In order to prevent noise pollution, companies in the Netherlands must comply with noise regulations (in Dutch). These regulations are laid down in legislation, including the Environmental Permitting (General Provisions) Act (Wet algemene bepalingen omgevingsrecht, Wabo) and the Noise Abatement Act (Wet geluidhinder, Wgh). The regulations with which you must comply will depend on such factors as your company’s commercial activities and business location.
General environmental regulations on noise
Under the Wabo, general environmental regulations on noise are laid down in the Activities (Environmental Management) Decree (Activiteitenbesluit milieubeheer). These apply to a large number of companies. If you satisfy the general regulations, you will not need to take action. If you don't satisfy the general regulations, you need to apply for an All-in-one Permit for Physical Aspects (omgevingsvergunning) containing noise regulations with your city council.
Acoustic report
The municipality or province may ask you for an acoustic report (in Dutch), when you start up your company or change your business activities. If you need to apply for an All-in-one Permit for Physical Aspects or if you need to notify environmental management, the report is part of your application.
Noise Abatement Act
The Noise Abatement Act establishes permissible noise levels for companies on a zoned industrial estate.
General Municipal By-law
Noise abatement provisions are also included in General Municipal By-law (Algemene Plaatselijke Verordening, APV) and Provincial Environmental Act (Provinciale Omgevingsverordening, POV).
Noise regulations in the hotel and catering industry
Your hotel and catering business is allowed to organise festivities a few times a year, in which case you do not have to comply with the noise regulations. However, some municipalities require you to inform them about these occasional festivities a few weeks in advance. In some municipalities, you will need a licence if you want to use sound equipment.
