On August 29, 2025, India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) notified and enforced the Environment Audit Rules, 2025, introducing formal certification requirements and responsibilities for private firms conducting environmental audits. Previously, audits under environmental laws were performed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs), or third-party auditors, but no formal certification criteria existed for the latter. Under the new rules, authorities are expected to prioritize registered auditors when outsourcing audit tasks.

Key Roles and Responsibilities of Registered Auditors:

· Conduct environmental audits under applicable laws and regulations.

· Sample and analyze emissions, effluents, and wastes, and evaluate pollution control and waste management systems.

· Report violations or non-compliance.

· Compute environmental compensation for non-compliance, where required.

· Prepare and submit environment audit reports.

· Perform verification activities under the Green Credit Rules, 2023.

· Undertake audits under the Ecomark Rules, 2024, and Environment Impact Assessment requirements.

· Verify self-compliance reports to ensure adherence to environmental regulations.

Registration Process: Auditors can be registered through:

1. Recognition of Prior Learning – certification based on previous experience and expertise, available for a limited period.

2. National Certification Examination – standard examination-based certification.

Registered auditors will hold certification for five years. Detailed procedures, including minimum eligibility criteria for each certification mode, will be provided in forthcoming official guidelines.

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