Guide to
B Corp Version 7 (V7)
-
Version 7 is the updated B Corp Certification standard released by B Lab in April 2025. Unlike the previous point-based system, V7 introduces a set of non-negotiable performance requirements across seven core Impact Topics, such as climate action, fair work, and justice, equity, diversity & inclusion (JEDI). Companies must meet defined standards in each area, instead of hitting a cumulative score under the current standard. It’s a shift toward deeper accountability and more consistent impact leadership across the global B Corp community.
-
If you’re certifying or recertifying in 2025, you may be eligible to still use the current standard (Version 6), if you can submit your BIA before June 30th, 2025. Starting in 2026, all companies will certify under the new V7 standards, with a one year extension granted for companies with recertification dates in 2026. That means now is the time to start preparing—especially if your next recertification is on the horizon. The earlier you understand the new requirements, the more thoughtfully you can align your operations and impact strategy.
-
B Lab regularly updates the B Corp standard to reflect the evolving landscape of responsible business. This isn’t the first time the standard has changed—but Version 7 is by far the most significant update to date.
Why? Because the world is facing complex, interconnected challenges—climate change, social inequity, biodiversity loss, labor injustice—and businesses have a critical role to play in addressing them. The new standard responds to this moment with a more rigorous, performance-based approach that sets clearer expectations across core topics like climate action, human rights, and equity.
V7 also addresses past criticisms of the certification—particularly around the perception that companies could “score around” weaker areas. By shifting away from a point-based system toward universal, non-negotiable requirements, the new standard protects protecting the integrity of the B Corp certification. This ensures certified companies continue to earn the trust of their customers, employees, investors, and communities.
How can I prepare my company for Version 7?
Start with a gap analysis. By July 2025, B Lab will release new self-assessment tools in your B Impact Portal to help you get a feel for what’s already in place, where you might need to grow, and what new practices may be required at least one year before your next recertification.
For a more tailored approach, Footprint offers in-depth gap assessments and can help you build a practical, strategic “B Corp Maintenance Plan”—a quarterly and annual roadmap that balances your business priorities with the path to V7 readiness.
Stay informed by attending B Lab webinars and reading updated guidance as it’s released. This is a major shift, and like any big change, it will take time to implement fully. There are still details to come—especially around Impact Business Models and supporting tools—but don’t stress. Focus on your core impact areas, plan ahead, and know you’re not alone. We’re here to help guide the way.
Key Dates
June 30th, 2025
Last day to submit a BIA under Version 6 for current B Corps hoping to recertify.
December 31, 2025
Last day to submit BIA under Version 6 for new potential B Corps.
January 1, 2026
Version 7 standard kicks in; all recertifying brands receive a 1 year extension to submit.
Version 7 Impact Areas & Performance Requirements
The B Corp Version 7 Standard introduces a new structure: seven core Impact Topics, plus a set of Foundational Requirements.
Instead of earning a cumulative score, companies must now meet baseline performance requirements in each topic area. The intent is to ensure that every B Corp meets a consistent threshold of impact across the board, instead of relying on high scores in one area, but low performance in another.
Below, you’ll find a summary of the core requirements across all seven topics. Exact expectations may vary based on your company’s size, sector, and risk profile.
-
FR1 The company meets the eligibility requirements for B Corp Certifcation.
FR2 The company adopts the B Corp legal requirement and commits to supporting the B Corp community’s collective purpose.
FR3 The company creates a risk profile and meets any additional sub-requirements.
-
PSG1: The company establishes a public purpose to make a meaningful positive impact.
PSG2: The company considers its impacts on stakeholders in decision-making.
PSG3: The company has adequate procedures to address stakeholder grievances.
PSG4: The company engages in responsible marketing and public relations.
PSG5: The company’s social and environmental impact and stakeholder considerations are monitored by the highest governing body and integrated throughout the company.
PSG6: The company is transparent about its social and environmental performance.
-
HR1: The company commits publicly to respecting human rights.
HR2: The company knows its salient human rights issues and has a strategy to address them.
HR3: The company prevents, mitigates, and remediates actual and potential negative human rights impacts.
HR4: The company works with suppliers to achieve its human rights objectives.
-
CA1: The company has a process to measure its greenhouse gas emissions annually.
CA2: The company is committed to contribute to help keep global warming below 1.5°C.
CA3: The company implements and makes progress on its climate action plan.
-
FW1: The company sets clear expectations of employees.
FW2: The company implements fair wage practices.
FW3: The company considers feedback from workers on decisions that affect them.
FW4: The company measures workplace culture and takes action to improve it.
-
ESC1: The company knows its actual and potential impacts on the environment.
ESC2: The company has a strategy to address its actual and potential negative environmental impacts, and to support staying within ecological thresholds.
ESC3: The company implements circularity principles to reduce waste and its impact on natural resources.
ESC4: The company takes action to prevent and mitigate its actual and potential negative environmental impacts.
ESC5: The company works with suppliers to achieve its environmental objectives.
-
JEDI1: The company collects data to inform its JEDI actions.
JEDI2: The company chooses and implements JEDI actions.
-
GACA1: The company takes a responsible and transparent approach to lobbying.
GACA2: The company works collaboratively to advance collective social or environmental impacts.
GACA3: The company takes a responsible and transparent approach to taxes.
Version 7 Rollout Timeline
This timeline offers a high-level view of how to plan for the rollout of the B Corp Version 7 Standard—from preparation in 2025–2026 through the key checkpoints at Year 0, 3, and 5.
As B Lab continues to release updates, details may shift—but this outline provides a helpful starting point for mapping your certification journey.
The “example actions” listed are just that—examples. They’re not exhaustive, but meant to illustrate the kinds of steps companies will take to meet the new requirements and demonstrate meaningful progress over time.
Work with Footprint towards V7
Preparing for V7 can feel like a big shift—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Footprint, we’ve been deep in the B Corp space for a decade, and we bring hands-on experience, strategic clarity, and a calm, practical approach to helping your team feel confident and ready.
-
Understand exactly where you stand. We’ll assess how your current B Corp practices align with the new V7 requirements—identifying strengths, gaps, and the most strategic path forward based on your size, sector, and priorities.
-
The V7 standard requires annual reporting & measurement against the new performance requirement. We’ll develop a quarterly and annual checklist (& support) designed to help you meet the new ongoing compliance and reporting expectations. We help you embed B Corp into your rhythm—so certification becomes a natural part of how your business operates.
-
Whether you're certifying for the first time or preparing to recertify, we offer hands-on, personalized support to guide you through the full process, from the B Impact Assessment, to Evaluation and Verification. First-time certifications under V6 are still open through the end of 2025—and we’re here to help you make the most of this window.
Check out the following resources for more information on V7, from B Lab and the B Corp Community:
B Corp Version 7 Standard (enter info to download the full standard)