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What to Do if You Disagree With Your EcoVadis Score?

the answer Jul 09, 2025

Updated: July 9, 2026

If you disagree with your EcoVadis score, start by identifying the exact issue. A low or disappointing result is usually handled through reassessment planning. A specific factual error, document interpretation issue, or unclear Improvement Area may fit the EcoVadis factual-error or Scorecard Inquiry routes.

This guide explains what to do if your EcoVadis score seems wrong, how to decide whether the issue is a factual error or a Scorecard Inquiry question, and how to prepare precise questions based on evidence you already submitted.

Quick answer: Can you challenge an EcoVadis score?

Check whether your scorecard is still in the two-business-day pre-publication review window.
Use the factual-error route for issues such as wrong company details, wrong scope, unrelated 360° Watch findings, or a document rejected despite meeting submission requirements.
Use Scorecard Inquiry when you need clarification about methodology, a specific document, or how a specific answer was evaluated.
Do not send a general complaint, a list of Improvement Areas, or a broad request to change the score.
Do not try to submit new evidence through Scorecard Inquiry after publication. EcoVadis says new documents are not accepted after the scorecard is published.
Prepare each question with the document name, page number, question code, and the exact clarification you need.

Are you in the right place?

You are not yet sure what the scorecard fields or findings mean? Start with How to Read Your EcoVadis Scorecard.
You disagree with your EcoVadis score or think the scorecard contains a factual error? Stay on this page.
Your score was lower than expected and you need a first-response plan? Read what to do after an EcoVadis score lower than expected.
Your reassessment score or medal went down compared with last time? Read why your EcoVadis score went down.
The issue is weak, missing, or rejected evidence? Read what to do when EcoVadis documents are not accepted.
You are ready to build a better reassessment plan? Read how to improve your EcoVadis score.

About 'The Answer' Series

The Answer is a series that provides no-fluff answers and solutions to your most pressing EcoVadis questions. We tackle one topic head-on to give you the clarity you need to move forward.

Quick Navigation

1. Step 1: Identify the type of disagreement
2. Step 2: Check the factual-error route
3. Step 3: Decide if Scorecard Inquiry fits
4. Step 4: Audit your submitted evidence
5. Step 5: Write specific Scorecard Inquiry questions
6. Step 6: Submit and plan next steps
7. Frequently Asked Questions

Step 1: Identify the Type of Disagreement

Many companies feel that an EcoVadis score is wrong because they know more work happened internally than the scorecard seems to recognise. That feeling is understandable. The practical question is more specific: did EcoVadis use incorrect information, overlook valid submitted evidence, or apply the methodology in a way you do not understand?

The EcoVadis scorecard guide helps you distinguish ordinary scorecard interpretation from a genuine factual-error or clarification issue before you use an inquiry route.

Separate the issue into one of these routes:

Issue	Likely Route	What to Do
Wrong company information, wrong scope, unrelated 360° Watch item, or rejected document that met submission requirements	Factual-error review	Report it during the pre-publication review window if available.
Unclear evaluation of a specific document, answer, or Improvement Area	Scorecard Inquiry	Prepare a precise question with document name, page number, and question code where relevant.
Missing evidence, weak documents, outdated KPIs, or actions that were not implemented yet	Reassessment planning	Build better evidence for the next assessment.

This distinction matters because the inquiry route is narrow. It works best when you can point to a specific submitted document and ask how EcoVadis evaluated it.

Step 2: Check the EcoVadis Factual-Error Route

EcoVadis introduced a scorecard pre-publication process in 2026. During this process, scorecard results are visible only to the rated company for two business days before network publication. EcoVadis says companies can use that period to report factual errors. You can read the official update in EcoVadis' Q1 2026 methodology update.

Examples of factual errors to check

✔ Wrong company name, size, industry, location, or assessment scope.
✔ A 360° Watch item that does not relate to the assessed legal entity.
✔ A submitted document rejected even though it met the stated submission requirements.

EcoVadis also states that disagreement with the final score, methodology, weightings, or judgment is not treated as a factual error. If the scorecard has already been published, or if your question is about how evidence was interpreted, use the Scorecard Inquiry route instead.

Step 3: Decide If Scorecard Inquiry Fits

A Scorecard Inquiry is a request for clarification about the EcoVadis methodology, a specific document, or a specific question. Use it when you can ask a precise question about how submitted evidence was evaluated.

EcoVadis describes Scorecard Inquiry as a clarification route for specific questions about scorecard results. You can read the official guidance in EcoVadis' scorecard results support article. EcoVadis says the following are not valid Scorecard Inquiry requests:

a request to change the score without specific points for review;
a list or screenshot of Improvement Areas or CAP items without clear questions;
a debate about EcoVadis methodology;
a request to consider additional documents after publication;
consultative questions about which certification to obtain or how to improve a policy.

Need an expert view before you submit a Scorecard Inquiry? A Scorecard Review can help you separate valid inquiry questions from wider improvement work for the next reassessment.

Step 4: Audit Your Submitted Evidence

Before you submit an EcoVadis Scorecard Inquiry, review the evidence as an analyst would. EcoVadis says supporting documents should demonstrate your sustainability management system and be recent, relevant, complete, and related to the assessment scope. You can check the official requirements in EcoVadis' supporting documents guidance.

Evidence Check	What to Confirm Before Inquiry
Scope	The document clearly applies to the legal entity, sites, or scope assessed by EcoVadis.
Recency	Policies and actions are within the relevant validity period, and KPI reporting is recent enough for the assessment.
Credibility	The document is formal, pre-existing, owned by the company, and includes enough context to be trusted.
Findability	The relevant evidence is easy to find, with a clear page number, section name, or comment.
Question fit	The document supports the exact answer or Improvement Area you want EcoVadis to clarify.

If the evidence is weak, out of scope, outdated, or hard to find, an inquiry may still help you understand the issue. It is unlikely to solve the underlying score problem. That work belongs in your reassessment plan.

📌 Related guide

If document quality was the main issue, read what to do when your EcoVadis documents are not accepted.

Step 5: Write Specific Scorecard Inquiry Questions

EcoVadis says you can submit up to 15 specific questions in total. Each question should point to a specific document, page number, and question code where relevant.

Use this format:

Regarding the Improvement Area [insert Improvement Area], we would like to understand how EcoVadis evaluated the evidence in [document name], page [page number], against question [question code]. The section states [short description of the evidence]. Could you clarify why this evidence was not credited or how it was interpreted?

This wording is calm and specific. It gives the analyst a clear review point and avoids turning the inquiry into a general complaint.

A good Scorecard Inquiry question includes

the exact Improvement Area or scorecard issue;
the document name as listed in your Document Library;
the page number or section;
the question code, such as ENV600 or LAB100, when relevant;
one clear question about evaluation, interpretation, or methodology.

Step 6: Submit and Plan Next Steps

Submit your request through the EcoVadis support route for understanding scorecard results. Keep a copy of the questions you submitted and the evidence references you used.

Then prepare for two possible outcomes:

EcoVadis clarifies the issue and confirms the assessment logic. Use the answer to improve your evidence before reassessment.
EcoVadis identifies a factual or analytical issue. Document the result, update your internal management brief, and track what changed.

📌 Real-world example: Nilfisk

Nilfisk reported that after finding inconsistencies in its 2023 EcoVadis rating, it engaged in dialogue with EcoVadis. The corrections led to a 6-point increase and restored its Gold medal. Use this example carefully: it shows that correction is possible when there are specific issues, while most scorecard concerns still need evidence and reassessment work. You can read Nilfisk's public explanation on its website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I disagree with my EcoVadis score?

Start by identifying the specific issue. If there is a factual error during the pre-publication window, report it through the factual-error route. If you need clarification on a document, methodology point, or question, prepare a Scorecard Inquiry. If the issue is weak or missing evidence, build a reassessment plan.

Is Scorecard Inquiry the same as an EcoVadis appeal?

No. Many people search for an EcoVadis appeal procedure, but EcoVadis describes Scorecard Inquiry as a clarification route. It is useful for specific questions about methodology, documents, or answers. It is not a general appeal process for adding new evidence or requesting a score change without specific points for review.

Can I submit new documents with a Scorecard Inquiry?

No. EcoVadis says it does not accept new documents after the scorecard is published. Your inquiry should refer to documents that were already included in your original assessment.

How many Scorecard Inquiry questions can I submit?

EcoVadis says you can submit up to 15 specific questions in total. Sub-questions may count as one question, so keep each point focused and easy to review.

What if my score was simply lower than expected?

Use this page only if you have a specific factual-error or clarification question. If the score was lower than expected and you are still deciding what happened, start with the first-response guide. If you already understand the gaps, move into score improvement planning.

📝 Key Takeaways

Be specific. Scorecard Inquiry works best when you can point to a document, page number, and question code.
Use the right route. Factual-error review, Scorecard Inquiry, and reassessment planning solve different problems.
Stay within submitted evidence. New documents are not accepted after publication through Scorecard Inquiry.
Audit evidence first. Check scope, recency, credibility, findability, and question fit before submitting.
Turn the outcome into a plan. Even when the score does not change, the clarification can help you prepare stronger evidence for reassessment.

Need Help Deciding Whether a Scorecard Inquiry Is Worth It?

A Scorecard Review can help you understand whether your issue looks like a factual-error question, a valid Scorecard Inquiry, or an improvement gap for reassessment. You get a clearer action plan without spending days guessing internally.

Review Your Scorecard

Need an Answer?
Is there a part of the EcoVadis process you're stuck on? Click here to submit your question, and it could be featured in a future edition of The Answer.