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Glossary termPublished inIED 2.0

Emission limit value

Also known as emissiegrenswaarde

What does "Emission limit value" mean under the IED?

The mass, expressed in terms of certain specific parameters, concentration and/or level of an emission, which may not be exceeded during one or more periods of time

Defined in / by

Last updated: 14 October 2026.

How emission limit values are set

Emission limit values are the binding numbers in an IED permit. Article 15(2) bases them on best available techniques without prescribing the use of any technique or specific technology. Since Directive (EU) 2024/1785, Article 15(3) requires the competent authority to set the strictest achievable emission limit values by applying BAT in the installation.

Article 15(5) allows emission limit values higher than the BAT-AELs only in specific cases, after an assessment of achieving the BAT-AELs, on grounds that include the geographical location or the local environmental conditions of the installation. No derogation may be granted where it could put at risk compliance with environmental quality standards. Derogations granted before 1 July 2026 stay valid until the competent authority reassesses them, at the latest four years from 1 July 2026 or at the reconsideration of the permit, whichever is earlier (Article 3(6) of Directive (EU) 2024/1785).

Environmental quality standards can also push the other way. Where one requires stricter conditions than BAT can achieve, Article 18 requires additional measures in the permit. General binding rules can set emission limit values at sector level, and for pig and poultry farms they sit in the operating rules.

Questions and answers

Can an IED permit set emission limit values above the BAT-AELs?

Only in specific cases under Article 15(5), after an assessment, on grounds that include the geographical location or local environmental conditions, and never where compliance with environmental quality standards could be put at risk.

Do emission limit values prescribe a technology?

No. Article 15(2) bases them on best available techniques without prescribing the use of any technique or specific technology.

Regulations

  • Industrial Emissions Directive (IED 2.0)

    The revised Industrial Emissions Directive is Directive (EU) 2024/1785. Member States had to transpose it by 1 July 2026, and none had notified full transposition by 25 September 2026. Operators need an environmental management system by 1 July 2027, and large pig and poultry farms follow from 2030. The Dutch bill is before the Eerste Kamer.

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