ISSA 5000 Frequently Asked Questions: Relevance of ISSA 5000 to Assurance on Sustainability Reports in the European Union

This FAQ focuses on issues of potential of International Standard on Sustainability Assurance (ISSA) 5000 to assurance on sustainability reports to be issued in the European Union. It provides a high-level understanding of how ISSA 5000 can support consistent, high-quality sustainability assurance engagements in the EU—enhancing users’ confidence in sustainability information prepared in accordance with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS).

The new FAQ explains how ISSA 5000 could be relevant to assurance engagements required under the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) on sustainability reports prepared in accordance with ESRS. It also outlines the IAASB’s consultations and due process in arriving at the standard. The FAQ explains how the standard addresses key EU-specific considerations, such as materiality, scalability, and interoperability with other frameworks.

The FAQs do not amend or override ISSA 5000 and are intended to complement the standard by assisting stakeholders in understanding its application in the EU context.