Permits

Environmental permits are needed in Finland for all activities that may lead to pollution of the air and water or contamination of the soil. Water permits are needed for other activities affecting constructions in waters or the water supply. Permits may be granted to individuals or companies. Advice on permit application procedures is available from Finland's 15 Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment, the four Regional State Administrative Agencies, local environmental authorities or the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE).

© Jouko Lehmuskallio

Exceptional planning permission may also be required for certain types of building and changes in land use. Permits are also compulsory for the sale and use of certain chemicals, and for waste transportation and shipments, although in some cases a simple notification to the authorities will suffice. Off-road motor traffic and the use of motor boats are also subject to limitations designed to protect sensitive areas.

Official decisions on all permit applications are made public.