Certifying on the B Lab Standards
Transitioning to the new standards starts with understanding what’s required for your company. Whether you’re already certified or pursuing certification for the first time, now is the time to familiarize yourself with the updated requirements. Updated January 27, 2026
Certifying in 2026?
As a first critical step, you must complete the updated Assessment Setup and Foundation Requirements, including the newly available Risk Profile, before continuing your journey through the Self-Assessment. This ensures you are meeting the relevant sub-requirements in the Self-Assessment for your company’s specific context. Don't miss links to other key resources and guides at the end of this page.
Your Certification Hub
At B Lab, we are committed to evolving our standards to address the complexities of global challenges and drive meaningful impact. We are in a moment of transition, and we acknowledge this can feel a little uncertain. This page serves as a central resource, providing comprehensive information and support for both existing B Corps and companies pursuing certification for the first time.
It’s important to be aware of new developments that might impact your certification journey—this hub is designed to keep you informed and on track.
The Journey So Far
Since 2025, we’ve been rolling out the building blocks of the new B Corp certification experience, strengthening the standards, clarifying the path to certification, and equipping companies with the tools and guidance they need. Below is a snapshot of what we've delivered so far, and what's coming next:
“The shift to the new B Lab Standards, coupled with a transition to third-party certification, is not just about adapting—it's about leading.”
Clay Brown, Co-Lead Executive, B Lab Global
B Corp Certification and the Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition (ECGT) Directive
B Lab’s new third-party certification model (V2.1) aligns with the EU's Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition (ECGT) Directive. This model strengthens the credibility of B Corp Certification, ensures compliance with EU sustainability label requirements, and helps companies reduce reputational, financial, and legal risks.
Important actions required:
- If you are a B Corp engaging in business-to-consumer (B2C) communications in the European Union, visit our updated article and FAQs to understand your options for logo usage and pathways to certification on the new B Lab Standards.
- If your company may be impacted by the ECGT Directive, you must self-identify by November 30, 2025. You can do this by logging in to B Impact → Manage Account → Company → Regulatory Information → Indicate your company is impacted by ECGT.
Understanding the B Lab Standards: A New Naming Convention
In April 2025, we introduced our reimagined standards, designed to be more robust and relevant than ever. Once certification on the new B Lab Standards begins in 2026, they will be B Lab’s main offering. It’s important that we are collectively using cohesive language to describe them and clearly indicate the version of the standards that a company is meeting. To reflect this evolution, and to account for future updates, we’ve introduced a new naming and versioning approach:
*The new B Lab Standards are formally considered V2.0, noting that in the PDF downloadable version of the new standards released at that time was referred to as V1.0.
Ready to engage with the new B Lab Standards?
To begin your certification journey, follow these steps:
Resources and Guides
Certification Process Requirements for B Corps
A comprehensive document outlining all the audit, certification, and license requirements information you need to get ready to certify on the new standards.
Certification Scoping Guide
A comprehensive guide that details the necessary criteria and guidance for defining a company's certification scope when seeking B Corp Certification against B Lab Standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
All your frequently asked questions about certifying under the B Lab Standards V2.1.
Evidence Guides per Impact Topic
Practical examples of the types of documentation B Corps can use to demonstrate how they meet each applicable subrequirement.
Interoperability Mapping
Learn how data and methodologies from other certification schemes, sustainability-related frameworks, and disclosure reporting are aligned and contribute to meeting our standards.
B Corp Legal Requirement
Understand how the B Corp Legal Requirement and the PSG1 requirement mutually support each other.
Clay's Blog
Read Clay's blog on how certifying on the B Lab Standards V2.1 can set your company up for ECGT compliance, as well as strengthen its position as a leader in building a purpose-driven economy.
Change Log
What's changed in the V2.1 release? Understand the key updates through the Change Log.
Managing Negative Impacts
Learn how the B Lab Standards manage negative impacts through FR3.1, the new Risk Tool to manage risky practices.
Scope & Standards Transition Guide for Complex Companies
A Guide and FAQs for Complex Companies navigating the new B Lab Standards.