What is the primary objective of **IEC 62443**?

**IEC 62443 defines requirements and processes for implementing and maintaining cybersecurity in Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS).** The series establishes a shared-responsibility framework across asset owners, system integrators, and product suppliers, using zones/conduits for segmentation, security levels (SL 0–4), and foundational requirements (FR 1–7: IAC, UC, SI, DC, RDF, TRE, RA) to ensure reliability, integrity, and resilience against cyber threats throughout the IACS lifecycle.

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with **IEC 62443**?

**IEC 62443 applies to all stakeholders in IACS ecosystems: asset owners, system integrators/service providers, and product suppliers.** Asset owners establish security programs (IEC 62443-2-1), set SL-T via risk assessment (3-2); integrators implement system requirements (3-3, 2-4); suppliers meet component requirements (4-1/4-2). As a horizontal IEC standard since 2021, it is professionally required across sectors like energy, manufacturing, and utilities for risk management and procurement.

Does **IEC 62443** require an external audit or third-party certification?

**IEC 62443 does not mandate external audits or certification but supports them via ISASecure schemes.** Modular certifications include SDLA (4-1 secure development), CSA (4-2 components), and SSA (3-3 systems), using accredited bodies for consistent assessment. Organizations use these for assurance, procurement, and maturity levels (ML1–ML4 in 2-1), with emerging site assessments for operational conformance.

How often should an assessment for **IEC 62443** be performed?

**IEC 62443 assessments should occur initially, then periodically via continuous improvement in the security program (IEC 62443-2-1).** Risk assessments (3-2) for zones/conduits and SL-T are repeated after changes, incidents, or threats; maturity evaluations (ML1–ML4) annually; surveillance audits for certifications yearly, with triennial recertification. Patch management (TR 2-3) follows risk-based cadences tied to operational windows.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with **IEC 62443**?

**Non-compliance with IEC 62443 exposes organizations to operational disruptions, safety risks, and supply chain failures in IACS.** Without zones/conduits, SL-T alignment, and supplier 4-1/4-2 controls, vulnerabilities lead to downtime, safety incidents, and regulatory penalties in critical sectors. It undermines procurement assurance, increases insurance costs, and risks contract breaches, as stakeholders fail shared responsibilities.

Can **IEC 62443** be mapped to other international frameworks?

**Yes, IEC 62443 maps to other frameworks via its foundational requirements and security levels.** The 2024 update to 62443-2-1 Security Program Elements (SPE) provides explicit mappings to 3-3 system requirements (SR) and 4-2 component requirements (CR), enabling traceability. Its OT focus complements IT-centric models through aligned concepts like risk assessment and maturity levels.

What is the first step to begin implementing **IEC 62443**?

**The first step is establishing an IACS security program per IEC 62443-2-1, including governance and asset inventory.** Define the System Under Consideration (SUC), conduct initial risk assessment (3-2) for zones/conduits/SL-T, and produce a Cybersecurity Requirements Specification (CSRS). Use maturity levels (ML1–ML4) for gap analysis and prioritize high-risk areas.

What is the primary objective of **SQF**?

**The primary objective of SQF is to provide a rigorous, HACCP-based food safety management system that assures consistent production of safe food products across the supply chain.** Administered by the SQF Institute (SQFI), it combines **Module 2** (universal system elements like management commitment, document control, and verification) with sector-specific Good Practices modules (e.g., **Module 11** for food manufacturing GMPs). This GFSI-benchmarked framework ensures organizations "say what you do, do what you say, and prove it" through documented policies, implemented controls, and records, enabling global market access for retailers and brands.

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with **SQF**?

**SQF compliance is not legally mandated but is a professional requirement for food supply chain organizations seeking GFSI recognition and retailer approval.** It applies to manufacturers, primary producers, storage/distribution providers, packaging firms, and pet food/supplement operations via Food Sector Categories (FSCs). **Senior management** must commit via signed policies and designate a full-time, on-site **SQF Practitioner** (HACCP-trained, competent in the Code). Over 14,000 sites in 40+ countries pursue certification to meet buyer demands as a "license to trade."

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

**Yes, SQF mandates external audits by SQFI-licensed Certification Bodies (CBs) accredited to ISO/IEC 17065 for certification.** Initial certification, annual surveillance, and recertification audits (with unannounced audits every 3 years) assess **Module 2** and sector modules. Auditors grade nonconformities (minor=1pt, major=5pts, critical=50pts) against score bands (E:96-100, G:86-95, C:70-85, F:<70). Certificates, valid 12 months, are publicly listed.

How often should an assessment for **SQF** be performed?

**SQF requires annual external certification audits, with internal audits conducted regularly to maintain the system.** **Management reviews** occur at least annually (with monthly SQF Practitioner updates), covering audits, CAPAs, complaints, and hazards. Internal audits (mandatory per 2.5.5) must cover all elements, with trend analysis feeding verification (2.5.2). Pre-certification gap assessments are advised 60-90 days prior.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with **SQF**?

**Non-compliance with SQF results in audit failure, certification denial/suspension, and commercial exclusion from GFSI-recognized supply chains.** Critical nonconformities (e.g., uncontrolled hazards) trigger immediate suspension; majors/minors require CAPA closure (often within 30 days). Failed sites face re-audits, lost retailer contracts, recall risks, and heightened regulatory scrutiny, undermining due diligence.

Can **SQF** be mapped to other international frameworks?

**Yes, SQF maps effectively to other GFSI-benchmarked frameworks due to its HACCP foundation and management system structure.** **Module 2** aligns with shared elements like document control, internal audits, CAPA, and supplier programs, enabling layering (e.g., SQF Quality Code atop existing GFSI programs). It harmonizes with preventive controls logic without direct substitution.

What is the first step to begin implementing **SQF**?

**The first step to implement SQF is to register the site in the SQFI assessment database and designate a qualified SQF Practitioner.** Select applicable modules (e.g., **Module 2** + sector GMP), then conduct a gap analysis against Edition 9 (effective May 2021). Secure senior management commitment via a signed **Food Safety Policy** (2.1.1) and build the cross-functional team.

IEC 62443 vs SQF

Standards Comparison

IEC 62443

Voluntary

2018

International standard for IACS cybersecurity frameworks

SQF

Voluntary

2023

GFSI-benchmarked certification for food safety management.

Quick Verdict

IEC 62443 secures industrial control systems with risk-based cybersecurity frameworks and certifications for OT environments, while SQF ensures food safety via HACCP, GMPs, and GFSI audits. Companies adopt IEC 62443 for IACS resilience; SQF for global food supply chain compliance.

Industrial Cybersecurity

IEC 62443

IEC 62443: IACS cybersecurity standards series

Cost

€€€€

Complexity

Medium

Implementation Time

18-24 months

Key Features

Zones and conduits risk-based segmentation model
Security levels SL-T SL-C SL-A triad
Shared responsibility across asset owners suppliers
Seven foundational requirements FR1-FR7 mapping
ISASecure modular certifications SDLA CSA SSA

Agile Scaling

SQF

Safe Quality Food (SQF) Code Edition 9

Cost

€€€

Complexity

High

Implementation Time

6-12 months

Key Features

Modular structure with Module 2 and sector GMPs
HACCP-based Food Safety Plan requirements
Mandatory on-site SQF Practitioner role
GFSI-benchmarked with graded audit scoring
Traceability, recall, and crisis management plans

Detailed Analysis

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

IEC 62443 Details

What It Is

IEC 62443 is the ISA/IEC series of standards for Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS) cybersecurity. This consensus-based framework addresses OT environments, spanning governance, risk assessment, secure architecture, and product development. It employs a risk-based approach via zones/conduits and security levels (SL 0-4).

Key Components

Four groupings: General (-1), Policies/Procedures (-2), System (-3), Components (-4).
Seven **foundational requirements (FR1-7)IAC, UC, SI, DC, RDF, TRE, RA.
SL-T (target), SL-C (capability), SL-A (achieved) metrics.
ISASecure certifications: SDLA (4-1), CSA (4-2), SSA (3-3).

Why Organizations Use It

Manages OT risks in critical sectors like energy, manufacturing.
Enables procurement specs, supplier qualification.
Meets regulatory references, lowers insurance costs.
Builds trust via modular certifications, maturity levels.

Implementation Overview

Phased: CSMS governance (2-1), risk assessment/zoning (3-2), controls (3-3/4-2).
Global applicability for IACS users; multi-year with ML1-4 maturity.
Involves audits, training; OT-tailored for legacy constraints.

SQF Details

What It Is

Safe Quality Food (SQF) is a GFSI-benchmarked certification program administered by the SQF Institute. It provides a HACCP-based management system for ensuring food safety and quality across the supply chain, from farm to fork, via modular codes for sectors like manufacturing and storage.

Key Components

**Modular structureUniversal Module 2 (System Elements) plus sector-specific GMP modules (e.g., Module 11 for processing).
Core elements: Management commitment, HACCP Food Safety Plan, PRPs, verification/validation, traceability, allergen management, food defense.
Built on Codex HACCP principles; mandatory SQF Practitioner role.
Graded audits with scoring (E/G/C/F) and nonconformity classification.

Why Organizations Use It

Meets retailer/brand requirements as a "license to trade".
Reduces audits, recalls, and risks; aligns with FSMA/EU regs.
Builds food safety culture, supplier trust, and market access.

Implementation Overview

Phased: Gap analysis, documentation, training, internal audits, certification audit.
Applies to all sizes in food sectors globally; annual audits with unannounced options. (178 words)

Key Differences

Aspect	IEC 62443	SQF
Scope	IACS/OT cybersecurity lifecycle, zones/conduits, security levels	Food safety/quality management, HACCP, GMPs, traceability
Industry	Industrial automation, critical infrastructure, cross-sector	Food manufacturing, storage, distribution, primary production
Nature	Voluntary consensus standards series, certification schemes	GFSI-benchmarked certification program, HACCP-based
Testing	ISASecure modular certifications, risk assessments, SL verification	Annual third-party audits, internal audits, mock recalls
Penalties	Loss of certification, supply chain exclusion	Certification failure, market access loss, no legal fines

Scope

IEC 62443

IACS/OT cybersecurity lifecycle, zones/conduits, security levels

SQF

Food safety/quality management, HACCP, GMPs, traceability

Industry

IEC 62443

Industrial automation, critical infrastructure, cross-sector

SQF

Food manufacturing, storage, distribution, primary production

Nature

IEC 62443

Voluntary consensus standards series, certification schemes

SQF

GFSI-benchmarked certification program, HACCP-based

Testing

IEC 62443

ISASecure modular certifications, risk assessments, SL verification

SQF

Annual third-party audits, internal audits, mock recalls

Penalties

IEC 62443

Loss of certification, supply chain exclusion

SQF

Certification failure, market access loss, no legal fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about IEC 62443 and SQF

IEC 62443 FAQ

SQF FAQ

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IEC 62443

SQF

Quick Verdict

IEC 62443

Key Features

SQF

Key Features

Detailed Analysis

IEC 62443 Details

What It Is

Key Components

Why Organizations Use It

Implementation Overview

SQF Details

What It Is

Key Components

Why Organizations Use It

Implementation Overview

Key Differences

Scope

Industry

Nature

Testing

Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

IEC 62443 FAQ

What is the primary objective of IEC 62443?

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with IEC 62443?

Does IEC 62443 require an external audit or third-party certification?

How often should an assessment for IEC 62443 be performed?

What are the consequences of non-compliance with IEC 62443?

Can IEC 62443 be mapped to other international frameworks?

What is the first step to begin implementing IEC 62443?

SQF FAQ

What is the primary objective of SQF?

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with SQF?

Does SQF require an external audit or third-party certification?

How often should an assessment for SQF be performed?

What are the consequences of non-compliance with SQF?

Can SQF be mapped to other international frameworks?

What is the first step to begin implementing SQF?

You Might also be Interested in These Articles...

From Reactive Gatekeeper to Proactive Strategist: How Compliance Software Reshapes the Compliance Professional's Day

The Panoramic View: How Integrated Compliance Monitoring Creates Unprecedented Organizational Visibility and Adaptability

SOC 2 Audit Survival Guide: Auditor Questions, Red Flags, and Evidence Prep for First-Time Pass

Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM

Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages

FISMA vs ISO 27018

COPPA vs Australian Privacy Act

DORA vs ISO 13485