You just got a request from a big client. They want your EcoVadis certification. Or maybe you’re ready to start your sustainability journey. Now you’re looking at the EcoVadis assessment. And you’re asking: how long will this take? Knowing the EcoVadis certification timeline helps you plan better. You can prepare your team and set clear expectations.
What is EcoVadis certification and why does timing matter?
EcoVadis is a global sustainability rating platform. It checks how well companies use sustainability in their work. Since 2007, over 150,000 companies use it to show their sustainability to others.
The assessment looks at four areas: Environment, Labour and Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. It’s evidence-based and digital. There are no site visits. But you need to provide documents to support your answers.
Timing matters. The EcoVadis certification timeline affects your business. It impacts client responses and tender deadlines. If a buyer needs your scorecard in one month, you need to be ready. Good planning helps you gather documents early and show your work clearly.
The EcoVadis certification timeline: what to expect
The EcoVadis assessment has several steps. First, you register on the platform and complete your company profile. Then EcoVadis checks your information. This takes about six business days. They create a questionnaire for your company.
When you get your questionnaire, the work begins. You need to complete it with documents. This step takes the most time. The questionnaire has multiple choice questions and open questions about sustainability. You need to add proof for many answers.
After you submit everything, EcoVadis analysts review your work. The review time varies. The analysts check all your documents carefully. They may ask for more information, which can add more time to the process.
Finally, you get your EcoVadis scorecard. It shows your performance in the four areas. You may get a medal rating too (Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum). This is the basic process. But the actual time can be different for each company.
Factors that impact your EcoVadis certification timeline
Several things can change your timeline. You can control some. Others you cannot.
- Data readiness – Companies that gather documents early complete the process faster, including policies, audit reports, training records, and supporting documentation, while those who wait often struggle to find or create necessary documentation at the last minute.
- Response time – How quickly you complete your questionnaire and add all required documents directly affects when the review can start, as delays on your side push back your scorecard delivery date.
- Company size and complexity – Larger companies with multiple sites and complex operations typically need more time because they require input from many departments, while smaller companies usually find the process more straightforward.
- Documentation quality – Clear, dated, official documents in accepted languages (English, French, Spanish, German, or Italian) help reviewers work faster, whereas unclear or incomplete documents may cause delays and requests for additional information.
Understanding these factors allows you to take control of your EcoVadis certification timeline. While you cannot change your company’s size or complexity, you can significantly improve your data readiness, response time, and documentation quality. By addressing each element strategically, you can streamline the entire process and avoid common pitfalls that extend timelines unnecessarily.
Get expert help for your sustainability journey
Planning your EcoVadis certification timeline can be simple. With good preparation and support, you can do it well.
At Dazzle, we understand EcoVadis. We built Europe’s first platform for EcoVadis specialists. These experts have helped many companies. They can help you gather documents, complete your questionnaire, and advise on best practices. We match you with the right expert.
We offer flexibility. Work with our experts on one project or bring in an interim sustainability manager. If you have tight deadlines, we can help. We connect you with professionals within 48 hours.
Ready to start your EcoVadis assessment? Contact our team. Let’s begin your sustainability journey together.
