Key Updates to B Corp Standards Announced: What Businesses Need to Know
At the beginning of November, B Lab released further updates to the new B Corp certification standards, following the initial launch in April 2025. The current version of the new standards was released in August 2025 (referred to as V2.1), and the latest updates provide companies with clarification on the certification process and evidence requirements.
Susanna Jackson (MISEP CEnv), Sustainability Manager & Lead Consultant at Beyondly, has outlined the key updates certifying and re-certifying B Corps need to know; from deadlines, the certification process, and fees.
- B Lab have extended the deadline for companies certifying on the current standards until March 2026:
-
- Current B Corporations can recertify on the new standards from 1st February 2026
- Companies certifying for the first time will do so on the new standards from March 2026.
- B Lab have appointed 2 assurance providers to conduct third-party audits under the new standards: To-Cert and SCS Global Services.
- The certification process has been announced and will involve the following steps:
-
- Company registers and completes Foundation Requirements to confirm eligibility.
- Company completes a risk profile and a certification scope, and track is assigned.
- Company completes a self-assessment against the Impact Requirements.
- Company submits their assessment and an assurance provider is assigned.
- Assurance provider carries out a third-party audit of the company’s self-assessment.
- Assurance provider issues a corrective action report listing any non-conformities.
- Company addresses non-conformities and submits evidence.
- Assurance provider makes certification decision and issues certification.
- Companies will be audited again in Year 3 and Year 5, although frequency and type of audits across the 5 year period may vary depending on the company.
- B Lab UK has committed to freezing its fees through 2026, so there will be no changes in fees for new submissions and B Corps in 2026.
As the new standards continue to develop and evolve, Beyondly hope to continue their B Corp consultancy and training service offering in 2026, when all details have been confirmed.
