Environmental Management: Draft Code of Conduct for Inspectors
Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: The Department of Forestry, Fisheries & the Environment has published a draft code of conduct for designated environmental management inspectors (EMIs) for public consultation.
In terms of the National Environmental Management Act, No. 107 of 1998 (NEMA), the proposed code of conduct aims to regulate the professional behavior and procedural standards of inspectors. The draft applies to:
- General environmental management inspectors; and
- Inspectors focusing specifically on the minerals and petroleum sector.
The development of this draft code is intended to ensure consistency and accountability in the exercise of powers granted to EMIs under NEMA and related environmental legislation. Stakeholders and interested parties have until 15 March 2026 to submit written comments or inputs regarding the proposed standards.
What this means for you, your business, or your clients
- For yourself: No direct individual obligations; impact channelled through professional oversight of regulatory enforcement procedures and inspector interactions.
- For your business: Ensure compliance teams are familiar with the proposed standards to benchmark the conduct of inspectors during future site visits, investigations, or enforcement proceedings.
- For your clients: Advise clients, particularly those in the minerals and petroleum sectors, to evaluate the draft code to ensure their rights are protected during environmental inspections and compliance monitoring.
Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/environmental-management-input-sought-on-draft-code-of-conduct-for-inspectors