What is VSME and why does it matter for SMEs
The VSME (Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for SMEs) is a voluntary reporting standard developed by EFRAG, designed for non-listed SMEs. It provides a proportionate, streamlined framework for structuring non-financial communications around environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues.
The standard is built around 56 core indicators, allowing companies of all sizes to engage in a readable ESG approach without the administrative burden of regulatory standards like CSRD.
VSME serves three main purposes:
- strengthening credibility with ESG-conscious financiers,
- responding to requests from large buyers already subject to CSRD,
- and establishing a measurable internal CSR management dynamic.
A voluntary standard: no thresholds or obligations in 2026
In 2026, no non-listed SME will be required to adopt VSME. The standard remains entirely voluntary.
It requires no external audit, no standardised format and no formal rating. Companies freely choose their reference year, report structure (PDF, Word, Excel) and which data to publish.
This flexibility is strategic: SMEs can initiate coherent reporting without waiting for potential future obligations, while getting ahead of requests from clients or partners subject to CSRD. For a precise answer on who VSME applies to and when adoption is recommended, our dedicated article sets out the criteria.
EFRAG does, however, recommend carrying out a double materiality analysis — not mandatory, but essential for building a coherent ESG strategy.
Which companies does VSME actually apply to
VSME is designed for any SME looking to formalise its sustainability approach:
- Suppliers to large groups: responding consistently to ESG questionnaires, which are often multiple and overlapping.
- Growing companies and startups: building a standardised ESG foundation before falling within CSRD scope.
- Industrial SMEs and exporters: improving visibility with international partners and investors.
No headcount, turnover or balance sheet threshold determines eligibility — the standard is fully open and scalable.
How VSME, ESRS and CSRD fit together
CSRD is the European directive requiring large companies to publish detailed non-financial reporting. ESRS (European Sustainability Reporting Standards) define the technical content.
VSME is a voluntary tool developed by the same body (EFRAG) for companies that do not fall directly under that obligation. Our article on the differences between VSME and CSRD covers the links and use cases for SMEs in detail.
| Feature | CSRD / ESRS | VSME |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Mandatory | Voluntary |
| Target audience | Large companies / mid-sized companies | Non-listed SMEs |
| Data volume | ~600 datapoints | ~56 datapoints |
| External audit | Mandatory | Not required |
| Double materiality | Mandatory | Recommended |
Adopting VSME means speaking the same language as large companies without carrying the same reporting burden — a genuine advantage for improving ESG data compatibility across a value chain.
CSRD - Introduction and Practical Guide
Understand CSRD, its obligations and its implementation timeline — so you can anticipate your buyers' requirements and structure your ESG approach accordingly.
Key VSME indicators and tools
The standard has two modules:
- Basic: 56 datapoints across 11 thematic blocks (emissions, social policy, governance, supply chain, ethics).
- Comprehensive: 9 additional indicators for more in-depth reporting.
No format is imposed, but EFRAG provides an Excel template and a XBRL format recommended for investor readability. For a full breakdown of every indicator with data sources and practical examples, our article on VSME indicators covers each one in detail.
How to validate, review and improve your VSME reporting
No external auditor verification is required.
Reliability rests on internal data traceability: supplier invoices, HR records, documented policies. For companies that want to assess their maturity level before getting started, our article on VSME audit walks through the process.
A consultant or a specialised platform like Ditto can provide methodological support, particularly on:
- defining ESG policies,
- building an action plan,
- integrating double materiality,
- and structuring the report according to VSME indicators.
This approach accelerates internal professionalisation without overloading administrative teams.
The Guide to Successful Environmental Reporting
Methodology, key indicators and best practices for structuring your environmental reporting — applicable to VSME, EcoVadis and CSRD.
The concrete benefits for SMEs
Adopting VSME creates immediate value across three areas:
- Commercial: responding effectively to ESG requests from large clients and avoiding missed opportunities.
- Financial: demonstrating CSR credibility to banks and investors, who now integrate these criteria into their risk assessments.
- Organisational: clarifying priorities, engaging teams and building a continuous improvement process.
VSME (EFRAG) — Key Takeaways
| Key point | Essential detail |
|---|---|
| Nature of VSME | Voluntary ESG reporting standard developed by EFRAG for SMEs |
| Main objective | Structure and demonstrate ESG commitment without regulatory burden |
| Obligation | None in 2026: purely voluntary framework |
| Link to CSRD | Methodologically aligned, but proportionate to SME capabilities |
| Required indicators | 56 core datapoints (+ 9 optional in the Comprehensive module) |
| Double materiality | Strongly recommended, not mandatory |
| External audit | Not required |
| Key benefits | Stronger credibility, better access to finance, CSRD readiness |
| Useful tools | EFRAG templates, human support and automation via ESG platforms like Ditto |
