EFRAG and the Sustainability Standards Board of Japan met in Brussels on 25 September 2026 to hold a joint outreach event on the ESRS-40a Exposure Draft and conduct bilateral discussions on sustainability reporting alignment.
Joint Outreach on European Sustainability Reporting Standards
Representatives from EFRAG and the Sustainability Standards Board of Japan gathered in Brussels to host a joint outreach session on the Exposure Draft of European Sustainability Reporting Standards for Certain Non-EU Undertakings in Accordance with Article 40a of the Accounting Directive.
The event attracted a wide group of online stakeholders, mostly from Japan, who reviewed the draft requirements. EFRAG Sustainability Reporting TEG Chair Chiara Del Prete noted that direct discussions with Japanese preparers and stakeholders offer practical insights for standard development while supporting shared goals to ease reporting burdens across jurisdictions.
Bilateral Cooperation and Interoperability Goals
In addition to the public outreach event, leadership from both organisations conducted a private bilateral meeting to present operational updates and discuss matters of mutual interest.
SSBJ Chair Yasunobu Kawanishi highlighted that many Japanese entities falling under SSBJ requirements are expected to be subject to ESRS-40a rules. Both standard setters confirmed plans to maintain regular dialogue and enhance ongoing cooperation to ensure interoperability between European and Japanese frameworks.
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What is the ESRS-40a Exposure Draft?
It is a set of proposed European Sustainability Reporting Standards specifically tailored for non-EU entities in scope of Article 40a of the Accounting Directive.
Why did EFRAG and the SSBJ hold a joint outreach event?
The session allowed both bodies to gather feedback directly from Japanese stakeholders and explore ways to minimise duplicate reporting burdens for companies subject to both sets of standards.
