ISO 22000 vs MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)
ISO 22000
International standard for food safety management systems
MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)
China's regulation for graded cybersecurity system protection
Quick Verdict
ISO 22000 provides voluntary global certification for food safety management, enabling supply chain trust. MLPS 2.0 mandates graded cybersecurity in China, enforced by PSBs with penalties. Companies adopt ISO 22000 for market access; MLPS for legal compliance.
ISO 22000
ISO 22000:2018 Food safety management systems
Key Features
- High-Level Structure enables integrated management systems
- Dual PDCA cycles for organizational and operational control
- Integrates HACCP principles with full management system
- Systematic categorization of PRPs, OPRPs, and CCPs
- Interactive communication across entire food chain
MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)
Multi-Level Protection Scheme 2.0
Key Features
- Five-level classification by societal impact
- Mandatory PSB registration for Level 2+
- Third-party audits with 70/100 pass score
- Extended controls for cloud and IoT
- Ongoing law enforcement oversight
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
ISO 22000 Details
What It Is
ISO 22000:2018 is an international certification standard for Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS). It applies to any organization in the food chain, providing a systematic framework to ensure safe products through hazard prevention, regulatory compliance, and chain communication. Built on risk-based thinking and HLS, it uses dual PDCA cycles for strategic and operational control.
Key Components
- Clauses 4-10 cover context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
- Core: PRPs, hazard analysis, CCPs/OPRPs, traceability, verification.
- Integrates HACCP principles; requires documented hazard control plans.
- Certification via accredited bodies with staged audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets customer/regulatory demands; enables GFSI access via schemes like FSSC 22000.
- Reduces recalls, enhances resilience, builds trust.
- Strategic risk management; integrates with ISO 9001/14001.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, PRPs, hazard plans, training, audits.
- Scalable for SMEs to multinationals; 6-18 months typical.
- Involves cross-functional teams, validation, continual improvement.
MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme) Details
What It Is
MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme 2.0) is China's legally enforceable cybersecurity regulation under the 2016 Cybersecurity Law. It mandates classifying information systems into five levels based on compromise impact to national security, social order, and public interests, applying graded technical, governance, and organizational controls.
Key Components
- Common controls in physical security, networks, data protection, operations
- Level-specific baselines via GB/T standards (e.g., 22239-2019)
- Extensions for cloud, IoT, big data, industrial systems
- Third-party audits (≥70/100 score), PSB approval for Level 2+
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory compliance avoids fines, license suspensions, inspections
- Strengthens risk management, resilience in China operations
- Enables market access, procurement with SOEs/government
- Builds regulator trust, aligns with data laws (DSL, PIPL)
Implementation Overview
Phased: classify systems, gap analysis, remediate controls, external audit, PSB filing, ongoing re-evaluations. Targets all China network operators; intensive for multinationals with Level 3+ systems.
Key Differences
| Aspect | ISO 22000 | MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Food safety management systems across food chain | Graded cybersecurity for all networks in China |
| Industry | Food, feed, packaging, logistics globally | All sectors operating networks in China |
| Nature | Voluntary international certification standard | Mandatory national regulation enforced by PSBs |
| Testing | Certification audits every 3 years, internal audits | Third-party evaluations, PSB inspections, re-evaluations |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, no legal fines | Fines, operational suspension, enforcement actions |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 22000 and MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)
ISO 22000 FAQ
MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme) FAQ
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