The Regulation on Sustainability Audits was published in the Official Gazette dated 17 January 2025, No. 32785, and entered into force.
The Regulation defines the scope of sustainability audits, the persons authorized to conduct such audits, and the responsibilities of the audited entities. It also includes provisions regarding examinations and audits to be carried out by the Ministry, as well as the administrative fines that may be imposed within this scope.
In summary, the main points of the Regulation can be listed as follows:
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Sustainability audits may only be conducted by authorized audit firms. For these firms, the following requirements must be met:
(i) Registration in the Official Register of Independent Audit,
(ii) Having at least two responsible auditors,
(iii) Meeting the minimum qualification and staffing requirements, and
(iv) Establishing a sustainability audit manual.
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Auditors to be included in audit teams must meet the following conditions:
(i) Registration in the Official Register of Independent Auditors,
(ii) Successful completion of examinations on sustainability-related subjects, and
(iii) Completion of the specified practical professional training.
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A special official register and announcement procedure has been introduced for the authorization of audit firms and auditors in the field of sustainability audits.
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With respect to sustainability audits, it is stipulated that the audit results must be documented in a report prepared in accordance with Turkish Auditing Standards (TDS), signed by the responsible auditors representing the audit firm.
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The Public Oversight, Accounting and Auditing Standards Authority (POAASA) will audit the sustainability audit activities of audit firms and submit the results of these audits to the Public Oversight, Accounting and Auditing Standards Board annually.
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Administrative sanctions may be imposed on audit firms and responsible auditors found to be in violation of the legislation. These include: warnings, restrictions on activities, suspension or revocation of operating licenses, and administrative fines.
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If sustainability audit reports are prepared contrary to Turkish Auditing Standards, or if the information and assessments in the reports are incomplete, misleading, or erroneous, audit firms and auditors will be held separately liable for any resulting damages.
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The Regulation entered into force on its date of publication. However, transitional provisions under Provisional Article 1 are introduced, as follows:
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Until 31 December 2026, the requirement for audit firms to have a sustainability audit manual will not be enforced, provided that it is met by 30 June 2027.
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Until 31 December 2025, the requirement of completing eight months of practical professional training will not apply to independent auditors seeking authorization in the field of sustainability.
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For sustainability audits of accounting periods ending before 1 January 2026, it will suffice for only the responsible auditor and one team auditor to hold sustainability authorization; this requirement will not apply to other auditors.
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Until 31 December 2028, the requirement that responsible auditors must have at least three years of practical sustainability audit experience will not be enforced.
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For detailed information: