Austria transposed the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) through amendments to the Unternehmensgesetzbuch (UGB) in 2024. Large listed Austrian companies reported for FY 2024 in 2025. Under the Omnibus Stop-the-Clock delays, Wave 2 companies now report for FY 2027 (published 2028) and listed SMEs for FY 2028 (published 2029). Non-listed SMEs are not directly in scope but are drawn in through supplier data requests from larger Austrian and German clients.
Small and growing businesses (SMEs) in Austria often feel CSRD pressure through procurement rather than through their own reporting obligations. The Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for SMEs (VSME) offers a practical, proportionate way to respond to those requests without the full ESRS scope.
This guide explains how CSRD applies in Austria, the thresholds that determine who must report, and how Austrian businesses can prepare — with notes in both English and German (DE/EN).
1. CSRD in the Austrian Context
Austria began implementing the CSRD into national law in 2024, through amendments to the Unternehmensgesetzbuch (UGB) and related auditing regulations. These changes align Austria with the EU-wide sustainability reporting framework defined in Directive (EU) 2022/2464.
Timeline for Austrian Companies
| Company Type | First CSRD Report | Reporting Year | Assurance Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large listed companies | 2025 | FY2024 | Limited assurance |
| Large non-listed companies | 2028 (delayed under Omnibus) | FY2027 | Limited assurance |
| Listed SMEs | 2029 (optional deferral to 2030) | FY2028 | Limited assurance |
| Non-listed SMEs (VSME) | Voluntary | Any year | Optional |
In Austria, the FMA (Financial Market Authority) and the Austrian Chamber of Accountants (KSW) will oversee compliance, assurance, and guidance for auditors.
2. Size Thresholds for CSRD Applicability in Austria
To determine if your company falls under CSRD, check whether it meets two of the following three criteria for two consecutive years:
| Criterion | Austrian Threshold |
|---|---|
| Balance sheet total | > €25 million |
| Net turnover | > €50 million |
| Average number of employees | > 250 |
If your company exceeds these thresholds, you will need to report under ESRS (European Sustainability Reporting Standards).
If you are smaller but supply to larger companies, expect to provide sustainability information as part of Scope 3 or value chain reporting.
3. The Voluntary SME Standard (VSME) – Simplified Reporting
The VSME Standard, developed by EFRAG, enables Austrian small and growing businesses (SMEs) to disclose sustainability data in a lighter, modular format. It’s particularly useful for family-owned firms, service providers, and suppliers.
Core Modules
| Module | Focus | Example Data |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Module (B1–B11) | Core environmental, social, and governance disclosures | Energy and GHG (B3), water (B6), waste (B7), workforce (B8–B10), governance (B11) |
| Comprehensive Module (C1–C9) | Advanced disclosures for firms with ESG-focused clients or lenders | Climate targets (C3), climate risks (C4), value chain (C7), human rights (C6) |
The VSME template can be completed in German or English, and data can be published as part of your annual management report or shared with business partners directly.
4. Reporting and Submission in Austria
For companies under mandatory CSRD:
- Reports must be submitted digitally to the Austrian Business Register (Firmenbuch) together with financial statements.
- Reports must follow the XHTML format and include an assurance statement by an accredited statutory auditor (Wirtschaftsprüfer).
- Content must comply with ESRS standards adopted by the EU Commission.
For VSME voluntary reporters:
- No official submission is required.
- Reports can be shared directly with banks, clients, or investors upon request.
- Documentation and evidence should be retained for at least seven years, following Austria’s accounting retention rules.
5. How Austrian Small and Growing Businesses Can Get Started
Step 1: Check your reporting scope
Confirm whether your company qualifies as “large” under the UGB. If not, consider voluntary reporting under VSME.
Step 2: Focus on priority topics
Start with core areas such as energy, workforce, and governance, which are relevant for nearly all industries.
Step 3: Build internal data processes
Use simple data templates to collect:
- Energy and fuel invoices
- Waste disposal records
- Payroll and HR data
- Supplier declarations
For workflow setup, see How to Integrate CSRD Data Collection into Existing Workflows.
Step 4: Plan for external requests
Large Austrian clients (especially manufacturers, construction, and retail) will increasingly ask for sustainability metrics. Having your VSME data ready will save time and strengthen supplier relationships.
Step 5: Engage your auditor early
Your financial auditor (Wirtschaftsprüfer) can help align sustainability disclosures with accounting and assurance requirements.
6. Local Resources and Support
- Kammer der Steuerberater und Wirtschaftsprüfer (KSW) – Guidance for auditors and SMEs on CSRD implementation.
- Wirtschaftskammer Österreich (WKÖ) – Offers workshops and practical CSRD toolkits.
- Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Wirtschaft (BMAW) – Publishes official Austrian CSRD guidance and translations.
- Austrian Standards Institute – Translations and references to ESRS standards.
- Regional chambers (WKO Landesstellen) – Local business support for SMEs adopting the VSME standard.
7. Beispiel: CSRD-Bericht (Kurzfassung auf Deutsch)
Unternehmen: ABC Maschinenbau GmbH Berichtsjahr: 2025 Mitarbeiterzahl: 85 Energieverbrauch: 120.000 kWh Strom, 18.000 Liter Heizöl Abfallaufkommen: 6,5 Tonnen (davon 4,2 Tonnen recycelt) Schulungen: 12 Stunden pro Mitarbeiter im Jahr Diversity: 22 % Frauenanteil, 10 % Führungskräfte Frauen Governance: Verhaltenskodex aktualisiert im April 2025
This simple summary meets VSME expectations and demonstrates progress transparently without requiring a full ESRS report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CSRD mandatory for Austrian SMEs?
Only large or listed companies are required to report. Smaller SMEs can voluntarily report using the VSME framework.
Can reports be published in English?
Yes. Austrian law accepts English-language CSRD reports, although companies may choose to provide German versions for local stakeholders.
Do SMEs need an auditor for VSME reports?
No, but voluntary limited assurance can enhance credibility, especially for supplier or financing relationships.
How long must CSRD data be stored?
At least seven years, consistent with Austrian accounting and audit record retention rules.
Key Terms
- CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) – EU directive harmonising sustainability reporting.
- VSME Standard – Simplified framework for voluntary SME reporting.
- ESRS – European Sustainability Reporting Standards.
- Wirtschaftsprüfer – Statutory auditor responsible for assurance.
- Limited assurance – Moderate-level verification confirming plausibility of data.
Conclusion
For Austrian small and growing businesses (SMEs), CSRD is both a challenge and an opportunity — a way to build transparency, improve efficiency, and strengthen client relationships across the EU.
Start small with the VSME Standard, focus on essential data, and engage your finance and audit partners early. This pragmatic approach keeps reporting simple, compliant, and credible.
To plan your company’s reporting cycle, refer to the Annual CSRD Reporting Calendar.