What is B Corp Certification and how can companies achieve It?

Labels and certifications that demonstrate a company's commitment to reducing its social and environmental impact have become important differentiators. Customers, financial partners, and other stakeholders are increasingly sensitive to the ethical and ecological commitments of the companies they interact with. B Corp certification is a way for commercial companies to highlight their CSR approach and distinguish themselves internationally as being both profitable and having a positive impact on the world.

What is B Corp Certification?

The B Corp (Benefit Corporation) is an international certification issued by the non-profit organization B Lab. Founded in 2006 in the United States, in Philadelphia, B Corp is a global movement of companies seeking to reconcile economic performance with a positive contribution to society and the planet. The criteria for B Corp certification are designed to refocus corporate priorities on social, societal, and environmental impact, with these concerns at the core of B Corp's business model. Through the rigorous B Impact Assessment developed by B Lab, businesses must demonstrate their commitment to transparency and accountability.

The B Impact Assessment not only evaluates a company's performance but also highlights areas where they can improve access to sustainable practices and products for underserved populations.

In April 2025, the movement reached a major milestone with the implementation of the New B Lab Standards (Version 2.1). Moving away from the former system based on an aggregate score, these new criteria ensure that every company meets specific performance thresholds on critical topics such as climate and human rights.

As of early 2026, there are more than 10,300 Certified B Corps worldwide. In Europe, the community has grown to over 2,550 companies. France remains a key driver of the movement with over 610 certified companies, ranging from innovative SMEs to large subsidiaries of international groups.

Why companies should consider B Corp certification

Labels and certifications that attest to companies' commitment to reducing their societal and environmental impact have gained significant importance. Customers, financial partners, and other stakeholders are increasingly paying attention to the ethical and ecological commitments of the companies they interact with. In this context, B Corp emerges as an essential path for companies wishing to showcase their CSR initiatives and stand out internationally as profitable businesses with a positive impact on the world.

The B Corp certification demonstrates a company's commitment to going beyond traditional business practices by integrating social and environmental considerations into its purpose and policy-making processes. This certification is a testament to seriousness and transparency, enhancing stakeholder trust and fostering long-lasting relationships. Moreover, it provides increased visibility and recognition, attracting clients, investors, and partners who share the same values and place great importance on responsible companies.

B Corp also offers international recognition, a valuable advantage for companies looking to expand their operations beyond borders. It facilitates business exchanges by demonstrating to international partners that the company adheres to the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility, as verified by B Lab's rigorous assessment process. This certification helps companies align their policies with global best practices, ensuring they remain at the forefront of sustainable and ethical business operations.

From the "5 Impact Areas" to the"7 Impact Topics"

Until April 2025, the assessment relied on 5 impact areas and a points-based system (80/200). Since then, certification has evolved into a more rigorous model structured around Foundation Requirements and 7 Impact Topics. It is no longer possible to offset a weakness in one area with a strength in another; companies must now demonstrate high performance across the board.

Foundation requirements

Before the assessment even begins, a company must demonstrate its eligibility: legal compliance, legal commitment (amending articles of association to align with the 'Société à Mission' framework in France), and the absence of involvement in controversial industries (tobacco, weapons, etc.).

The 7 impact topics

Companies must then meet specific requirements within these 7 categories:

• Purpose & Stakeholder Governance: Embedding mission into decision-making and ensuring transparency.

• Climate Action: Having a concrete plan aligned with the Paris Agreement (1.5°C) and reducing emissions.

• Human Rights: Identifying and addressing human rights risks across the entire value chain.

• Fair Working Conditions: Guaranteeing a Living Wage and high-quality social dialogue.

• Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI): Combating discrimination and promoting inclusion at all levels.

• Environmental Management & Circularity: Adopting circular economy principles and preserving biodiversity.

• Government Affairs & Collective Action: Ensuring that corporate lobbying does not contradict climate commitments.

Step-by-step guide to obtaining B Corp certification

To be certified B Corp, companies need to follow a multi-step process. This rigorous process assesses the environmental and social impact of the business, as well as its commitment to sustainable development.

Complete the B Impact Assessment (BIA): 

The company fills out the BIA, a free online tool that measures impact via over 200 questions tailored to size and sector. 2026 Note: Under the new standards, this step verifies compliance with Foundation Requirements and performance criteria for the 7 Impact Topics

Young companies and startups that wish to demonstrate their commitment before reaching the 12-month mark can obtain "Pending B Corp" status. This status allows these companies to signal to their stakeholders that they are on the certification path. Once a company reaches the 12-month milestone, it can undergo the full verification process.

Submission

Once the company estimates it has met the required performance levels (formerly the 80-point threshold, now performance requirement compliance), it submits its assessment. At this stage, 10% of the verification fee is due.

Legal Requirement (Articles of Association)

The company must adopt specific legal clauses in its bylaws to protect its social and environmental mission over the long term.

Evaluation

This is the first analysis phase. After a potential queue, the assessment responses are reviewed to verify eligibility and certification scope.

Verification (Audit)

This crucial phase involves providing supporting documentation for all answers. A thorough audit (now performed by an accredited third party) is conducted to validate compliance. The remaining 90% of the verification fee is due at this time.

Signing and Annual Fees

Upon a successful audit, the company signs the B Corp Agreement and the Declaration of Interdependence. It must also pay its first annual certification fee, based on its annual revenue.

Certification granted

The company officially joins the B Corp community. It can now communicate its status and use the B Corp Logo on its products and materials.

Continuous improvement and recertification

Certification is valid for 3 years. After this period, the company must undergo the assessment and audit process again to prove it maintains its standards and continues to progress."

What are the costs of B Corp Certification for companies in Europe?

B Corp certification involves two main types of costs: an initial Verification Fee and an Annual Certification Fee, both calculated based on the company's annual revenue.

Verification Fees (paid in two installments: 10% at submission, 90% at verification):

• Revenue < €5M: €2,500 (€250 at submission + €2,250 at verification)

• Revenue €5M - €50M: €5,000 (€500 at submission + €4,500 at verification)

• Revenue €50M - €100M: €7,500 (€750 at submission + €6,750 at verification)

• Revenue > €100M: €10,000 (€1,000 at submission + €9,000 at verification)

In addition to these initial costs, companies pay Annual Membership Fees. This fee structure is designed to be equitable, allowing startups and small businesses to join the B Corp movement while asking for a larger contribution from major corporations.

Conclusion

While many CSR certifications exist, B Corp remains the most demanding and internationally recognized benchmark. With the 2026 New Standards, the label has reinvented itself to address 'greenwashing' concerns and align with European regulations.

B Corp certification offers a dual opportunity: to stand out internationally and to join a network of businesses committed to change. The community and participatory dimension remain its greatest assets for building the economy of tomorrow.