Does the 15 July 2026 B Corp deadline impact you? Have you missed it?
Introduction
The B Corp movement started with 81 certified companies in 2006. Twenty years on, that's grown to over 10,800 across 102 countries. Growth like that creates an understandable tension between size and maintaining high standards, especially with evolving regulations and the need to align with other certification schemes.
The solution for the B Corp has been the start of the biggest overhaul in its history. The new V2 standards, launched in April 2025, replace the old 80-point system with mandatory requirements across seven impact topics and the need for assessments to be checked by third-party auditors.
So, what does all this mean if you're already B Corp certified — particularly if you're due to recertify this year?
Who is affected?
The 15 July deadline only impacts companies who:
Market their products or services to EU consumers
AND
Are already B Corp certified
In comparison, the multi-year phased roll-out of V2 and V2.1 will affect everyone certifying or recertifying in 2026 and 2027.
It is not for new B Corp applications or non-EU facing companies.
Why is this happening?
Part of the driving force behind the changes is to ensure the B Corp is aligned with other certification schemes — but the sharper driver is the progression of EU law.
Specifically, the EU Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive (ECGT) which will fundamentally change how brands communicate sustainability claims. These rules will be legally enforceable and require every ‘eco’ claim, label and certification to be clear, specific and backed by evidence.
V2 is B Lab’s response to the ECGT. The new standards will help B Corps stay ahead of emerging regulatory demands, protect them against greenwashing risks and focus their efforts on delivering ongoing, meaningful change.
What was the 15 July deadline and how does it relate to the 27 September?
15 July – internal deadline set by B Lab
27 September – external EU legal compliance deadline
The 15 July, was an internal submission deadline created by the B Lab. It was chosen to solve the problem they faced of having to transition companies already certified under the old v1.6 to full recertification under the new standards before the ECGT comes into force on the 27th September.
What happens to already-certified businesses that missed the date?
If you missed the B-Lab cutoff date (15th July), you can sign an amendment to the B Corp Agreement. This includes a waiver that commits you to future recertification under the V2 standards.
If you choose this option, your company will assume heightened legal risk, including potential lawsuits under ECGT for non-compliance.
If you have missed the deadline and don’t sign the Amendment by 27 September, you will lose the right to use the B Corp IP (including the logo) from that date.
Companies that submitted by 15 July can continue using the B Corp IP and making certification-related claims while their recertification is being completed.
So What
If you're EU-facing and already submitted, you're on track. If you're EU-facing and missed the window, the amendment route above is your next step. If you're not EU-facing yet, this deadline isn't yours — but the broader V2/V2.1 rollout still is and we can help.