APPI
Japan's regulation for protecting personal information handling
FSSC 22000
GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme for food safety management.
Quick Verdict
APPI mandates privacy protections for Japanese personal data handlers, while FSSC 22000 certifies food safety systems globally. Companies adopt APPI for legal compliance and market access in Japan; FSSC 22000 for GFSI recognition and supply chain trust.
APPI
Act on the Protection of Personal Information
FSSC 22000
Food Safety System Certification 22000
Key Features
- GFSI-benchmarked FSMS certification scheme
- Integrates ISO 22000 with sector PRPs
- Additional requirements for food defense, fraud
- Mandatory allergen management and environmental monitoring
- Risk-based HACCP within PDCA management system
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 primary data protection regulation, enacted in 2003 with major amendments in 2022-2024. It governs collection, use, security, and transfer of personal data identifying individuals, balancing privacy rights with digital economy needs. Scope covers businesses handling Japanese residents' data, with extraterritorial effect. Approach is principle-based, emphasizing consent, purpose limitation, and risk assessments.
Key Components
- Core principles: transparency, data minimization, security, data subject rights (access, correction, deletion).
- Handles sensitive information (medical, racial data) with strict consent.
- Introduces Pseudonymously Processed Information for analytics.
- Enforced by Personal Information Protection Commission (PPC); fines up to ¥100 million.
- No certification, but compliance via audits and P Mark voluntary scheme.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandatory for data handlers; avoids PPC fines, breach notifications, reputational harm. Builds consumer trust (78% prefer compliant brands), enables cross-border transfers via adequacy (EU), boosts efficiency (15-25% cost reduction), and accelerates innovation like AI on anonymized data.
Implementation Overview
Phased framework (12-24 months): gap analysis, policy design, technical controls, testing, monitoring. Applies to all sizes/industries targeting Japan; SMEs lighter touch. Involves data mapping, DPO appointment, vendor DPAs, training. Ongoing PPC self-audits required.
FSSC 22000 Details
What It Is
FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification 22000) is a GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme for Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS). It applies across food chain categories like manufacturing, packaging, and logistics, using a risk-based approach integrating ISO 22000:2018 PDCA cycle with HACCP principles.
Key Components
- **Three pillarsISO 22000:2018 (clauses 4-10), sector-specific PRPs (e.g., ISO/TS 22002-1), FSSC Additional Requirements (e.g., food defense, allergens).
- Over 100 requirements across governance, operations, and verification.
- Built on PDCA; certification via licensed bodies per ISO 22003-1.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets buyer demands for GFSI recognition, enabling global trade.
- Reduces recalls, enhances supply chain trust via public register.
- Manages risks like fraud, defense; integrates quality/sustainability.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, FSMS design, training, audits (6-12 months typical).
- For food chain organizations worldwide; requires CB certification, surveillance.
Key Differences
| Aspect | APPI | FSSC 22000 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Personal data protection and privacy | Food safety management systems |
| Industry | All data-handling sectors, Japan-focused | Food chain manufacturing, global |
| Nature | Mandatory Japanese law, PPC enforcement | Voluntary GFSI certification scheme |
| Testing | Self-assessments, PPC audits/inspections | Third-party certification audits, surveillance |
| Penalties | ¥100M fines, imprisonment for breaches | Loss of certification, no legal fines |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about APPI and FSSC 22000
APPI FAQ
FSSC 22000 FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...
CMMC Level 3 Implementation Guide: Integrating NIST SP 800-172 Enhanced Controls for APT Defense
Step-by-step CMMC Level 3 guide for DIB contractors. Implement 24 NIST SP 800-172 controls on Level 2. Prep for DIBCAC, C3PAO scoping & 180-day POA&Ms. Boost cy
SOC 2 for Fintech Startups: First 5 Steps to Compliance with Confidentiality Criterion Infographic
First 5 steps to SOC 2 compliance with Confidentiality for fintech SaaS. Infographic maps controls to risks like encryption & TPRM. Integrates GLBA/PCI DSS over
From SOC to AI-Native CDC: Redefining Triage and Response in 2026
Explore the shift from SOCs to AI-Native CDCs. Autonomous agents handle Tier 1 triage in 2026, empowering analysts for complex threats. Discover the future of c
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
LGPD vs ISO 19600
Compare LGPD vs ISO 19600: Brazil's GDPR-like data law vs global compliance guidelines. Uncover key principles, risks, enforcement & strategies for hybrid programs. Achieve compliance mastery!
BREEAM vs EMAS
Compare BREEAM vs EMAS: UK's science-led building cert meets EU's premium EMS. Key diffs, benefits, costs & which wins for sustainability? Find out now!
IEC 62443 vs AS9110C
Discover IEC 62443 vs AS9110C: Compare IACS cybersecurity standards with aerospace MRO quality systems. Unlock synergies for secure, compliant OT resilience. Dive in now!