- Every answer in the EcoVadis questionnaire must be backed by a document: without evidence, the answer isn't counted in the score.
- Up to 55 documents per assessment, one topic per file; they must be dated, in scope and in an accepted language.
- Validity: policies and action plans 8 years, reporting and KPIs 2 years, certifications until expiry.
- Rigorous preparation (centralization, clear naming, updates) avoids rejections and improves the score.
The EcoVadis questionnaire evaluates a company’s CSR performance based on tangible evidence.
To validate answers, companies must upload supporting documents proving the existence of policies, actions, and measurable results.
Without supporting evidence, answers are not considered in the final score.
How the EcoVadis Questionnaire Works
The assessment is based on 21 sustainability criteria, grouped into four themes:
- Environment
- Labor & Human Rights
- Ethics
- Sustainable Procurement
Each company receives a customized questionnaire that reflects its size, industry, and country of operation.
EcoVadis evaluates CSR maturity across three key dimensions: Policies, Actions and Results.
What EcoVadis assessors check in your documents
Format, content, mistakes to avoid: exactly what an analyst looks at before scoring your file
Documents Required in EcoVadis
Every answer must be supported by at least one valid document.
Documents must be relevant, dated, recent, and aligned with the evaluated scope.
Examples of commonly accepted documents
| Category | Examples of documents |
|---|---|
| Policies & commitments | CSR policy, Code of conduct, Environmental policy, Health & Safety policy, Supplier code of conduct |
| Actions & practices | Action plans, procedures, training programs, deployment evidence, internal audits |
| Certifications & labels | ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 9001, B Corp, Lucie Label, EcoLabel |
| Reporting & KPIs | Sustainability/ESG report, carbon footprint (GHG inventory), CDP report, performance indicators |
| External commitments | UN Global Compact, SBTi, Global Compact, sector initiatives |
| Other evidence | HR registers, awareness materials, energy consumption data, workplace accident statistics |
Document Validity Requirements
To be accepted, documents must meet specific criteria:
- The company name or logo must be visible.
- A publication date must be identifiable.
- The scope must match the evaluated entity.
- The format must be official (PDF preferred).
- The language must be one accepted by EcoVadis.
Document validity periods
| Document type | Maximum validity |
|---|---|
| Policies / Action plans | 8 years |
| Reporting & KPIs | 2 years |
| Audits or certificates | Until official expiration date |
| Collective agreements | Until next formal revision |
| Memberships / endorsements | Verified at each assessment |
EcoVadis pre-submission checklist
Make sure your file is complete and consistent before you submit, theme by theme
How to Prepare a Successful EcoVadis Submission
To streamline the process and maximize your score:
- Centralize your policies and action plans in a shared workspace.
- Gather all evidence: reports, KPIs, audits, certifications.
- Name files clearly according to the EcoVadis theme.
- Check scope alignment (sites, subsidiaries, business units).
- Update your data (KPIs, carbon footprint, etc.).
This preparation helps save time, reduce rejected documents, and improve your final performance, and potentially achieve a higher EcoVadis medal.
Build a solid EcoVadis file
Our experts help you gather and structure the right evidence to maximize your score
Documents Required for the EcoVadis Questionnaire — Key Takeaways
| Key point | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Nature of the questionnaire | CSR assessment based on documented evidence |
| Themes covered | Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, Sustainable Procurement |
| Maximum number of documents | 55 files per assessment |
| Accepted formats & languages | PDF or similar, accepted in most business languages (including English, French, Spanish, etc.) |
| Evidence validity | 2 to 8 years depending on the document type |
| Objective | Demonstrate a structured and measurable CSR management system |
