CE Marking
EU marking indicating product conformity to harmonised rules
ISO 27701
International standard for privacy information management systems
Quick Verdict
CE Marking mandates product conformity for EU market access via self-declaration and technical files, while ISO 27701 certifies voluntary privacy management systems. Companies adopt CE for legal sales in EEA; ISO 27701 for global privacy accountability and trust.
CE Marking
CE Marking (Conformité Européenne)
Key Features
- Manufacturer's legally binding conformity declaration
- Enables free product circulation in EEA
- Presumption of conformity via OJEU standards
- Risk-based conformity assessment modules A-H
- Mandatory technical documentation retention 10 years
ISO 27701
ISO/IEC 27701:2025 Privacy Information Management System
Key Features
- Establishes Privacy Information Management System (PIMS)
- Controller and processor-specific privacy controls
- Integrates with ISO 27001 ISMS framework
- GDPR and regulatory mappings in annexes
- Risk-based DPIAs and DSR processes
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
CE Marking Details
What It Is
CE Marking (Conformité Européenne) is the EU's mandatory compliance marking for products under harmonised legislation. It serves as the manufacturer's declaration of conformity with essential health, safety, and environmental requirements. Scope covers categories like electrical equipment, machinery, and medical devices via New Legislative Framework (NLF). Key approach is risk-proportionate, using harmonised standards for presumption of conformity.
Key Components
- Essential requirements from directives/regulations (e.g., LVD 2014/35/EU).
- Conformity assessment modules (A-H), self or Notified Body.
- Technical documentation, EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC), CE affixation.
- Post-market surveillance under Regulation (EU) 2019/1020. Self-declaration for low-risk; third-party for high-risk; no central certification.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for EEA market access; enables free movement. Mitigates legal risks, avoids fines/recalls. Builds trust, supports tenders. Strategic for supply chains, innovation via standards.
Implementation Overview
Map legislation, assess conformity, compile technical file, issue DoC, affix mark. Applies to manufacturers/importers across industries/geographies targeting EEA. Varies by risk: 6-12 weeks self-assessment; longer with Notified Bodies. Ongoing audits, PMS required.
ISO 27701 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 27701:2025 is the international standard defining requirements for establishing, implementing, and improving a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS). It governs the PII lifecycle—collection to disposal—emphasizing accountability, risk management, and alignment with laws like GDPR. Adopts a risk-based PDCA approach, extending ISO/IEC 27001:2022 structures.
Key Components
- Clauses 4–10 cover context, leadership, planning, operation, evaluation, improvement
- Annex A/B: role-specific controls for PII controllers/processors (e.g., DSRs, DPIAs, transfers)
- Mappings to GDPR (Annex D), ISO 27002; ~100 privacy controls
- Certification model: 3-year cycle with surveillance audits
Why Organizations Use It
- Demonstrates compliance, reduces fines/breaches; enables regulatory harmonization
- Builds trust, procurement advantage, lowers insurance costs
- Manages vendor risks, operational efficiencies via data minimization
Implementation Overview
- Phased PDCA: scope/PII inventory, gap analysis, deploy controls/training, audit/improve
- Suits all sizes/sectors handling PII; 6-12 months typical with ISMS
- Voluntary certification by accredited bodies (stand-alone possible)
Key Differences
| Aspect | CE Marking | ISO 27701 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Product safety, health, conformity to EU directives | Privacy management system for PII processing |
| Industry | Manufacturers of regulated products (electronics, machinery) | Any organization processing personal data globally |
| Nature | Mandatory EU market access marking, self-declaration | Voluntary international certification standard |
| Testing | Conformity assessment modules, notified bodies optional | Internal audits, certification body surveillance audits |
| Penalties | Product withdrawal, fines, market bans by authorities | Loss of certification, no direct legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CE Marking and ISO 27701
CE Marking FAQ
ISO 27701 FAQ
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