updated on this regulatory framework, ensuring that each process is instructed on the basis of the requirements in force.

The main legal framework for industrial licensing, approved by Decree-Law 169/2012 and revised by Decree-Law 73/2015. It defines the types of establishment, the applicable procedures, the coordinating entities and the sanctioning regime.

Simplified regime implemented by Decree-Law 10/2015, applicable to certain low-risk activities. It replaces licences and prior inspections with mere prior notification, processed entirely through the Entrepreneur's Desk.

Depending on the nature of the activity, regimes such as the Single Environmental Licence (LUA), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Major Accident Prevention (RPAG), Industrial Emissions (REI) and Waste Management (OGR) may apply cumulatively.

European regime applicable to industrial installations with significant greenhouse gas emissions. Being covered by the EU-ETS automatically determines the establishment's classification as type 2, with direct implications for the licensing process.

Somma technology

Monitor and manage your company's emissions in real time.

Somma has developed a digital platform that allows companies to calculate, monitor and validate their greenhouse gas emissions autonomously and continuously. Designed to meet the requirements of periodic reporting (quarterly, half-yearly or annually), the platform centralises all emissions information in a simple, auditable interface.

For companies that have already carried out their decarbonisation plan, it is the tool that guarantees the monitoring of results over time. For those starting the process, it's the starting point for a rigorous diagnosis based on real data.

 

Learn more about the platform

Environmental solutions adapted to every need.

somma report Somma Energy and Consultancy

Sustainability Report

Preparation of sustainability reports in line with the main international frameworks, including GRI and CSRD. Credible and structured communication of the company's environmental performance.

carbon footprint

Carbon Footprint

Calculation and quantification of your company's GHG emissions, based on the GHG Protocol and ISO 14064 standards. The starting point for any decarbonisation strategy.

decarbonising the SME industry Somma Energia e Consultoria

Industrial decarbonisation

Turn regulatory compliance into an action plan with emission reduction targets and access to European funding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Somma is ready to answer all your questions about industrial licensing and provide solutions tailored to your company's needs.

If you have any further questions, please contact us.

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All companies whose Economic Activity Code (CAE) is identified in Annex I of the SIR require industrial licensing. Somma carries out a preliminary diagnosis to determine whether the activity is subject to licensing and which procedure applies.

The type depends on the activity carried out, the electrical power contracted, the number of workers and the applicable legal regimes. Establishments are classified as type 1, 2 or 3, in descending order of complexity. Somma supports the correct classification from the diagnostic phase onwards.

This is the document that authorises the legal operation of the industrial establishment. It is compulsory for all establishments covered by the CRS and must be obtained before starting business. Its absence constitutes a serious economic offence under the terms of the legislation in force.

Certain changes, such as an increase in installed power, change of activity or extension of facilities, require prior notification or authorisation from the coordinating body and may involve reclassifying the establishment to a more demanding typology.

It depends on the CAE, the type of establishment and its location. For most type 1 and 2 establishments, the coordinating body is IAPMEI. For type 3 establishments, it's the local council of the area where the establishment is located.

The digital operating licence is valid indefinitely in most cases, but can be suspended or revoked in the event of non-compliance with the law. Certain situations, such as suspension of activity for more than a year, require mandatory communication to the competent authorities within 30 days.

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