NIST 800-171
U.S. framework protecting CUI confidentiality in nonfederal systems
REACH
EU regulation for chemical registration, evaluation, authorisation, restriction.
Quick Verdict
NIST 800-171 safeguards CUI for US defense contractors via contractual controls, while REACH mandates chemical safety for EU importers with dossiers and restrictions. Organizations adopt NIST for federal contracts, REACH for EU market access.
NIST 800-171
NIST SP 800-171r3: Protecting CUI in Nonfederal Systems
Key Features
- Tailored controls protect CUI in nonfederal systems
- SSP and POA&M document implementation and gaps
- CUI enclave scoping limits boundary compliance scope
- 17 families align with SP 800-53 r5
- DFARS enforces via contracts and incident reporting
REACH
Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH)
Key Features
- Industry-shifted responsibility for chemical risk data
- Registration required above 1 tonne per year
- SVHC authorisation to drive substance substitution
- Annex XVII restrictions on unacceptable risks
- Supply-chain SDS and communication obligations
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
NIST 800-171 Details
What It Is
NIST SP 800-171r3 is a U.S. government framework providing security requirements for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) confidentiality in nonfederal systems. Tailored from SP 800-53 Moderate baseline, it uses a control-based approach scoped to CUI-processing components.
Key Components
- 97+ requirements across 17 families (e.g., Access Control, Audit, Supply Chain Risk Management).
- Built on FIPS 200 and SP 800-53r5 principles.
- Requires SSP for implementation description and POA&M for gaps.
- Compliance via SP 800-171A assessment procedures (examine/interview/test).
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for federal contractors via DFARS 252.204-7012.
- Enables DoD contract eligibility, CMMC Level 2.
- Reduces CUI breach risks, builds supply chain trust.
- Provides competitive edge in federal procurement.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: scope CUI enclave, gap analysis, implement controls, document SSP/POA&M. Applies to contractors handling CUI; timelines 6-18 months. Self or third-party assessments required.
REACH Details
What It Is
REACH (Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006) is a comprehensive EU regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. It protects human health and the environment by shifting responsibility to industry for identifying and managing chemical risks. Scope includes substances, mixtures, and articles; employs a tonnage-based, risk-driven approach with escalating data requirements.
Key Components
- Four pillars: Registration (>1 tonne/year), Evaluation (dossier/substance checks), Authorisation (SVHCs on Annex XIV), Restriction (Annex XVII bans/limits)
- 17 annexes detailing data, lists, SDS rules
- Principles: industry data generation, substitution promotion, supply-chain duties
- No certification; continuous compliance enforced nationally
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for EU market access, avoids fines/market bans
- Mitigates risks, ensures supply-chain transparency
- Drives innovation via safer alternatives, boosts ESG/reputation
Implementation Overview
- Phased: inventory, gap analysis, dossiers (IUCLID), monitoring
- Activities: tonnage tracking, testing, SDS, Annex alerts
- Applies EU-wide to chemical users; scales by size/industry
- Audit-ready via self-assessments (179 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | NIST 800-171 | REACH |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | CUI confidentiality in nonfederal systems | Chemical registration, evaluation, authorisation, restriction |
| Industry | Defense contractors, federal supply chain (US) | Chemicals, manufacturing, all EU importers (EU/EEA) |
| Nature | Contractual cybersecurity requirements (recommendation) | Mandatory EU regulation with direct legal force |
| Testing | Examine/interview/test assessments, SSP/POA&M | Dossier submission, compliance checks, substance evaluation |
| Penalties | Contract ineligibility, SPRS score impacts | Fines, product seizures, market bans by Member States |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about NIST 800-171 and REACH
NIST 800-171 FAQ
REACH FAQ
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