The U.S. Government has urged the European Union to further address concerns over the impact of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) on U.S. businesses.  In a comment letter, the U.S. Mission to the EU said the EU’s Omnibus simplification package did not fully… Read More »U.S. Threatens Action Against EU Sustainability Reporting Rules, Calling Them “Unreasonable” 

Australia’s Treasury has launched a consultation on proposed measures to make the country’s sustainability reporting framework more efficient, reduce compliance costs for companies, and ease the burden of climate-related information requests, particularly for SMEs within corporate value chains.  The proposed reforms include reconsidering the planned… Read More »Australia Proposes Steps to Ease Climate Reporting Requirements for Companies 

The IFRS Foundation has approved new five-year operating and financing plans for the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), outlining the strategic priorities and funding arrangements for both boards through 2031.  For the ISSB, the plan focuses on transitioning from… Read More »IFRS Foundation Approves Five-Year Strategic and Funding Plan for ISSB 

The European Commission has proposed significant reforms to the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) to balance industrial competitiveness with the EU’s long-term climate ambitions. The proposed changes would provide greater compliance flexibility for businesses while increasing investment in industrial decarbonization.  Key Highlights  Slower Reduction in Carbon Allowances: The annual reduction… Read More »EU Moves to Ease Carbon Market Rules 

 In May 2026, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) issued Circular No. 24/2026/TT-BNNMT, providing detailed guidance on selected provisions of Decree No. 110/2026/ND-CP concerning Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for product and packaging recycling and waste management obligations of producers and importers.  The Circular applies to producers, importers, and… Read More »Vietnam Introduces New EPR Circular for Product and Packaging Recycling

In July 2026, the GHG Protocol announced significant updates to its corporate standards development process, marking an important step toward more consistent and globally aligned greenhouse gas accounting.   Key highlights:  One Global Corporate Carbon Standard GHG Protocol and ISO will work together to develop a single, harmonized corporate carbon accounting standard,… Read More »GHG Protocol Unveils Key Updates to Standards Development 

China is accelerating its transition toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy system, with green energy becoming an increasingly important part of its national energy strategy. The country is promoting renewable energy development, improving energy efficiency, and encouraging industries and businesses to reduce their dependence… Read More »China’s Growing Push Toward Green Energy 

In July, 2026, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued a notification amending the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 to prohibit the import of goods that are produced or manufactured, wholly or in part, using forced labour. The amendment is into effect from August 13, 2026, 30 days after its… Read More »India Bans Imports of Goods Produced Through Forced Labour

Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment (MOE) has announced significant updates to its Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) recycling requirements.  In July, 2026, the MOE amended the “Scope, Facility Installation, Standards, and Other Compliance Matters for Electrical and Electronic Equipment Sellers Required to Install Resource Recycling Facilities.” This was followed by amendments to the “Regulations… Read More »Taiwan Updates WEEE Recycling Regulations and Official Notices 

The European Commission is considering bringing waste incineration plants under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), with a potential rollout from 2031, although the timeline is still being debated. If approved, waste incinerator operators would be required to purchase carbon allowances for the CO₂ emissions generated during waste treatment, extending the EU’s… Read More »EU Set to Impose Emissions Costs on Waste Incinerators