What is the impact of the CSRD on SMEs?

Listed SMEs are obliged to report their sustainability performance over the fiscal year starting on or after the 1st of January 2026. They can use the adapted European sustainability reporting standards called 'Listed SME Standards (LSME)' (not yet finalised, see here for more info). This standard is less complex than the ESRS for larger undertakings. Listed SMEs can also, but are not obliged to, use the more comprehensive ESRS set 1 standards.

The LSME Standard is intended to provide a cap on reporting requests from large undertakings toward SMEs in the value chain. The LSME Standard can therefore be interesting for SMEs to use regardless of their own reporting obligations. This enables SMEs to proactively respond to possible requests from large undertakings which are in scope of the CSRD.


Questions CSRD & ESRS

Do you have questions about the CSRD, ESRS or are you missing a question in this list? Send us an e-mail and we will contact you as soon as possible. For technical questions, EFRAG has set up an ESRS Q&A platform (latest release of technical explanations: December 2024). Here you can submit a question, and also find answers to previously asked questions.

Questions regarding individual facts or circumstances will not be answered through these channels. For such questions, we recommend that you contact an advisor such as your company accountant.

Disclaimer

The SER and the DASB have put this questions and answers document together based on publicly available information at the time of publication. Although these questions have been answered with the utmost care, users of this document cannot be given any guarantees relating to the accuracy, topicality and completeness of the information displayed. The SER, the DASB and other parties related to this document cannot be held liable for the consequences of the use of the information from this document. This document does not represent the view of (EFRAG) or the European Commission, nor the SER or DASB.

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