China: CSRC and MEE (Securities Regulatory Commission and Ministry of Ecology and Environment)

Mandatory ESG and environmental disclosure for listed and high-polluting companies.
Scope: Phased rollout 2025-2026, growing alignment with TCFD and ISSB[1].
Companies Covered
7,000+
Listed firms and key polluters (2025 est.)
Sectors Prioritized
6+
Energy, manufacturing, mining, real estate, chemicals, steel
Mandatory Since
2022
MEE disclosure for key polluters
Global Alignment
TCFD, ISSB
Draft guidelines reference global standards[1]
CSRC and MEE Disclosure Requirements
AgencyScopeKey RequirementsStatus (2025)
CSRCAll listed companies (phased)ESG risk disclosure, climate risk, Scope 1 & 2 emissions, transition plansPilot, national rollout 2025-2026
MEEKey polluters (energy, chemicals, heavy industry)Pollution discharge, compliance, penalties, resource use, carbon emissionsMandatory since 2022
China ESG Disclosure Timeline
YearMilestoneStatus (2025)
2021CSRC recommends ESG disclosure in revised guidelinesVoluntary
2022MEE mandates environmental disclosure for key pollutersActive
2023Draft national ESG guidelines published for public commentConsultation
2025Phased mandatory ESG reporting for listed companies beginsPending
2026Full normalization of ESG disclosure expectedPlanned
China ESG Disclosure: Sectoral Coverage (2025, est.)
Estimated number of companies by sector under mandatory disclosure (2025).
China ESG Integration and Influence
  • Sectoral focus: Early mandates for heavy industry, energy, chemicals, steel
  • Alignment: Draft guidelines reference TCFD, ISSB, climate risk, transition plans[1]
  • Policy integration: Supports 14th Five-Year Plan, 2060 carbon neutrality, Green Finance Strategy
  • Disclosure platform: National MEE portal for environmental data
  • Challenges: Data quality, assurance, sectoral and SME coverage

About China’s ESG and Environmental Disclosure

China’s sustainability disclosure system, coordinated by the CSRC and MEE, is moving from fragmented, voluntary reporting to mandatory, standardized ESG and environmental disclosure for listed companies and key polluters[1]. The system prioritizes high-impact sectors, aligns with global frameworks (TCFD, ISSB), and supports national climate and green finance goals. While challenges remain in data quality and assurance, China’s rapid progress is reshaping ESG practices in the world’s second-largest economy.

Note: All data reflects official CSRC, MEE, and industry updates as of May 2025.

China - CSRC & MEE (China Securities Regulatory Commission & Ministry of Ecology and Environment)