The ANSI/IICRC S520 Standard for Professional Mold Remediation was included in the National Defense Authorization Act passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump on Dec. 18, 2025, with the provision taking effect in January 2026, according to a report by Cleanfax published Jan. 5, 2026.
The NDAA provision directs the U.S. Secretary of Defense to develop and implement guidelines for the remediation of mold in military housing, facilities, and other properties. The guidelines must be consistent with industry standards, including the S520 Standard for Professional Mold Remediation.
The requirement to establish common mold remediation guidelines must be completed within 180 days after enactment of the NDAA and submitted to the Secretary of Defense, the Secretaries of the Military Departments, the House Armed Services Committee, and the Senate Armed Services Committee.
"This is a major step forward in protecting the health and safety of U.S. service members and their families," said James Tole, IICRC president and board chair, in a statement. "By citing the S520 Standard in federal law, Congress has reinforced the importance of industry-driven, consensus-based standards."
ISSA and the National Organization of Remediators & Microbial Inspectors worked with IICRC to advocate for the inclusion of the ANSI/IICRC S520 Standard in the 2026 NDAA. Rep. Jack Bergman was credited with championing the provision.
