In Spain, the production and management of waste is regulated by environmental regulations that require rigorous control of production and management activities. One of the key elements for complying with these obligations is the NIMA code, an essential piece of information for correctly identifying and registering the centers involved in the production and treatment of waste. Below, we explain what the NIMA is, who is obliged to have it and how you can apply for it in your Autonomous Community.
What is the NIMA code
The NIMA (Environmental Identification Number) is a 10-digit numerical code used at the state level to uniquely identify facilities that produce, store or manage waste. This number allows public administrations to carry out an exhaustive follow-up of the activities of production and transfer of waste, both hazardous and non-hazardous.
The structure of NIMA is very specific:
- The first two digits correspond to the province code according to the National Statistics Institute (INE).
- The remaining eight digits are assigned by the Autonomous Community according to the owner, the location of the center (UTM coordinates) and the main activity (according to its CNAE).
The NIMA is a unique and non-transferable identifier that links to a “site”, understood as one or more facilities located in the same place, managed by the same natural or legal person. If a company has several sites, either at the same address or at several different ones, each must have its own NIMA.
Who is required to have a NIMA
The obligation to have a NIMA falls on all companies involved in the production and management of waste. Specifically, those facilities that are obliged to register and obtain their NIMA are obliged to:
- Produce hazardous waste.
- They generate more than 1,000 tons of non-hazardous waste per year.
- They transport waste (hazardous and/or non-hazardous).
- Waste dealers and agents.
- Perform waste treatment or storage operations.
In addition, this number is required to issue or receive environmental identification documents such as the electronic transfer document (e-DT), submit the annual report on production, transport and/or waste management or make changes to the production and management register.
Not having the NIMA or having it out of date may result in penalties and make it difficult to carry out administrative procedures required by law.
How to obtain the NIMA code
Obtaining the NIMA code is linked to the prior communication of the activity to the competent environmental body of the corresponding Autonomous Community. This process can be carried out in two ways, depending on the region:
- Direct application to the Department of the Environment or equivalent.
- Use of regional digital platforms that allow online management of the procedure.
During this communication, the company should normally indicate (although it may vary, depending on the Autonomous Community):
- The company’s own data.
- The waste to be generated, as well as its hazards.
- Estimated annual amounts.
- The managers to which it will send such waste, as well as its management routes.
It is essential to keep the NIMA updated. Ignoring this procedure can generate problems in the traceability of the waste and lead to penalties according to Law 7/2022 on waste and contaminated soils for a circular economy.
The NIMA is much more than a simple number: it is a key and central element in waste traceability, environmental transparency and regulatory compliance in Spain. All companies involved in the production, transport and management of waste must ensure that they have this correctly issued and updated identifier.
If your company produces, transports or manages waste, check with your Autonomous Community to ensure that you comply with this key environmental management obligation. If you need advice, do not hesitate to contact Sircat.
