What is the primary objective of **FSSC 22000**?

**The primary objective of FSSC 22000 is to ensure certified organizations consistently provide safe food through a GFSI-benchmarked Food Safety Management System (FSMS).** It combines **ISO 22000:2018** requirements, sector-specific Prerequisite Programs (**PRPs**) from the **ISO/TS 22002** series, and FSSC **Additional Requirements** for auditable integrity across food chain categories (B–K), including manufacturing, packaging, and logistics.

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with **FSSC 22000**?

**FSSC 22000 is not legally mandated but professionally required by retailers, manufacturers, and foodservice operators demanding GFSI-recognized certification.** It applies to organizations in food chain categories per **ISO 22003-1:2022** (e.g., Category C food manufacturing using **ISO/TS 22002-1** PRPs), with 40,059 certified sites worldwide via 134 licensed Certification Bodies (**CBs**).

Does **FSSC 22000** require an external audit or third-party certification?

**Yes, FSSC 22000 mandates third-party certification by licensed CBs accredited per ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 and ISO 22003-1:2022.** Audits include Stage 1 (documentation) and Stage 2 (implementation), with at least **50% of time** on operational controls, PRPs, and traceability; surveillance occurs annually, recertification every 3 years.

How often should an assessment for **FSSC 22000** be performed?

**FSSC 22000 requires annual surveillance audits and full recertification every 3 years by licensed CBs.** Internal audits must cover the full FSMS, PRPs, and **Additional Requirements** at least annually, with management reviews incorporating performance data, nonconformities, and culture objectives.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with **FSSC 22000**?

**Non-compliance with FSSC 22000 results in nonconformity classification, corrective action deadlines, potential certificate suspension or withdrawal, and public register listing.** Certified sites must notify CBs within **3 working days** of serious events (e.g., recalls, shutdowns); repeated failures trigger Integrity Program actions by Foundation FSSC.

Can **FSSC 22000** be mapped to other international frameworks?

**Yes, FSSC 22000 maps directly to ISO-based frameworks due to its ISO 22000:2018 harmonized structure (clauses 4–10).** Shared elements include PDCA cycles, leadership, risk planning, internal audits, and improvement, enabling integration with aligned systems while layering PRPs and **Additional Requirements** for food-specific controls.

What is the first step to begin implementing **FSSC 22000**?

**The first step to implement FSSC 22000 is to define the certification scope per ISO 22003-1:2022 categories and conduct a gap analysis against ISO 22000:2018, applicable PRPs (e.g., ISO/TS 22002-1), and FSSC Additional Requirements.** Secure leadership commitment via a Top Management meeting to establish policy, objectives, and project plan.

What is the primary objective of **MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)**?

**The primary objective of MLPS 2.0 is to classify information systems into five protection levels based on potential harm to national security, social order, and public interests, ensuring commensurate technical, management, and governance controls.** Originating from China's 2017 Cybersecurity Law Article 21, it mandates graded protection for all network operators, covering traditional IT, cloud, IoT, big data, and industrial control systems via standards like GB/T 22239-2019, GB/T 25070-2019, and GB/T 28448-2019.

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with **MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)**?

**All network operators in mainland China, including domestic firms, foreign-invested enterprises, and multinationals with local operations, must comply with MLPS 2.0.** This encompasses operators of critical infrastructure (energy, finance, telecom), internet platforms, cloud services, and any systems processing data, with Levels 2+ requiring PSB registration and higher levels targeting CII operators at Level 3+.

Does **MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)** require an external audit or third-party certification?

**Yes, MLPS 2.0 requires external security reviews by licensed Chinese firms for Level 2+ systems, with PSB approval and a minimum passing score of 75/100.** Level 1 uses self-assessment; Level 2 mandates biennial reviews; Level 3 requires annual audits; Levels 4-5 involve more frequent oversight.

How often should an assessment for **MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)** be performed?

**Assessments under MLPS 2.0 must occur biennially for Level 2, annually for Level 3, semi-annually for Level 4, and as mandated for Level 5, plus after major changes.** Self-inspections are ongoing; external reviews by licensed firms and PSB verifications ensure continuous compliance.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with **MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)**?

**Non-compliance with MLPS 2.0 results in fines up to 100,000 yuan, operational suspensions, business license denial, and intensified PSB inspections.** Severe cases link to broader sanctions under Cybersecurity Law, including system shutdowns, as seen in enforcement actions since 2019.

Can **MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)** be mapped to other international frameworks?

**Yes, MLPS 2.0 control domains—physical, network, data, operations, governance—map to ISO 27001 Annex A and NIST CSF categories.** Organizations leverage existing ISMS for gap analysis, though MLPS adds prescriptive grading, PSB oversight, and data localization unique to China.

What is the first step to begin implementing **MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)**?

**The first step is conducting a provisional self-assessment to classify systems into Levels 1-5 based on impact to national security, social order, and public interests.** Inventory assets, document rationale per GB/T 22239-2019, then file with local PSB for Level 2+ approval.

FSSC 22000 vs MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)

Standards Comparison

FSSC 22000

Voluntary

2023

GFSI-benchmarked certification for food safety management systems

MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)

Mandatory

N/A

China's mandatory graded cybersecurity protection scheme

Quick Verdict

FSSC 22000 delivers GFSI-recognized food safety certification globally for supply chain trust; MLPS 2.0 mandates graded cybersecurity in China to protect national interests. Companies adopt FSSC for market access, MLPS to avoid legal penalties.

Food Safety

FSSC 22000

Food Safety System Certification 22000 (FSSC 22000)

Cost

€€€€

Complexity

High

Implementation Time

6-12 months

Key Features

Three-pillar structure: ISO 22000 + PRPs + Additional Requirements
GFSI-benchmarked for global food chain acceptance
Mandatory food defense and fraud vulnerability assessments
Validated allergen controls with environmental monitoring
Food safety culture and quality objectives required

Standard

MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)

Multi-Level Protection Scheme 2.0

Cost

€€€€

Complexity

Medium

Implementation Time

12-18 months

Key Features

Five-level impact-based system classification
Mandatory PSB registration and audits for Level 2+
Technical controls for cloud, IoT, ICS
Governance and personnel security requirements
Ongoing re-evaluations and enforcement by police

Detailed Analysis

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

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. The primary purpose is ensuring safe food via integrated hazard control. It uses a PDCA-based, risk-focused approach from ISO 22000:2018.

Key Components

**Three pillarsISO 22000:2018 clauses 4-10, sector-specific PRPs (e.g., ISO/TS 22002 series), FSSC Additional Requirements (e.g., food defense, fraud, allergens).
Overlaps ISO clauses, PRP controls, 18+ additional requirements.
Built on HACCP principles within management system framework.
Certification via licensed bodies per ISO 22003-1:2022.

Why Organizations Use It

Meets retailer mandates, enables global trade.
Reduces recalls, enhances supply chain trust.
Manages risks like adulteration, contamination.
Builds reputation via public register.
Aligns with SDGs for sustainability.

Implementation Overview

Phased: gap analysis, FSMS design, training, audits.
Involves hazard analysis, PRP verification, culture programs.
Suits all sizes in food sectors worldwide.
Requires initial/recertification audits, surveillance.

MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme) Details

What It Is

MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme 2.0) is China's legally mandated cybersecurity framework under the 2017 Cybersecurity Law (Article 21). It requires network operators to classify systems into five protection levels based on potential harm to national security, social order, and public interests, implementing graded technical, organizational, and governance controls.

Key Components

Core domains: physical security, network protection, data security, access control, monitoring, and governance.
Standards like GB/T 22239-2019, GB/T 25070-2019 define baselines; extended for cloud, IoT, ICS.
Five levels with escalating requirements; Levels 2+ need third-party audits (75/100 score) and PSB approval.
Compliance model: self-classification, expert review, registration, periodic re-evaluations.

Why Organizations Use It

Mandatory for all China-based networks; non-compliance risks fines, suspensions.
Enhances resilience, supports market access, aligns with data laws (DSL, PIPL).
Builds regulator trust, reduces breach risks; strategic for multinationals.

Implementation Overview

Phased: scoping, classification, gap analysis, remediation, audits, ongoing monitoring.
Applies to all sizes/industries in China; complex for foreign firms.
Involves PSB filings, annual audits for Level 3+ (180 words).

Key Differences

Aspect	FSSC 22000	MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)
Scope	Food safety management systems, PRPs, additional requirements	Graded cybersecurity for all networks and systems
Industry	Global food chain categories (manufacturing, packaging, etc.)	All sectors in China (networks, cloud, IoT, ICS)
Nature	GFSI-benchmarked voluntary certification scheme	Mandatory legal regime enforced by PSBs
Testing	CB audits (ISO 22003), surveillance/recertification cycles	Third-party assessments (Level 2+), PSB inspections
Penalties	Loss of certification, market access restrictions	Fines, operational suspension, license revocation