Standards Comparison

    ISO 13485

    Mandatory
    2016

    International standard for medical device quality management

    VS

    APRA CPS 234

    Mandatory
    2019

    APRA prudential standard for information security resilience.

    Quick Verdict

    ISO 13485 provides QMS certification for global medical device makers, ensuring lifecycle compliance. APRA CPS 234 mandates information security for Australian financial firms, demanding board oversight and rapid incident reporting. Companies adopt them for market access and regulatory resilience.

    Quality Management

    ISO 13485

    ISO 13485:2016 Medical devices Quality management systems

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

    Key Features

    • Risk-based controls for device lifecycle safety
    • Mandatory medical device files for traceability
    • Explicit post-market surveillance and complaints
    • Process and software validation requirements
    • Regulatory integration with FDA QMSR, EU MDR
    Information Security

    APRA CPS 234

    APRA Prudential Standard CPS 234 Information Security

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

    Key Features

    • Board ultimate responsibility for information security
    • 72-hour notification for material incidents to APRA
    • Covers third-party managed information assets
    • Systematic independent testing of controls required
    • Asset classification by criticality and sensitivity

    Detailed Analysis

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

    ISO 13485 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 13485:2016 is an international certification standard titled "Medical devices — Quality management systems — Requirements for regulatory purposes." It provides a risk-based framework for organizations in the medical device lifecycle, from design to post-market surveillance, ensuring consistent conformity to customer and regulatory requirements.

    Key Components

    • Organized into Clauses 4–8: QMS/documentation, management responsibility, resources, product realization, measurement/improvement.
    • Emphasizes documented procedures, validation, traceability, and risk management per ISO 14971.
    • Requires medical device files, supplier controls, CAPA, and internal audits.
    • Certification via accredited bodies with stage audits and surveillance.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Enables market access (EU MDR, FDA QMSR alignment by 2026).
    • Mitigates risks like recalls and liabilities.
    • Builds stakeholder trust and supply chain assurance.
    • Drives operational efficiency and competitive differentiation.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased approach: gap analysis, process design, validation, audits.
    • Applies to manufacturers, suppliers, distributors globally.
    • Timelines 9–36 months; involves eQMS, training, certification audits.

    APRA CPS 234 Details

    What It Is

    APRA Prudential Standard CPS 234 (Information Security) is a binding prudential regulation issued by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority. Effective from 1 July 2019, it mandates APRA-regulated entities (banks, insurers, super funds) to maintain information security capabilities commensurate with threats to minimize impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information assets, including those managed by third parties. It adopts a risk-based, assurance-driven approach emphasizing governance, testing, and notification.

    Key Components

    • 11 core requirements spanning governance, capability maintenance, asset classification, controls, incident response, testing, and internal audit.
    • Pillars include Board accountability, systematic testing, third-party assessments, and strict APRA notifications (72 hours for material incidents, 10 business days for control weaknesses).
    • Built on CIA triad principles; no fixed controls but commensurate with risk.
    • Compliance via evidence-based assurance, no formal certification.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mandatory for APRA entities to avoid penalties, enforcement.
    • Enhances cyber resilience, protects stakeholders, integrates with CPS 220/230.
    • Builds trust, reduces incident impacts, enables proportional implementation.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, policy framework, asset register, controls, testing.
    • Applies to all sizes in Australian financial sector; audits via internal/APRA review. (178 words)

    Key Differences

    Scope

    ISO 13485
    Medical device QMS lifecycle
    APRA CPS 234
    Financial sector information security

    Industry

    ISO 13485
    Global medical devices
    APRA CPS 234
    Australia financial services

    Nature

    ISO 13485
    Voluntary certification standard
    APRA CPS 234
    Mandatory prudential regulation

    Testing

    ISO 13485
    Internal audits, process validation
    APRA CPS 234
    Systematic independent control testing

    Penalties

    ISO 13485
    Loss of certification
    APRA CPS 234
    Regulatory enforcement, fines

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about ISO 13485 and APRA CPS 234

    ISO 13485 FAQ

    APRA CPS 234 FAQ

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