ISO 9001
International standard for quality management systems
ISO 27701
International standard for Privacy Information Management Systems
Quick Verdict
ISO 9001 ensures quality management for consistent operations across industries, while ISO 27701 establishes privacy controls for PII handling. Companies adopt ISO 9001 for efficiency and trust, ISO 27701 for regulatory compliance and data protection.
ISO 9001
ISO 9001:2015 Quality management systems
Key Features
- Risk-based thinking embedded throughout QMS
- PDCA cycle drives continual improvement
- Seven quality management principles foundation
- Process approach manages interdependencies
- High-Level Structure enables standard integration
ISO 27701
ISO/IEC 27701:2025 Privacy information management
Key Features
- Establishes Privacy Information Management System (PIMS)
- PII controller and processor specific controls
- Risk-based PDCA methodology with DPIAs
- Mappings to GDPR and ISO 27001
- Auditable evidence for privacy accountability
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
ISO 9001 Details
What It Is
ISO 9001:2015 is the international certification standard for quality management systems (QMS). It provides a flexible, process-oriented framework applicable to any organization size or sector, emphasizing risk-based thinking and PDCA cycle for consistent customer satisfaction and continual improvement.
Key Components
- 10 clauses (4-10 auditable): context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement
- Built on **7 quality principlescustomer focus, leadership, engagement, process approach, improvement, evidence-based decisions, relationships
- Voluntary third-party certification with audits
Why Organizations Use It
- Enhances efficiency, reduces waste, boosts customer trust
- Meets market/regulatory demands, improves competitiveness
- Manages risks, integrates with ISO 14001/others
- Builds reputation via 1M+ global certificates
Implementation Overview
- Gap analysis, process mapping, training, internal audits
- 6-12 months typical; scalable for SMEs/large firms
- Worldwide applicability; certification via accredited bodies
ISO 27701 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 27701:2025 is the international standard defining requirements and guidance for a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS). It extends ISO 27001 with privacy-specific controls for managing personally identifiable information (PII) lifecycle, emphasizing accountability, risk management, and alignment with laws like GDPR using a risk-based PDCA approach.
Key Components
- Clauses 4–10: Management system structure for context, leadership, planning, operation, evaluation, improvement.
- Annex A: Controls for PII controllers (e.g., consent, data subject rights).
- Annex B: Controls for PII processors (e.g., contracts, sub-processors).
- Mappings to GDPR, ISO 27002; certification via accredited bodies, standalone or with ISO 27001.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets accountability demands of global privacy laws, reduces fines/breaches.
- Builds trust, aids procurement, lowers insurance costs.
- Harmonizes multi-jurisdictional compliance, operational efficiency.
Implementation Overview
- PDCA phases: Discover/scope, design/plan, implement/operate, validate/improve.
- All sizes/industries handling PII; 6–12 months typical with audits for certification.
Key Differences
| Aspect | ISO 9001 | ISO 27701 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Quality management systems for consistent product/service delivery | Privacy information management for PII processing and protection |
| Industry | All industries, sizes, global applicability | PII-processing organizations, global privacy-focused sectors |
| Nature | Voluntary certifiable QMS standard | Voluntary certifiable PIMS standard, extends ISO 27001 |
| Testing | Internal audits, management reviews, third-party certification | Internal audits, reviews, integrated with ISO 27001 audits |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, market disadvantages | Loss of certification, regulatory non-compliance risks |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 9001 and ISO 27701
ISO 9001 FAQ
ISO 27701 FAQ
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