Environmental protection legislation and guidelines

Legislation has a key role in terms of achieving the targets set for environmental protection. This legislation is already quite comprehensive, but it has to be constantly developed to respond to the needs and changes in society. The development of the national environmental protection legislation is closely linked to EU law, and Finland participates in the processes to influence its content. Besides legislation, work to promote the environmental protection targets is done through various kinds of instructions, guidelines and training events. 

The key instrument is the Environmental Protection Act adopted in 2000, which was repealed by the reformed Act that entered into force in 2014. According to the Act, an environmental permit is required for activities involving a risk of pollution. By virtue of the Environmental Protection Act, decrees are issued on its targets and implementation.

There are various kinds of permit, notification and registration procedures that are closely related to environmental protection. State and municipal authorities ensure that the different kinds of operations are implemented in a way that is sustainable, responsible and environmentally friendly.

However, the Environmental Protection Act does not apply to physical changes to the environment or structural deterioration or to land use and nature conservation, which are covered by separate statutes.

Provisions on the use of waters are laid down in the Water Act and provisions on the management and utilisation of waste in the Waste Act. There are also acts laying down provisions on gene technology and the use of chemicals, the protection of marine areas and the environmental impact assessment of projects.

Legislation and guidelines

Legislation under preparation