ESMA Releases New ESEF Reporting Manual: What Issuers Need to Know

Overview

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published a new update to the ESEF Reporting Manual, providing refined technical guidance and clarifications on digital financial reporting under the European Single Electronic Format (ESEF) mandate.

The latest version introduces adjustments to tagging rules, anchoring principles, and validation practices — aiming to further improve data quality, comparability, and standardization across Inline XBRL (iXBRL) filings in the EU.

? Read the full manual here: ESMA ESEF Reporting Manual

? Key Highlights

1. Updated guidance on tagging structure
   Refinements have been introduced to ensure greater consistency in tagging quantitative and textual disclosures, with additional validation checks for completeness and readability.
2. Strengthened anchoring requirements
   Issuers must ensure all extension taxonomy elements are properly anchored to the closest standard taxonomy concept of the same data type, enhancing semantic precision.
3. Clearer treatment of narrative (block) tags
   ESMA has emphasized readability and structured presentation for narrative disclosures, enabling easier data extraction and interpretation for analysts and regulators.
4. Enhanced validation parameters
   The manual outlines improved validation practices to identify structural inconsistencies early in the tagging and submission process.
5. Additional clarifications on use of IFRS Taxonomy elements and general block tagging
   Certain taxonomy elements have been refined or reinstated to ensure full coverage of primary financial statement disclosures.

? What the Update Means for You

The latest ESEF Reporting Manual released by ESMA introduces refined guidance designed to improve the accuracy, transparency, and consistency of digital financial reporting across the EU.

For reporting teams and compliance officers, this update provides greater clarity on how to apply tagging rules, structure narrative disclosures, and validate report accuracy before submission.

Here’s what it means for you:

1. Clearer tagging expectations: Updated instructions remove ambiguity around anchoring, data types, and extension taxonomy use.

2. Improved data readability: Enhanced recommendations for block tagging help ensure that narrative information is presented in a more structured, accessible way.

3. Reduced validation errors: The refined validation framework supports early detection of inconsistencies, helping to prevent filing delays.

4. Stronger audit traceability: The use of unique identifiers enhances data reliability and improves confidence in report verification.

5. Future-ready compliance: With ESMA aligning more closely with evolving IFRS and sustainability reporting standards, early adaptation to these updates positions issuers for long-term compliance readiness.

These enhancements collectively streamline digital report preparation and help organizations maintain consistent, regulator-ready disclosures in an increasingly structured reporting environment.

? How Ez-XBRL Supports ESEF Compliance

Ez-XBRL delivers a comprehensive suite of digital reporting and regulatory compliance solutions built on robust XBRL and iXBRL technology.
Its capabilities are designed to simplify complex disclosure processes, ensuring compliance with evolving mandates such as ESEF, CSRD, SEC, and FERC.

Key areas of support include:

1. ESEF Reporting: Full-cycle iXBRL tagging, taxonomy management, validation, and submission aligned with the latest ESMA guidelines.

2. CSRD & ESG Reporting: Advanced disclosure tools for sustainability frameworks such as ESRS and GRI.

3. SEC Reporting: Inline XBRL and EDGAR-compatible submissions for U.S. issuers.

4. FERC & CRR Reporting: Automated and regulator-compliant templates for complex filings.

5. AI-Powered Validation: Intelligent data review and consistency checks that flag potential errors before submission.

Ez-XBRL’s compliance technology empowers issuers, auditors, and regulators to deliver accurate, transparent, and regulator-ready reports within accelerated timelines.

? Book a personalised walkthrough here.

Looking Ahead

ESMA’s latest ESEF Reporting Manual underscores the continued evolution of digital financial reporting standards across Europe.
Further refinements are expected as regulatory frameworks expand to align with sustainability and assurance mandates.

Ez-XBRL will continue to ensure that its solutions remain fully aligned with ESMA’s guidance and emerging reporting standards  supporting seamless compliance for clients across jurisdictions.