Standards Comparison

    GMP

    Mandatory
    1963

    Regulatory framework for pharmaceutical manufacturing quality control

    VS

    ISO 27701

    Voluntary
    2019

    International standard for privacy information management systems

    Quick Verdict

    GMP ensures manufacturing quality in pharma and food via preventive controls and validation, while ISO 27701 certifies privacy governance for PII handling across industries. Companies adopt GMP for regulatory compliance and ISO 27701 for auditable privacy accountability.

    Manufacturing Quality

    GMP

    Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)

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

    Key Features

    • Independent quality unit batch release authority
    • Validated processes and equipment qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ)
    • Quality Risk Management (QRM) proportionality principles
    • ALCOA+ data integrity and documentation controls
    • Continual improvement via CAPA and audits
    Privacy Management

    ISO 27701

    ISO/IEC 27701:2025 Privacy Information Management

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

    Key Features

    • PIMS framework extending ISO 27001 for privacy
    • Separate controls for PII controllers and processors
    • Risk-based assessments and DPIAs required
    • GDPR and regulatory mappings in annexes
    • Auditable evidence for data subject rights

    Detailed Analysis

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

    GMP Details

    What It Is

    Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), including FDA 21 CFR Parts 210/211 and EU EudraLex Volume 4, is a regulatory framework establishing minimum standards for manufacturing controls. Its primary purpose is ensuring products like pharmaceuticals are consistently produced to quality specifications, preventing contamination, mix-ups, and variability through preventive, risk-based approaches like Quality Risk Management (QRM).

    Key Components

    • Core pillars: 5 Ps (People, Premises, Processes, Procedures, Products)
    • Pharmaceutical Quality System (PQS) with CAPA, change control, audits
    • Documentation (SOPs, batch records), validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), data integrity (ALCOA+)
    • Enforced via inspections; no central certification but compliance demonstrated through audits

    Why Organizations Use It

    Mandated for market access in pharma/biologics; reduces recalls, liability; enhances supply reliability and efficiency. Builds patient trust, supports global harmonization (ICH Q10, PIC/S).

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: gap analysis, Validation Master Plan, training, qualification, audits. Applies to manufacturers globally; high complexity for facilities/equipment upgrades, ongoing for all sizes.

    ISO 27701 Details

    What It Is

    ISO/IEC 27701:2025 is the international standard specifying requirements and guidance for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS). It extends ISO/IEC 27001 with privacy-specific controls for managing personally identifiable information (PII) lifecycle, using a risk-based PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) approach.

    Key Components

    • Clauses 4–10 for management system structure.
    • **Annex AControls for PII controllers (e.g., consent, data subject rights).
    • **Annex BControls for PII processors (e.g., contracts, sub-processors).
    • Mappings to GDPR, ISO 27002; built on ISO security standards.
    • Certification via accredited bodies with 3-year cycle.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Demonstrates accountability to regulators like GDPR.
    • Mitigates privacy risks, reduces fines, enhances trust.
    • Competitive edge in procurement, supply chains.
    • Harmonizes multi-jurisdictional compliance.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: discover/scope, design/plan, implement/operate, validate/improve.
    • Involves PII inventory, DPIAs, training, audits.
    • Applies to all sizes/industries handling PII; integrates with ISMS.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    GMP
    Manufacturing controls for product quality/safety
    ISO 27701
    Privacy management system for PII lifecycle

    Industry

    GMP
    Pharma, biologics, food, cosmetics globally
    ISO 27701
    All sectors handling PII worldwide

    Nature

    GMP
    Regulatory requirements, legally enforceable
    ISO 27701
    Voluntary certification standard

    Testing

    GMP
    Process validation, equipment qualification, audits
    ISO 27701
    Internal audits, management reviews, certification

    Penalties

    GMP
    Recalls, warning letters, fines, shutdowns
    ISO 27701
    Loss of certification, no legal penalties

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about GMP and ISO 27701

    GMP FAQ

    ISO 27701 FAQ

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