Brazil implements new environmental licensing laws

Brazil has implemented new regulatory frameworks for environmental licensing. Law No. 15.190/2025, known as the General Environmental Licensing Law, came into effect on February 4, 2026. This law establishes general norms applicable to the Union, states, Federal District, and municipalities, creating new license modalities and setting maximum analysis deadlines.

Additionally, new rules for aquaculture licensing will take effect in April 2027 following Conama Resolution No. 517. This regulation shifts the classification of aquaculture enterprises—including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks—from area-based criteria to production volume. Depending on the size and pollution potential, enterprises may utilize different procedures, such as the self-declaratory License by Adhesion and Commitment (LAC) for small-scale operations or the Single Environmental License (LAU) for medium-scale activities.