Law on Air Protection

Serbia’s Law on Air Protection governs air quality management and measures to preserve and improve it. It connects official monitoring, assessment of air quality, limits on emissions from pollution sources, action planning and public information. Distinguish a pollutant’s concentration in ambient air from emissions from a particular facility: these are related but different measurements and duties.

National, provincial and local authorities perform tasks within their respective powers, while the Environmental Protection Agency processes and publishes data. Operators of emission sources must meet the applicable conditions, measurement requirements and other duties for their activities. Air quality plans and short term action plans address different circumstances; the existence of a document does not itself prove that every measure has been implemented. The competent inspection supervises compliance with legal duties.

For a local concern, record the place, time, frequency and suspected source. Check the official monitoring station, averaging period and the value being compared. A photograph of smoke or a reading from a private sensor can be a useful lead, but alone does not establish a statutory exceedance or a particular operator’s liability. Examine the local plan and implementation reports, then request available information or submit a reasoned report. Keep the authority’s response and distinguish an information request from a complaint to an inspector.

The law published on 17 June 2025 in Official Gazette 51/2025 replaces the previous legislation in 36/2009, 10/2013 and 26/2021 through another law. It enters into force on the eighth day; Article 53(2) applies from 1 January 2026. Proceedings already begun follow the previous rules. Articles 84–85 govern implementing regulations and earlier plans and permits. Do not assume that every earlier permit automatically ceased to apply.

This is Avangarda’s informational editorial overview and translation, not an official translation. Consult the current law, relevant implementing rules, location and source category. The statute does not replace a medical assessment of exposure or guarantee the same legal remedy to every person submitting a report.

Helps relate air quality data to plans, emission source duties and the authorities responsible for monitoring, control and public information.

Residents, communities, associations, operators, journalists, specialists and public authorities; procedures and rights depend on the source, area and specific act.

When tracking pollution, requesting official monitoring and action plans, reporting a possible emission source or checking a facility’s operating conditions.