New B Lab Standards
Our standards are at the heart of the B Corp movement and our collective mission to transform the economic system. They define the key environmental and social issues that we believe businesses must tackle, ensuring that B Corps continue to lead the way. In April 2025, B Lab launched new standards to set a bold blueprint for meaningful business actions.
Last updated on 21 October 2025
New EU legislation on environmental claims (ECGT Directive) may affect business’ certification process and how B corps communicate their certification. See if your business is affected and how you can self-identify your status.
Doing so will expedite your 2026 certification process, reducing financial and legal risk linked to non-compliance.
Why are the standards changing?
From climate action to environmental conservation, employee wellbeing and considering stakeholders in decision-making, our new standards offer a blueprint for all businesses seeking to drive positive change and accountability.
For B Corps, standing still is not an option. This is a moment for leadership, to be part of a movement changing business for the better, demonstrating bold action in areas like climate action, worker wellbeing, and governance. To be a B Corp is more than a badge. It’s an ongoing commitment to keep improving your company’s impact.
Why should you certify on the new standards?
The B Corp movement has proved that businesses can be a force for good. With the launch of the new B Lab Standards, this is your opportunity to raise the bar and lead. Whether you’re certifying for the first time or recertifying, being an early adopter can help you safeguard your reputation as a purpose-driven business and meet upcoming legislation.
Compliance with ECGT
The new B Lab Standards will comply with the Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition (ECGT) Directive, a law to combat greenwashing and help consumers make informed purchasing decisions, which will be effective on 27 September 2026. This directive applies to any company making business-to-consumer (B2C) communications in the EU — regardless of your location.
B Corps should self-identify if the ECGT directive applies to your business by:
Signing up or logging in to B Impact, go to ‘Company’ > ‘Regulatory Information', and complete the opt-in to indicate whether ECGT affects you. We may contact you based on your reporting operating location.
First time certifying? If you wish to certify on the old standards, Standard Approach companies have until the end of February 2026 to submit their assessments. For Large Enterprises and Multinational Companies, we are no longer accepting new applications. If you are already in progress, please submit your assessment by the end of December 2025.
For ECGT-impacted companies, we recommend certifying on the new standards to ensure alignment with the Directive's requirements.
For recertifying B Corps, recertification under the old standards is now closed. All B Corps will transition to the new standards when their next cycle begins.
Prepare your business for certification under the new standards by:
- Sign up or log in to B Impact to begin your self-assessment or identify gaps
- Explore the new standards' foundational requirements and Impact Topics with the Introduction to the new B Lab Standards course
Certification Hub
B Lab Global’s Certification Hub is your go-to place for all new standards-related updates. It offers deeper insight into upcoming development and timelines, the certification process, and helpful tools to keep you informed and on track.
Summary of the seven Impact Topics
View summaries of each Impact Topic and understand how they apply to your business.
How were the new standards developed?
The standards were shaped over three years of extensive consultation with businesses, stakeholders and experts worldwide. Incorporating 16,000+ qualitative feedback from 1000+ stakeholders, these standards are more comprehensive than ever, contextualising the standards for different companies by size and sector.
What the new standards mean for business
The new B Lab Standards mark a significant evolution of the standards in B Lab's history, offering a clear and actionable framework for businesses to raise the bar and navigate the world’s most urgent challenges.
Still have questions?
Visit the FAQs or contact us at certification@bcorporation.uk.