MEPA regulates the environmental impact of enterprises through two key mechanisms. Smaller scale activities are regulated through a set of General Binding Rules (GBRs) which apply to all enterprises within a common group (e.g. Motor Vehicle and Boat Repair Services and Petrol Stations Group). Larger scale activities are regulated through an Environmental Permit issued on an individual basis by MEPA. Certain enterprises of limited environmental significance (e.g. insurance companies) are exempt from control through a GBR or Permit.

 Terms of reference for the type specific permits and registrations can be viewed below: