B Lab’s Crucial Update for 2026
You may have missed a recent update from B Lab as it was a little hidden in their extensive knowledge base, but it’s a crucial update for B Corps preparing for recertification: if your renewal falls in 2026, you may not have as much time as you initially thought…
The Role of the EU Directive (ECGT)
Have you heard about the new EU directive Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition (ECGT)? And do you realise the impact it’ll have on your organisation’s timeline to re-certify on B Corps new standards?
From Version 6 to Version 2.1
The shift from Version 6 to Version 2.1 has been a long time coming — over five years in the making — so it’s no surprise that the overhaul is comprehensive.
The old points-based system, where reaching 80 points on a self-assessment secured certification, is giving way to something more robust.
Under the new B Corp framework, certification is based on:
- Compliance criteria that companies must actively meet
- Evidence that must be provided
- Ongoing accountability for up to five years
Why This Change Matters
For many organisations, this change is a positive step. It reflects how far the B Corp movement has come: from measuring impact to embedding accountability and long-term resilience.
Businesses now have:
- A clearer roadmap
- Stronger benchmarks
- More credibility in the marketplace
The 12-Month Extension for Recertification
To help companies transition smoothly, B Lab has granted a twelve-month extension to recertifications due between January 1st and December 31st, 2026.
This gives both SMEs and larger enterprises valuable time to:
- Identify reporting gaps
- Strengthen processes
- Prepare before moving onto the new standard
The Exception for B2C Companies in Europe
However, there is one important exception.
If you are a Business-to-Consumer (B2C) company selling within Europe, you may not be able to take advantage of the extension.
Why? Because of the EU Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition (ECGT) directive, which comes into force on September 27th, 2026.
This directive aims to assist consumers in fostering sustainable consumption. After this date, if you want to use the B Corp logo on any products sold within the EU, you must be certified under the new Version 2.1 standard.
How EA Helps With B Corp Recertification 2026
Therefore, in light of this time pressure, let EA’s gap analysis tool help you take your first step into getting that recertification sorted.
Using as little as previous Active Assessments and Impact Reports, EA is able to provide a gap analysis against the criteria specific to your organisation’s size, sector, and industry.
This gives you a clearer picture of:
- How easy recertification will be
- Any work you need to do
Get Ahead Before 2026
With B Lab’s V2 certification demanding active evidencing of claims for up to five years, getting ahead and laying the groundwork now could not be more vital.