IESBA Releases 2025 Handbook of International Code of Ethics

Posted 20 October 2025 Written by Acts Online
Category Financial and Accounting

Brought to you by SA Accounting Academy: The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) has published the 2025 Handbook of the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants, which includes the International Independence Standards.

In terms of the updated regulatory framework, the 2025 Handbook replaces the 2024 edition and incorporates the tax planning pronouncement. This specific pronouncement applies to tax planning services and activities commencing after 30 June 2025. The handbook is divided into two volumes to address comprehensive revisions to the Code.

Sustainability and External Experts

Volume 1 of the 2025 Handbook includes IESBA-approved revisions regarding the use of the work of an external expert and sustainability reporting-related amendments. These revisions are scheduled to become effective in December 2026. Volume 2 contains the new International Ethics Standards for Sustainability Assurance (IESSA), along with other revisions relating to sustainability assurance and the use of external experts.

The implementation timeline for these standards is as follows:

  • Tax Planning Pronouncement: Effective for services beginning after 30 June 2025.
  • Sustainability Reporting & External Experts: Effective December 2026.
  • Sustainability Assurance (IESSA): Effective December 2026.
  • Value Chain Independence Provisions: Effective July 2028.

Click here to download the 2025 IESBA Handbook Volume 2.

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

  • For yourself: You must update your professional knowledge base to comply with the new tax planning ethics requirements that take effect for all engagements starting after 30 June 2025.
  • For your business: Firms must revise their internal ethics policies and independence monitoring systems to incorporate the 2026 sustainability assurance standards and the 2028 value chain provisions.
  • For your clients: Clients will experience more rigorous independence assessments and ethical disclosures, particularly regarding tax planning advice and sustainability reporting metrics.

Originally published at https://accountingacademy.co.za/news/read/iesba-2025-handbook-edition

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