China’s stock exchanges release landmark guidelines for corporate disclosure

China’s major stock markets—Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Beijing Stock Exchanges—have introduced significant guidelines for listed companies to disclose sustainability information.

The guidelines, applicable to specific indices’ constituent companies, mandate reporting for some and encourage voluntary reporting for others.

The goal is to standardize disclosure, guide sustainable practices, and promote high-quality development, focusing on governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics/targets.

Environmental disclosure covers biodiversity, circular economy, and enhanced carbon emissions reporting.

The guidelines also emphasize disclosure linked to national development strategies like rural revitalization and innovation-driven development.

Compared to Hong Kong’s requirements, the guidelines offer more flexibility, with compulsory reporting companies having until April 30, 2026, to release their sustainable development reports for the calendar year 2025.