Standards Comparison

    GMP

    Mandatory
    1963

    Regulatory framework for pharmaceutical manufacturing quality controls

    VS

    ISO 27017

    Voluntary
    2015

    International code of practice for cloud security controls

    Quick Verdict

    GMP enforces manufacturing quality controls for pharma to prevent contamination and ensure patient safety, while ISO 27017 provides cloud-specific security guidance within ISO 27001 ISMS. Companies adopt GMP for regulatory compliance and market access; ISO 27017 for cloud risk management and procurement trust.

    Manufacturing Quality

    GMP

    Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    18-24 months
    Cloud Security

    ISO 27017

    ISO/IEC 27017:2015 Code of practice for cloud services

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

    Key Features

    • Clarifies shared responsibilities between CSPs and CSCs
    • Introduces seven cloud-specific CLD security controls
    • Provides guidance on 37 ISO 27002 controls for cloud
    • Ensures segregation in virtualized multi-tenant environments
    • Integrates seamlessly into ISO 27001 certification audits

    Detailed Analysis

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

    GMP Details

    What It Is

    Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) is a regulatory framework of minimum enforceable standards for manufacturing pharmaceuticals, biologics, and related products. It ensures consistent production meeting quality criteria through preventive controls, not end-product testing. Scope spans materials to distribution; employs risk-based Quality Risk Management (QRM) per FDA 21 CFR Parts 210/211, EU EudraLex Volume 4, and WHO GMP.

    Key Components

    • **5 PsPeople, Premises, Processes, Procedures, Products
    • Independent Quality Control Unit or Qualified Person (QP) oversight
    • Validated processes/equipment (IQ/OQ/PQ), SOPs, batch records
    • ICH Q9/Q10 foundations: QRM, Pharmaceutical Quality System (PQS)
    • Compliance via inspections, audits; no universal certification

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Meets legal mandates, avoids recalls/fines/warning letters
    • Mitigates contamination, mix-up risks
    • Enables market access, supply reliability
    • Drives efficiency, continual improvement via CAPA
    • Builds patient safety, stakeholder trust

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: gap analysis, Validation Master Plan, QMS design, training, qualification, audits. Applies globally to manufacturers; scales by size/industry. Involves internal audits, regulatory inspections.

    ISO 27017 Details

    What It Is

    ISO/IEC 27017:2015 is a code of practice for information security controls tailored to cloud services, extending ISO/IEC 27002. It provides cloud-specific implementation guidance within an ISO 27001 ISMS, focusing on shared responsibilities between cloud service providers (CSPs) and customers (CSCs). It uses a risk-based, control-oriented approach.

    Key Components

    • 37 adapted ISO 27002 controls with cloud guidance
    • Seven additional CLD controls for multi-tenancy, VM hardening, asset lifecycle
    • Built on ISO 27001/27002 frameworks
    • No standalone certification; integrated into ISO 27001 audits

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Addresses cloud-specific risks like segregation and monitoring
    • Supports regulatory compliance (e.g., GDPR alignment)
    • Enhances procurement trust and competitive differentiation
    • Improves risk management and stakeholder confidence

    Implementation Overview

    • Extend existing ISO 27001 ISMS via risk assessment and control mapping
    • Key activities: document responsibilities, implement hardening, enable logging
    • Suited for CSPs/CSCs globally, all sizes/industries
    • Joint audits (9-12 months typical)

    Key Differences

    Scope

    GMP
    Manufacturing controls for pharmaceuticals, facilities, processes
    ISO 27017
    Cloud-specific information security controls

    Industry

    GMP
    Pharma, biologics, food, cosmetics globally
    ISO 27017
    Cloud service providers and customers worldwide

    Nature

    GMP
    Enforceable regulations with inspections
    ISO 27017
    Voluntary code of practice for ISMS

    Testing

    GMP
    Process validation, equipment qualification, audits
    ISO 27017
    ISO 27001 audits with cloud control assessment

    Penalties

    GMP
    Warning letters, recalls, fines, shutdowns
    ISO 27017
    Loss of certification, no legal penalties

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about GMP and ISO 27017

    GMP FAQ

    ISO 27017 FAQ

    You Might also be Interested in These Articles...

    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.

    100+ Standards & Regulations
    AI-Powered Insights
    Collaborative Assessments
    Actionable Recommendations

    Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages