How to Set Up an Authorized Vehicle Scrapping Facility in India

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An Authorized Vehicle Scrapping Facility (AVSF) is a government-approved unit that dismantles End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) in a regulated and environmentally safe manner. These facilities are legally permitted to issue vehicle scrapping certificates, which vehicle owners require to deregister old vehicles and claim incentives.

From a business perspective, authorization is not optional. Any unit operating without approval is considered illegal, regardless of how long it has been in operation. Authorities now actively monitor unregistered scrapyards, making compliance a foundational requirement rather than a formality.

Why Authorization Is Mandatory Under India’s Vehicle Scrappage Policy

The Vehicle Scrappage Policy aims to phase out old, polluting vehicles and formalize the recycling ecosystem. This policy directly links vehicle deregistration and incentives to authorized scrapping facilities only.

Vehicles Covered Under the Policy

Vehicle Category Scrappage Threshold
Private vehicles After 20 years
Commercial vehicles After 15 years
Government vehicles After 15 years

What this means for businesses:
The supply of scrap vehicles is increasing, but demand is shifting strictly toward authorized facilities. Insurance companies, OEMs, and fleet operators deal only with compliant units, making authorization a commercial necessity.

Who Can Apply to Set Up an Authorized Vehicle Scrapping Facility

Not every scrap dealer is automatically eligible to become an AVSF. Authorities evaluate applicants based on land suitability, infrastructure readiness, and environmental safeguards.

Basic Eligibility Conditions

  • Industrial or designated commercial land
  • Adequate land area as per state norms
  • Clear ownership or long-term lease
  • Capability to install pollution control and safety systems

Business insight:
Many applicants fail at the eligibility stage due to incorrect land zoning or incomplete documentation. Verifying land compliance before investment prevents costly redesigns later.

Key Regulatory Authorities Involved in AVSF Approval

Setting up an AVSF requires approvals from multiple authorities, each with a specific role.

Authority Role in Approval
MoRTH Central AVSF registration
State Pollution Control Board Environmental consents
Local bodies Trade, factory, or municipal licenses
Fire Department Fire safety clearance

Why this matters:
Approval timelines depend on how well these permissions are aligned. Parallel planning reduces delays and inspection objections.

Environmental Consents Required from SPCB

Environmental clearance is the most critical and time-consuming part of the setup process.

Mandatory SPCB Approvals

  • Consent to Establish (CTE) before construction or installation
  • Consent to Operate (CTO) before starting operations
  • Hazardous waste authorization for oils, fluids, batteries, and residues
Approval Business Impact
CTE Allows investment and infrastructure setup
CTO Determines operational start date
Hazardous waste authorization Prevents shutdowns during inspections

Interpretation:
SPCBs evaluate layout plans, pollution control systems, drainage, and waste storage methods. Weak documentation often leads to repeated queries and long approval cycles.

Land, Layout, and Infrastructure Planning for AVSF

Facility design plays a direct role in approval success. Authorities expect segregation of activities to prevent contamination and environmental damage.

Essential Infrastructure Zones

  • Vehicle receiving and inspection area
  • Depollution and fluid removal zone
  • Dismantling and component recovery area
  • Hazardous waste storage section
  • Fire safety and emergency access zones

Operational relevance:
A poorly designed layout can result in conditional approvals or rejections, forcing expensive civil modifications after installation.

Machinery and Equipment Required for Authorized Scrapping

Authorities assess not only whether equipment exists, but whether it is suitable for safe and compliant operations.

Commonly Required Equipment

  • Vehicle depollution and fluid extraction systems
  • Oil-water separators
  • Battery and tyre dismantling units
  • Fire suppression and spill control equipment
  • Weighing and documentation systems

Business takeaway:
Equipment selection should match the facility’s approved capacity. Overstating or understating capacity often raises inspection objections.

MoRTH Registration Process for AVSF

Once environmental approvals are secured, registration is completed through the designated MoRTH portal.

Information Typically Required

  • SPCB consents and authorizations
  • Land and facility layout details
  • Equipment specifications
  • Geo-coordinates and site photographs
  • Safety and compliance declarations

Why MoRTH approval is critical:
Only after MoRTH registration can a facility legally issue vehicle scrapping certificates. Without this, revenue operations cannot begin.

Estimated Cost of Setting Up an Authorized Vehicle Scrapping Facility

Cost Head Approximate Range
Land and civil works ₹50 lakh – ₹2 crore
Machinery and equipment ₹30 lakh – ₹1.5 crore
Compliance and approvals ₹5 – ₹15 lakh
Pre-operational expenses ₹10 – ₹25 lakh

Interpretation:
Most cost overruns happen due to compliance corrections. Planning approvals early significantly reduces unnecessary capital expenditure.

Risks of Operating Without AVSF Authorization

Non-compliant scrapping operations face increasing enforcement actions.

Common Consequences

  • Immediate closure notices
  • Sealing of premises
  • Environmental penalties
  • Legal proceedings under pollution laws

Business reality:
Restarting operations after closure requires fresh approvals and inspections, often costing more than initial compliance would have.

How Early Compliance Improves Long-Term Profitability

Authorized facilities benefit from:

  • Faster operational approvals
  • Higher trust with OEMs and fleet operators
  • Easier access to financing and partnerships
  • Lower regulatory risk

Compliance should be treated as a business enabler, not an administrative burden.

How Green Permits Supports AVSF Setup End-to-End

Green Permits assists businesses at every stage, including:

  • Feasibility and land assessment
  • SPCB consents and hazardous waste authorization
  • Facility layout and documentation
  • MoRTH AVSF registration
  • Inspection preparation and query resolution

Our focus is not just approvals, but long-term operational readiness.

Conclusion: Build Compliance Before You Build the Facility

The vehicle scrapping industry is formalizing rapidly. Businesses that prioritize authorization gain a competitive advantage, while those who delay compliance face operational uncertainty.

Setting up an Authorized Vehicle Scrapping Facility the right way ensures stability, scalability, and long-term profitability.

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