Stay Ahead: Navigate Policies, Regulations & Standards with Confidence
Policies, Regulations & Standards
Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) Maritime Regulation
Decarbonizing Shipping
The EU Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) Maritime Regulation mandates that ships of 5,000 gross tonnage (GT) and above monitor and report CO₂ emissions on voyages to, from, and between EU ports. From 2024, methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions are also included. Verified annual emissions reports must be submitted via the THETIS-MRV platform by March 31 each year. From 2025, the regulation extends to general cargo and offshore ships between 400 and 5,000 GT.
Switzerland - Ordinance on Climate Disclosures (OCD)
Mandatory Climate-Related Disclosure for Large Firms
Switzerland's Ordinance on Climate Disclosures, effective January 1, 2024, mandates large companies to report climate-related financial risks and impacts, aligning with TCFD recommendations. Companies must disclose governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics, including emission reduction targets and transition plans. Non-compliance may result in fines.
Microsoft’s updated Supplier Code of Conduct, effective 2024, mandates key suppliers to report Scope 1, 2, and specific Scope 3 emissions. Data must be third-party validated and submitted annually, with noncompliance risking contract status. The policy supports Microsoft’s 2030 carbon-negative goal and reflects broader climate disclosure trends. Phased implementation is underway, with strong engagement expected from strategic, high-volume suppliers globally.
UK Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Packaging
Shifting Waste Costs from Taxpayers to Producers
The UK's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging shifts waste management costs from taxpayers to producers, requiring businesses with £1M+ turnover handling 25+ tonnes annually to report packaging data and pay fees based on material type. Implemented in 2025, it enforces biannual reporting, modulated fees for recyclability, and penalties for non-compliance to drive sustainable packaging design.
EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (EU PPWR)
Harmonized Sustainability Criteria for Packaging
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation is an EU regulation replacing the former Packaging Directive, effective February 2025 with full application by August 2026. It mandates recyclable packaging by 2030, imposes EPR requirements with eco-modulated fees, bans various single-use plastics, sets reuse/refill and recycled content targets, and harmonizes labelling and substance restrictions across Member States.
The EU Battery Regulation (EUBR) mandates carbon footprint disclosure for Electric Vehicle (EV), industrial, and e‑mobility batteries, requiring lifecycle CO₂ calculations per model and plant, starting February 2025. Manufacturers must label batteries, verify data via notified bodies, and publish results online via the Battery Passport system, promoting transparency and sustainability across the EU.
Clean Competition Act (CCA)
Carbon Border Adjustment & Emissions Reporting
The Clean Competition Act (S. 3422), introduced December 6, 2023, amends the Internal Revenue Code in the United States to establish a carbon border adjustment based on carbon intensity. Covered domestic and imported goods must report greenhouse gas emissions and pay charges if they exceed industry benchmarks. Revenues fund rebates and climate-related initiatives.
Walmart’s 2017 Project Gigaton mandates its direct suppliers to annually report their avoided, reduced, or sequestered emissions (Scope 1, 2, and relevant Scope 3) via Walmart’s portal or CDP integration. This structured data collection across six pillars (energy, nature, waste, packaging, transportation, product use/design) supports Walmart’s science-based reduction targets. Suppliers are recognized based on reporting quality. Reporting compliance influences procurement decisions.
Vancouver’s Green Buildings Policy for Rezonings mandates low‑carbon design and operations for large-scale developments seeking rezoning. It requires energy and embodied carbon reporting, sub‑metering, commissioning, and indoor air‑quality measures. All Part 3 rezoning applications must submit detailed design reports before permit approval and meet performance targets or request waivers.
Tesco’s supplier carbon emissions reporting policy, introduced in 2021 requires annual reporting by suppliers of manufacturing and agricultural emissions, along with emissions reduction plans aligned to science-based targets. The policy supports Tesco’s net-zero by 2050 goal, with tools, partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives helping suppliers measure, manage, and reduce their environmental impact across the value chain.