New Environment Audit Rules 2025 Aim to Boost Transparency and Accountability

In accordance with the Ease of Doing Business philosophy and governance by trust of the government, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has notified the Environment Audit Rules, 2025 on 29th August 2025. Based on international best practices, the rules are aimed at filling gaps in environmental compliance monitoring and empowering implementation mechanisms.

The framework will supplement current monitoring conducted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Ministry's Regional Offices, and State Pollution Control Boards/Committees, which have manpower and infrastructure deficiencies. The scheme aims to promote greater transparency, accountability, and credibility in compliance monitoring.

Key Features of the Rules
Auditors under the Environment Audit Rules, 2025, will be certified and registered by the MoEFCC-notified Environment Audit Designated Agency (EADA). Certification will either be on the basis of a qualification and experience examination or by way of an exam. Registered auditors only will be permitted to conduct audits, with project allocations done by way of a system of random allocation. Such auditors will be handling compliance assessment, sampling, analysis, compensation calculation, and verification under the Green Credit Rules, the waste management laws, and other green legislation.

The major stakeholders under the Environment Audit Rules, 2025 are Certified and Registered Environment Auditors, Environment Audit Designated Agency (EADA) who will be responsible for certification, registration, and monitoring, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and CPCB/SPCBs who will monitor implementation and carry out inspection and verification.

Expected Outcomes
The regulations will enhance environmental compliance by way of independent third-party verification, be consistent with systems such as Green Credit and Eco-mark, promote regulatory capability, and increase transparency. Audits conducted on a regular basis will provide systematic and verifiable information to inform decision-making and facilitate the early identification of non-compliance.