Mauritius adopting cleaner Air Quality Regulations

Article | April 23, 2026

MEXA strongly encourages its members to proactively assess the impact of the new environmental regulations.

The Government has recently approved the promulgation of the Environment (Standards for Ambient Air Quality and Stack Emission) Regulations 2026. This marks an important step in reinforcing the country’s environmental protection framework and safeguarding public health.

As part of its ongoing commitment to keeping members informed and prepared, MEXA highlights the key provisions of these Regulations for the export manufacturing sector:

Key Highlights of the New Regulations

1. Ambient Air Quality Standards
New environmental benchmarks have been established to define the maximum allowable levels of pollutants in ambient air. These standards are designed to enhance air quality monitoring and ensure a healthier environment for the population.

2. Strengthened Stack Emission Standards
The Regulations introduce more stringent controls on industrial emissions, including:

• The regulation of additional pollutants such as dioxins and furans, heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and mercury;
• Enhanced regulatory powers for the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change to require industries to implement corrective air pollution abatement measures where emission limits are exceeded.

Compliance Timeline

Industries will benefit from a transition period of six (6) months to align their operations with the new standards. This window provides companies with the opportunity to review and, where necessary, upgrade their emissions monitoring and control systems.

What This Means for MEXA Members

MEXA strongly encourages its members to proactively assess the impact of these new requirements on their operations. Particular attention should be given to:

• Emissions monitoring processes
• Pollution control technologies
• Compliance readiness within the given timeframe

MEXA remains committed to supporting its members through this transition and will continue to engage with relevant authorities to ensure that the implementation process is clear, practical, and aligned with industry realities.