Standards Comparison

    CMMC

    Mandatory
    2021

    DoD certification model for FCI and CUI protection

    VS

    WEEE

    Mandatory
    2012

    EU directive for waste electrical and electronic equipment management

    Quick Verdict

    CMMC mandates cybersecurity certification for US DoD contractors protecting sensitive data, while WEEE enforces EU-wide end-of-life management for electronics producers. Organizations adopt CMMC for contract eligibility; WEEE for legal compliance and circular economy goals.

    Cybersecurity Maturity

    CMMC

    Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC 2.0)

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Three cumulative certification levels for FCI to APT protection
    • Precise mapping to 110 NIST SP 800-171 Level 2 controls
    • C3PAO third-party assessments verifying CUI safeguards
    • DFARS-mandated flow-down to supply chain subcontractors
    • Limited 180-day POA&Ms with SPRS annual affirmations
    Waste Management

    WEEE

    Directive 2012/19/EU on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) financing model
    • Open-scope coverage of all EEE since 2018
    • 65%/85% collection rate targets
    • Mandatory national registration and reporting
    • Selective treatment and depollution requirements

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    CMMC Details

    What It Is

    Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC 2.0) is a DoD certification framework ensuring cybersecurity for Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). It employs a tiered, risk-based model with three cumulative levels, drawing from FAR 52.204-21, NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 (110 controls), and NIST SP 800-172 (24 enhanced).

    Key Components

    • **LevelsLevel 1 (17 FAR basic safeguards), Level 2 (110 NIST controls across 14 domains like Access Control), Level 3 (Level 2 plus APT defenses).
    • **AssessmentsSelf-assessments, C3PAO third-party, DIBCAC government-led.
    • Core elementsSystem Security Plans (SSP)**, POA&Ms (180-day limit), SPRS/eMASS reporting.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mandatory for DoD contracts, preventing bid disqualification.
    • Mitigates supply chain risks, reduces incidents, lowers costs.
    • Builds competitive edge, enhances trust with primes.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: scoping/gaps, remediation, assessment, sustainment. Applies to all DIB firms; 3-year certification with annual affirmations. (178 words)

    WEEE Details

    What It Is

    Directive 2012/19/EU (WEEE Directive) is a binding EU regulation establishing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). Its primary purpose is to minimize e-waste environmental impacts through prevention, reuse, recycling, and recovery, applying an open-scope framework covering all EEE since 2018.

    Key Components

    • Six open categories in Annex III for EEE classification.
    • **Collection targets65% of EEE placed on market or 85% generated.
    • **Treatment standardsSelective depollution (Annex II), recovery/recycling rates.
    • **EPR modelProducer registration, reporting, financing via PROs; national enforcement.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Legal compliance mandatory in EU/EEA for producers placing EEE on market.
    • Reduces risks from illegal exports, penalties; recovers critical raw materials.
    • Enhances circular economy alignment, stakeholder trust, supply chain resilience.

    Implementation Overview

    • Multi-jurisdictional: register/report per Member State, join PROs.
    • Key activities: POM tracking, take-back systems, audits.
    • Applies to manufacturers/importers globally selling in EU; phased approach (governance, gap analysis, rollout).

    Key Differences

    Scope

    CMMC
    Cybersecurity for FCI/CUI in DoD contracts
    WEEE
    End-of-life management of electrical equipment

    Industry

    CMMC
    US Defense Industrial Base contractors
    WEEE
    EEE producers/importers across EU markets

    Nature

    CMMC
    Mandatory certification program with assessments
    WEEE
    Mandatory EU directive with national enforcement

    Testing

    CMMC
    Self-assessments or C3PAO/DIBCAC every 3 years
    WEEE
    No formal testing; compliance via reporting/audits

    Penalties

    CMMC
    Contract ineligibility, debarment
    WEEE
    Fines, market bans, legal actions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about CMMC and WEEE

    CMMC FAQ

    WEEE FAQ

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