To become an EITI Candidate, an implementing country must meet the five sign up requirements. Once these have been met, EITI implementation involves a range of activities to strengthen resource revenue transparency. These activities are documented in country workplans. The development of a work plan – discussed with and agreed by stakeholders – is one of EITI’s five sign up requirements. More information and guidance on EITI implementation is available in Implementing the EITI and the EITI Sourcebook.

To achieve Compliant status a country must complete an EITI Validation within two and a half years of becoming a Candidate Country. Once a country is Compliant, the country must undergo Validation at least every 5 years, or upon the request from the EITI International Board. Validation is an essential element of the EITI as an international standard. It provides an independent assessment of countries implementing the EITI and what measures they should take to make better and faster progress. An independent validator carries out the assessment of whether all the requirements outlined in the EITI Rules have been met. The EITI Board, through the EITI Secretariat, oversees the Validation process. The EITI Board reviews all Validation Reports.

If the Board considers that the country meets all of the EITI Requirements, the country will be designated as EITI Compliant. Where the validation report shows that a country has made progress but does not meet all the EITI Requirements, the country will remain a Candidate. Where Validation shows that no meaningful progress has been achieved, the Board may revoke the country’s candidate status.

The list of countries that are EITI Compliant and Candidates is available here.