Notification No. G.S.R 361(E); Dated: 30.05.2025
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has issued the Companies (Cost Records and Audit) Amendment Rules, 2025, bringing key changes to Forms CRA-2 and CRA-4, which are related to the appointment and report submission of cost auditors. The amended rules will come into effect from 14th July 2025.
1. Revised Form CRA-2 – Enhanced Disclosure Requirements
Form CRA-2, which deals with the intimation of appointment of cost auditors, has been revised to include the following additional disclosures:
- Nature of Appointment – Companies are now required to specify whether the appointment is a fresh appointment, re-appointment, or any other applicable category.
- Confirmation of Auditor’s Consent – A declaration confirming that the cost auditor has given their consent to act as such must now be provided explicitly.
These changes aim to improve transparency and compliance in auditor appointments, ensuring that stakeholders are fully informed of the terms and acceptance of the appointment.
2. Revised Form CRA-4 – New Reporting and AGM Extension Details
Form CRA-4, which pertains to the filing of the cost audit report, has also been updated with the following new fields:
- Lead Auditor Status – The revised form requires disclosure of whether the reporting cost auditor is acting as the lead auditor, in case of multiple auditors.
- AGM Extension Reporting – Companies availing extension of their Annual General Meeting (AGM) must now furnish:
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- The Service Request Number (SRN) of the Form GNL-1 used to apply for the extension, and
- The revised date of the AGM granted as per the approved extension.
These additions are intended to streamline regulatory tracking and ensure alignment between audit timelines and AGM proceedings.
3. Compliance Timeline and Applicability
The new forms will be mandatory for all filings made on or after 14th July 2025. Companies, cost auditors, and professionals involved in cost audit compliance should update their internal processes and documentation templates accordingly.
4. Conclusion
These amendments are part of MCA’s broader move to strengthen audit governance and improve data accuracy in statutory filings. The revised CRA-2 and CRA-4 forms reflect a push towards greater accountability and digital traceability in cost audit reporting.
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