IAASB: FAQs on ISAE 3000 and ISSA 5000 Transition

Posted 19 August 2025 Written by Acts Online
Category Sustainability Reporting

Brought to you by SA Accounting Academy: In terms of the International Standard on Sustainability Assurance (ISSA) 5000, the IAASB has issued guidance clarifying that this new standard will replace ISAE 3000 (Revised) and ISAE 3410 for sustainability engagements from December 2026.

In terms of the International Standard on Sustainability Assurance (ISSA) 5000, General Requirements for Sustainability Assurance Engagements, the IAASB has clarified the future applicability of existing assurance standards. The FAQ document specifically addresses how ISSA 5000 interacts with ISAE 3000 (Revised), Assurance Engagements Other than Audits or Reviews of Historical Financial Information, and ISAE 3410, Assurance Engagements on Greenhouse Gas Statements.

Key clarifications provided by the IAASB include:

  • Effective Date: ISSA 5000 is scheduled to become effective for assurance engagements on sustainability information for periods beginning on or after 15 December 2026.
  • Supersession: For jurisdictions adopting IAASB standards, ISAE 3000 (Revised) and ISAE 3410 will no longer be applicable to sustainability assurance engagements once ISSA 5000 becomes effective.
  • Implementation Support: The FAQs are intended to assist practitioners in the consistent adoption of the new overarching standard, with further technical webinars planned for Q3 and Q4 2025.

The IAASB has also updated its website to reflect global momentum toward the adoption of ISSA 5000, emphasizing a shift toward a single, comprehensive framework for sustainability-related assurance engagements. This publication forms part of a broader package of guidance intended to support practitioners in transitioning away from the general-purpose ISAE 3000 framework toward the sustainability-specific ISSA 5000 framework.

Click here to download the IAASB FAQ on ISSA 5000 Applicability.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: You must familiarize yourself with the structural differences between ISAE 3000 and ISSA 5000 to ensure technical competency and compliance before the December 2026 effective date.
  • For your business: Assurance firms must plan a multi-year transition of their internal quality management systems and engagement templates to replace ISAE 3000 and ISAE 3410 with ISSA 5000 for all sustainability-related mandates.
  • For your clients: Clients currently receiving assurance on ESG or greenhouse gas reports under ISAE 3410 should be advised of the upcoming change in standards to ensure their internal data collection processes meet the more rigorous requirements of ISSA 5000.

Originally published at https://accountingacademy.co.za/news/read/iaasb-faqs-on-isae-3000

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