Act containing provisions concerning general matters of environmental hygiene (Environment Management Act).

Subject

Environment gen., Sea, Water

Keyword

Framework law Institution Environmental planning EIA Authorization/permit Pollution control Soil pollution/quality Marine pollution Environmental standards Subsidy/incentive Legal proceedings/administrative proceedings Offences/penalties Protection of environment Emissions Emissions trading Policy/planning Standards Freshwater pollution Sustainable development

Geographical area

Benelux, Europe, Europe and Central Asia, European Union Countries, North Atlantic, North Sea, North-East Atlantic, Western Europe

Abstract

This Act lays down, in 18 Chapters, subdivided in articles, the general principles of environment protection in the Netherlands, creates a framework for administration, planning and decision-making at a national and subnational level, and regulates various environment protection matters in more detail. These matters include the development and establishment of environment quality standards (Chap. 5), preparation and environment impact assessment reports (Chap. 7), grant or refusal permits, their modification or withdrawal, and various requirements which may be attached to permits (Chap. 8), the production and treatment of waste matter (Chap. 10), coordination within the administration (Chap. 14), contributions to environment conservation measures (Chap. 15), enforcement, and appeal within the administration (Chap. 21). There shall be a National Environment Plan (art. 4.3), A National Environment Programme (art. 4.6), Provincial Environment Plans (art. 4.9) and Programmes (art. 4.14), and Municipal Plans (art. 4.16) also for drainage (art. 4.22), and Programmes (art. 4.20). The National and Provincial Plans shall be made at least every four years and the yearly Programmes shall comply with the Plans.

Full text

Dutch

Website

www.overheid.nl

References - Legislation

Implements

Commission Regulation (EU) No. 601/2012 on the monitoring and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions pursuant to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council.

Legislation | European Union | 2012

Keyword: Pollution control, Air quality/air pollution, Ozone layer, Climate change, Emissions, Authorization/permit, Policy/planning, Monitoring, Data collection/reporting, Environmental standards, Standards, Protection of environment

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Commission Regulation (EU) No. 600/2012 on the verification of greenhouse gas emission reports and tonne-kilometre reports and the accreditation of verifiers pursuant to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council.

Legislation | European Union | 2012

Keyword: Pollution control, Air quality/air pollution, Ozone layer, Climate change, Emissions, Data collection/reporting

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Implemented by

Decree No. 135 of 2008 amending some general Orders in Council to bring them in line with articles 8.8 and 8.11 of the Environment Protection Act.

Legislation | Netherlands | 2008

Keyword: Emissions, Environmental standards, Standards, Protection of environment, Waste management

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Decree No. 182 of 2008 partially implementing Directive 2006/21/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the management of waste from extractive industries and amending Directive 2004/35/EC (Decree Management Extraction Waste).

Legislation | Netherlands | 2008

Keyword: Soil conservation/soil improvement, Soil pollution/quality, Pollution control, Mining, Waste disposal, Hazardous waste, Waste management, Freshwater pollution, Surface water, Groundwater

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Decree No. 308 on the quality of soil management.

Legislation | Netherlands | 2006

Keyword: Soil conservation/soil improvement, Soil pollution/quality, Soil rehabilitation, Policy/planning, Authorization/permit, Certification

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Environmental management activities decree (Decree on general rules for environmental management establishments).

Legislation | Netherlands | 2007 (2022)

Keyword: Pollution control, Authorization/permit, Effluent waste water/discharge, Data collection/reporting, Soil pollution/quality, Freshwater pollution

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Decree containing further rules in relation with circulation of information regarding disasters.

Legislation | Netherlands | 1994 (2010)

Keyword: Hazards, Genetically modified organism (GMO), Biosafety, Data collection/reporting, Access-to-information

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Decree No. 168 of 1996 containing rules for horticultural enterprises with covered cultivations.

Legislation | Netherlands | 1996

Keyword: Pollution control, Soil pollution/quality, Pesticides, Fertilizers/nutrients, Freshwater pollution

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Decree No. 71 of 2003 relative to financial guarantees for the fullfilment of obligations imposed by Directives and liability in the field of environment protection (Decree Guarantees Environment Management).

Legislation | Netherlands | 2003

Keyword: Pollution control, Authorization/permit, Liability/compensation, Enforcement/compliance

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Decree No. 334 of 2000 containing environment protection rules for equipment and installations used in construction and wood processing enterprises.

Legislation | Netherlands | 2000

Keyword: Timber, Non-timber products, Processing/handling, Pollution control, Ecofriendly products/ecofriendly processes, Freshwater pollution

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Decree No. 320 of 2000 relative to transactions for offences in the field of the environment.

Legislation | Netherlands | 2000

Keyword: Pollution control, Legal proceedings/administrative proceedings, Offences/penalties, Polluter pays principle

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Decree No. 655 of 1998 relative to environment reporting.

Legislation | Netherlands | 1998 (2005)

Keyword: Data collection/reporting, EIA, Authorization/permit

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Environment Subsidies Decree (No. 720 of 1998).

Legislation | Netherlands | 1998

Keyword: Subsidy/incentive

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Decree no. BWBR0045037, containing rules on electronic publication of general announcements, notices and notifications (Electronic Publications Decree).

Legislation | Netherlands | 2021

Keyword: Access-to-information, Data collection/reporting, Governance, Standards

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Decree no. BWBR0016767 of 27 May 2004, containing environmental quality requirements for the external safety of environmental management establishments (Decree on the external safety of establishments).

Legislation | Netherlands | 2004 (2015)

Keyword: Authorization/permit, Environmental standards, Protection of environment, Resource/damage valuation, Risk assessment/management, Standards, Zoning, Land-use planning, Hazardous substances, Hazardous waste, Transport/storage, Waste management

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Decree no. BWBR0028265 of 24 July 2010, containing environmental quality requirements for external safety for the transport of hazardous substances through pipelines (External Safety Pipelines Decree).

Legislation | Netherlands | 2010

Keyword: Risk assessment/management, Hazards, Public health, Protection of environment, Resource/damage valuation, Waterworks, Hazardous substances, Transport/storage, Zoning

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Decree no. BWBR0034233 of 11 November 2013, containing environmental quality requirements for external safety in connection with the transport of hazardous substances over transport routes (External Safety Transport Routes Decree).

Legislation | Netherlands | 2013 (2020)

Keyword: Authorization/permit, Environmental planning, Protection of environment, Risk assessment/management, Policy/planning, Zoning, Land-use planning, Hazardous substances, Hazards, Transport/storage, Inland waters

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Decree no. BWBR0007574 of 25 September 1995, containing rules regarding the Granting of Subsidies to the Foundation for Advice on Administrative Law, and on the Environment and Spatial Planning.

Legislation | Netherlands | 1995 (2020)

Keyword: Environmental planning, Policy/planning, Financing, Subsidy/incentive, Institution, Land-use planning, Procedural matters

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Decree no. BWBR0035090 of 1 April 2014, containing rules with regard to the contained use and deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms.

Legislation | Netherlands | 2014 (2022)

Keyword: Genetically modified organism (GMO), International trade, Protection of environment, Public health, Risk assessment/management, Transport/storage, Classification/declassification, Resource/damage valuation, Authorization/permit, Emissions, Environmental planning, Procedural matters, Policy/planning, Genetic resources, Biological control agents, Plant production

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Amended by

Act No. 152 of 2007 amending the Soil Protection Act and various other Acts in relation with new rules regarding the deposit in or on the soil of construction materials, soil and dredging.

Legislation | Netherlands | 2007

Keyword: Soil conservation/soil improvement, Soil pollution/quality, Waste disposal, Hazardous waste, Waste management

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Act No. 173 of 2008 amending the Environment Protection Act (adjustment definition substances (air quality requirements)).

Legislation | Netherlands | 2008

Keyword: Air quality/air pollution, Pollution control, Waste management

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Act No. 674 of 2005 amending the Environment Protection Act (Air Quality Standards).

Legislation | Netherlands | 2007

Keyword: Air quality/air pollution, Ozone layer, Environmental standards, Pollution control, Standards, Protection of environment, Access-to-information, Environmental planning, Policy/planning

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Act No. 152 of 2007 amending the Soil Protection Act and various other Acts in relation to new rules for the application of construction materials, soil and dredging mud.

Legislation | Netherlands | 2007

Keyword: Soil pollution/quality, Waste disposal, Offences/penalties, Freshwater pollution, Pollution control

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Act No. 90 of 2006 amending the Environment Protection Act so as to give effect to Commission Regulation (EC) No. 2216/2004 for a standardised and secured system of registries pursuant to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and Decision No 280/2004/EC of the European Parliament (Act concerning the implementation of EC Regulation on Community greenhouse gas emmissions).

Legislation | Netherlands | 2007

Keyword: Air quality/air pollution, Emissions, Authorization/permit, Internal trade, International trade, Registration, Environmental standards, Pollution control, Standards, Protection of environment

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Act No. 125 containing rules relative to the admission, placing on the market and use of plant protection products and biocide products (Act Plant Protection Products and Biocide Products).

Legislation | Netherlands | 2007 (2022)

Keyword: Plant protection, Pesticides, Fertilizers/nutrients, Certification, Biological control agents, Internal trade, International trade, Offences/penalties, Plant production

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Act No. 224 of 2007 containing amendments to legislation regarding animal by-products that are not intended for human consumption.

Legislation | Netherlands | 2007

Keyword: Animal welfare, Animal health, Pests/diseases, Animal feed/feedstuffs

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Act No. 181 of 2007 to amend and extend the Environment Protection Act in relation with the carrying into effect of Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH).

Legislation | Netherlands | 2007

Keyword: Hazardous substances, EIA, Authorization/permit, Access-to-information, Environmental fees/charges, Precautionary principle, Registration, Internal trade, International trade

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Act No. 248 of 2007 amending the Environment Protection Act, the Marine Pollution Act, the Act on Pollution of Surface Waters and the Act on Economic Offences in relation with the giving effect to Regulation (EC) No. 1013/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on shipments of waste.

Legislation | Netherlands | 2007

Keyword: Waste management, Transport/storage

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Act No. 166 of 2008 amending the Environment Protection Act in relation with the implementation of Directive 2004/35/EC (environmental liability).

Legislation | Netherlands | 2008

Keyword: Polluter pays principle, Liability/compensation, Hazards

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Act No. 158 of 2009 amending the Environment Protection Act (implementation and derogation air quality requirements).

Legislation | Netherlands | 2009

Keyword: Air quality/air pollution, Environmental standards, Pollution control, Standards, Protection of environment

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Act No. 109 of 2009 amending the Environment Protection Act and some other laws with a view on the integration of obligations in the field of environmental reporting.

Legislation | Netherlands | 2009

Keyword: Pollution control, EIA, Data collection/reporting

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Act No. 180 of 2008 amending various other Acts in relation with entry into force of the Town and Country Planning Act and regarding transitional law (Introductory Act Town and Country Planning Act).

Legislation | Netherlands | 2008

Keyword: Land-use planning, Institution, EIA, Policy/planning, Water supply

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Act No. 336 of 2006 to amend the Environment Protection Act in relation with the implementation of the Directive 2001/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment.

Legislation | Netherlands | 2006

Keyword: EIA, Monitoring

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Act No. 186 of 1995 amending the Environment Protection Act and Surface Waters Pollution Act in relation with the harmonization of provisions of the two Acts.

Legislation | Netherlands | 1995

Keyword: Freshwater pollution, Drainage/land reclamation, Institution, Legal proceedings/administrative proceedings, Pollution control

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Act No. 292 of 1996 amending the Soil Protection Act and the Environment Protection Act (correction of certain imperfections).

Legislation | Netherlands | 1996

Keyword: Soil conservation/soil improvement, Soil pollution/quality

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Act No. 517 of 2001 to amend the Environment Protection Act, the Act on Environmentally Hazardous Substances, and the Soil Protection Act.

Legislation | Netherlands | 2001

Keyword: Pollution control, Soil conservation/soil improvement, Soil pollution/quality, Institution, Freshwater pollution

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Act No. 378 of 2001 to amend some sections of the Environment Protection Act in relation with the revision of the EMAS Regulation.

Legislation | Netherlands | 2001

Keyword: EIA, Registration, Environmental audit

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Act No. 188 of 2000 to amend the Environment Protection Act (Notification System).

Legislation | Netherlands | 2000

Keyword: Pollution control, Waste management, Authorization/permit, Data collection/reporting

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Act No. 364 of 2001 to amend the Environment Protection Act.

Legislation | Netherlands | 2001

Keyword: Pollution control, Waste disposal, Waste prevention, Authorization/permit, Waste management

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Act containing rules relative to the protection of wild plant and animal species (Flora and Fauna Act).

Legislation | Netherlands | 1998 (2012)

Keyword: Protection of species, Fishery management and conservation, Basic legislation, Biodiversity, Hunting/capture, Protected area, Institution, Hunting authorization/permit, Hunting gear/hunting methods, Inspection, Offences/penalties, Endangered species, Wild fauna, Wild flora

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Act No. 233 of 2005 amending the Environment Protection Act and the Act on Economic Offences in relation with the trading in emission rights with the aim of reduction of emission of nitrogen oxide into the air.

Legislation | Netherlands | 2005

Keyword: Air quality/air pollution, Emissions, Authorization/permit, Internal trade, International trade, Environmental standards, Pollution control, Standards, Protection of environment

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Act No. 674 of 2005 amending the Environment Protection Act and the Act on Economic Offences in relation with the quality of activities in the environment protection sector and the integrity of the operators involved.

Legislation | Netherlands | 2005

Keyword: Non-governmental entity, Authorization/permit, Monitoring, Certification

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Act No. 428 of 2005 to amend Chapter 18 of the Environment Protection Act.

Legislation | Netherlands | 2005

Keyword: Enforcement/compliance, Institution

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Act No. 432 of 2005 to amend the Environment Protection Act and the Surface Waters Pollution Act.

Legislation | Netherlands | 2005

Keyword: Enforcement/compliance, Authorization/permit

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Decree No. 189 of 2006 to amend the Environment Protection Act in relation with the carrying into effect of Directive 2004/101/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2003/87/EC establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Community, in respect of the Kyoto Protocol's project mechanisms and implementation of parts of the Kyoto Protocol regarding the approval of project activities (Act Implementation EC-Directive Project-related Mechanisms).

Legislation | Netherlands | 2006

Keyword: Ozone layer, Air quality/air pollution, Ecofriendly products/ecofriendly processes, Pollution control

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Act No. 208 of 1999 to amend the Environment Protection Act.

Legislation | Netherlands | 1999

Keyword: EIA, Transboundary effects

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Act No. 77 of 2008 to amend and extend the Environment Protection Act in relation with the implementation of Directive 2006/21/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the management of waste from extractive industries and amending Directive 2004/35/EC.

Legislation | Netherlands | 2008

Keyword: Waste disposal, Waste management, Authorization/permit, Transboundary effects

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Act No. 611 of 2006 amending the Environment Protection Act in relation with improvement and clarification of rules concerning the system of trading in greenhouse and nitrogen oxide emission rights.

Legislation | Netherlands | 2006

Keyword: Air quality/air pollution, Emissions, Authorization/permit, Internal trade, International trade, Environmental standards, Pollution control, Standards, Protection of environment

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Act No. 606 of 2006 amending the Environment Protection Act and some other related the Act in relation (modernization of general environmental rules for facilities).

Legislation | Netherlands | 2006

Keyword: Pollution control, Authorization/permit, Data collection/reporting, Freshwater pollution, Effluent waste water/discharge

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Act No. 478 of 2008 amending the Environment Protection Act (some amendments in relation with waste matters).

Legislation | Netherlands | 2008

Keyword: Waste disposal, Organic waste, Legal proceedings/administrative proceedings, Waste management

Source: FAO, FAOLEX

Collective Environmental Act, 2023.

Legislation | Netherlands | 2023

Keyword: Energy conservation/energy production, Natural gas, Protection of environment, Environmental planning, Institution, Authorization/permit, Noise pollution, Policy/planning, Potable water, Poultry products, Land tenure, Ownership, Mining, Effluent waste water/discharge, Governance, Pollution control, Freshwater pollution, Protected area, Protection of habitats, Alien species

Source: FAO, FAOLEX