Question

Have documentation quality expectations become more stringent compared to previous cycles?

Q: Have documentation quality expectations become more stringent compared to previous cycles?

Yes: review standards now demand genuine implementation evidence and framework-aligned data, with a stricter reading of GRI in accordance with.

Yes. EcoVadis's review standards have consistently moved toward more rigorous evidence requirements. Analysts increasingly look for documents that demonstrate genuine implementation rather than intent alone, and for data that meets recognised framework criteria such as GRI indicators or ESRS data points. The shift toward requiring "in accordance with" rather than "with reference to" reporting standards is the clearest recent signal of this direction — see the Rising Bar and 2026-changes articles for the full picture.

Have documentation quality expectations become more stringent compared to previous cycles?

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