The 80-point B Impact Assessment threshold is gone. Under B Lab's new standards, a company has to meet mandatory requirements in all seven Impact Topics. A strong score in one area can't make up for a gap in another.
Depending on size, sector and location, a company now faces between 20 and 124 sub-requirements. Most of what's still online about B Corp describes the old system.
What this page covers: the structural changes in B Lab Standards V2 (V2.0 published April 8, 2025, V2.1 August 12, 2025, V2.2 February 20, 2026). Who it's for: owners and marketing leads at small and mid-size brands deciding whether to certify, or preparing to recertify. Sources: B Lab Global, B Lab U.S. & Canada and the B Impact Assessment Knowledge Hub, plus peer-reviewed research where cited. Last checked: October 15, 2026.
The Five Biggest Changes
- Pass/fail replaced points. The old model let you bank points anywhere and clear 80. The new model sets a floor in every Impact Topic.
- Seven mandatory Impact Topics. Every company is assessed on all seven.
- Certification is now phased. Some requirements apply at certification (Year 0). Others kick in at Year 3 and Year 5.
- Climate action is required at every size. What's required scales with size, but no company can skip it.
- The timeline is live. Recertifications moved to the new standards in January 2026. New companies started certifying on them in March 2026.
The Seven Impact Topics
| Impact Topic | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Purpose & Stakeholder Governance | Mission, governance and accountability to stakeholders |
| Fair Work | Pay, benefits and working conditions |
| Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion | Representation and equity in the workforce |
| Human Rights | Human rights risk in operations and supply chains |
| Climate Action | Emissions, targets and a climate action plan |
| Environmental Stewardship & Circularity | Resource use, waste and materials |
| Government Affairs & Collective Action | Lobbying, advocacy and industry collaboration |
On top of the seven topics, every company has to meet three Foundation Requirements. You need 12 months of operating history as a for-profit and no significant revenue from excluded industries like fossil fuels, tobacco, gambling or weapons. You have to make a legal commitment to stakeholder governance and sign the Declaration of Interdependence. And you have to complete B Lab's risk profiling tool, which can trigger extra requirements.
What Climate Action Now Requires
This is the topic that changes the most for small brands.
Smaller companies need a climate action plan with measurable targets. The targets don't have to rely on a full greenhouse gas inventory. B Lab points to practical focus areas like business travel, purchased goods and services, and transportation. The plan and progress must be public.
Larger companies need a plan aligned with limiting warming to 1.5°C. That means science-based targets for Scope 1, 2 and 3, a GHG inventory verified by an accredited third party, and targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative or an independent verifier. Advocacy has to align with climate goals, and the plan has to address a just transition.
The requirements also rise over time. A plan might be enough at Year 0. Validated targets and shown progress come later in the cycle.
How the Year 0, Year 3, Year 5 Cycle Works
- Year 0 is certification. You meet the first set of requirements and pass the headquarters audit.
- Year 3 brings new requirements and a progress check.
- Year 5 brings the last set and recertification.
Micro and small companies are audited at Years 0, 3 and 5. Larger companies are audited every year.
This is the change I'd flag first to any small brand. Certification used to be a snapshot. Now it's a five-year commitment with rising requirements. Budget time and staff for Year 3, not just Year 0.
Key Dates
| Date | What happened or happens |
|---|---|
| April 8, 2025 | Standards V2.0 published |
| August 12, 2025 | V2.1 published |
| January 2026 | Existing B Corps start recertifying on the new standards |
| February 20, 2026 | V2.2 published |
| March 2026 | New companies start certifying on the new standards |
| September 27, 2026 | EU Empowering Consumers Directive takes effect. B Corps selling to EU consumers had to adopt B Lab's updated logo and claims guidelines by this date. |
| 2027 to 2028 | Remaining recertifications move to the new standards on each company's existing date |
Does Certification Still Pay Off?
There's new evidence that it does, especially early. A study in the Journal of Business Ethics by Schmelter, Schmidt and Strese compared a matched sample of certified and non-certified sustainable ventures. It found that third-party certification like B Corp works as a signal that increases funding. The effect was strongest in early stages and weakened as ventures matured.
The cost side changed too. The annual certification fee is based on prior-year revenue. Audit and submission costs come on top.
| Annual revenue | Annual fee |
|---|---|
| Up to $5M | $2,100 |
| $5M to $7.5M | $3,150 |
| $7.5M to $10M | $3,938 |
| $10M to $15M | $6,300 |
| $15M to $20M | $8,925 |
| $20M to $30M | $12,600 |
| $30M to $50M | $16,800 |
Check B Lab's current fee page before you budget. Fees rose about 5% in 2026.
What to Do Next
If you're certified: check your recertification date. Then read your gaps against all seven topics, not your old score. A high old score doesn't predict a pass.
If you're considering certification: expect at least 12 months from first login to certificate. Start with the Foundation Requirements and Climate Action. They're the most common blockers for small brands.
If you sell into the EU: make sure your B Corp claims and logo use follow B Lab's post-September 2026 guidelines. The EU now restricts sustainability labels that aren't backed by a recognized certification scheme.
Salish Sea Consulting helps small sustainable brands read their B Corp gaps and write the climate action plan the new standards require. If you're certifying or recertifying in the next 12 months, let's talk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 80-point B Corp score still required?
No. The new standards replaced the 80-point threshold with mandatory requirements across seven Impact Topics. There's no target point score anymore.
What are the seven B Corp Impact Topics?
Purpose & Stakeholder Governance, Fair Work, Justice Equity Diversity & Inclusion, Human Rights, Climate Action, Environmental Stewardship & Circularity, and Government Affairs & Collective Action.
When do the new B Corp standards apply?
Existing B Corps began recertifying on them in January 2026. New companies began certifying on them in March 2026. Remaining recertifications move over in 2027 and 2028 on each company's existing date.
Do small companies need science-based targets for B Corp?
Not at first. Smaller companies need a public climate action plan with measurable targets that don't depend on a full emissions inventory. Science-based targets and third-party verified inventories apply to larger companies.
How often are B Corps audited now?
Micro and small companies are audited at Years 0, 3 and 5. Larger companies are audited annually.