APPI
Japan's primary regulation for personal data protection
AS9120B
Aerospace QMS standard for distributors ensuring traceability.
Quick Verdict
APPI mandates privacy protections for Japanese data handlers with consent and breach rules, while AS9120B is a voluntary QMS certification for aerospace distributors ensuring traceability and counterfeit prevention. Organizations adopt APPI for legal compliance, AS9120B for supply chain access.
APPI
Act on the Protection of Personal Information
Key Features
- Extraterritorial scope for foreign businesses targeting Japan
- Pseudonymously processed information enables flexible analytics
- Explicit consent required for sensitive data transfers
- PPC fines up to ¥100 million for violations
- Four-category security measures systematically, human, physical, technical
AS9120B
AS9120B Quality Management Systems - Requirements
Key Features
- Counterfeit and suspected unapproved parts prevention
- Enhanced traceability for split lots and chain-of-custody
- Risk-based external provider controls and flowdown
- Configuration management in distribution operations
- Product safety and ethical behavior awareness
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
APPI Details
What It Is
Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI) is Japan's cornerstone data protection regulation, enacted in 2003 with major amendments in 2022-2024. It governs handling of personal data identifying individuals, balancing privacy safeguards with digital economy needs. Scope covers businesses processing Japanese residents' data, with extraterritorial reach for foreign entities targeting Japan. Adopts risk-based approach emphasizing consent, security, and data subject rights.
Key Components
- Core principles: purpose limitation, data minimization, transparency, security.
- Pseudonymously processed information for analytics flexibility.
- Sensitive data protections requiring explicit consent.
- **Data subject rightsaccess, correction, deletion, objection.
- Enforcement by Personal Information Protection Commission (PPC) with ¥100M fines. No certification model; compliance via self-assessments, audits.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandatory for data handlers; avoids PPC fines, reputational damage. Builds consumer trust (78% prefer compliant brands), enables cross-border transfers via SCCs. Yields efficiency (15-25% cost reductions), competitive edges in tech, e-commerce, finance.
Implementation Overview
Phased 12-24 month framework: gap analysis, governance design, technical controls, testing, monitoring. Applies to all sizes, industries handling personal data in Japan. Involves data mapping, DPO appointment, vendor DPAs; PPC audits for large firms.
AS9120B Details
What It Is
AS9120B is the IAQG quality management system standard for aerospace distributors, built on ISO 9001:2015's 10-clause structure. It targets organizations procuring, storing, and reselling parts without alteration, emphasizing risk-based thinking to address distribution risks like traceability loss and counterfeits.
Key Components
- Over 100 aerospace-specific requirements in Clauses 4-10.
- Core areas: context analysis, leadership, planning, support, operations (traceability, counterfeit prevention, supplier controls), evaluation, improvement.
- Built on PDCA cycle; requires documented information, not full manual.
- Certification via accredited bodies, OASIS listing.
Why Organizations Use It
- Commercial necessity for OEM/Tier-1 supply chains.
- Mitigates risks of nonconformities, counterfeits, legal liabilities.
- Enhances market access (2,442 global certifications), efficiency, customer trust.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, audits (6-12 months).
- Applies to aviation/space/defense distributors globally.
- Involves cross-functional teams, internal audits, management reviews for certification.
Key Differences
| Aspect | APPI | AS9120B |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Personal data protection, consent, security, rights | Aerospace distribution QMS, traceability, counterfeit prevention |
| Industry | All data-handling sectors, Japan-focused, global reach | Aerospace distributors, aviation/space/defense, global |
| Nature | Mandatory privacy law, PPC enforcement | Voluntary QMS certification standard |
| Testing | Self-assessments, PPC audits/inspections | Internal audits, third-party certification audits |
| Penalties | ¥100M fines, imprisonment for breaches | Loss of certification, market exclusion |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about APPI and AS9120B
APPI FAQ
AS9120B FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...

CMMC Sustainment Mastery: Continuous Monitoring, Annual Affirmations, and Subcontractor Flow-Down Playbook
Master CMMC sustainment beyond certification: continuous monitoring dashboards, SPRS/eMASS affirmations, enforceable subcontractor clauses. Get templates for ve

Top 10 Reasons ISO 27701 is the Ultimate Privacy Boost for Your ISO 27001 ISMS in 2025
Extend ISO 27001 with ISO 27701 for ultimate privacy governance amid GDPR & AI regs. Discover top 10 advantages like integrated audits to future-proof your ISMS

The Panoramic View: How Integrated Compliance Monitoring Creates Unprecedented Organizational Visibility and Adaptability
Gain unprecedented organizational visibility with integrated compliance monitoring. Automate real-time alerts, ensure GDPR & SOC 2 adherence, reduce risks, and
Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM
Transform your compliance journey with our AI-powered assessment platform
Assess your organization's maturity across multiple standards and regulations including ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, NIST, GDPR, and hundreds more. Get actionable insights and track your progress with collaborative, AI-powered evaluations.
Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages
ISO 27018 vs ISO 30301
ISO 27018 vs ISO 30301: Cloud PII privacy code augments 27001 vs certifiable records MSR for governance. Key diffs, benefits for compliance. Choose right now!
CCPA vs REACH
Discover CCPA vs REACH: Compare California's data privacy law with EU's chemicals regulation. Unlock key differences, compliance strategies & global implementation tips.
ISO/IEC 42001:2023 vs ISO 21001
ISO/IEC 42001:2023 vs ISO 21001: AI governance meets educational management. PDCA parallels, AI risks vs learner focus, seamless ISO integration. Boost compliance—explore now!