PCI DSS
Global standard for securing payment cardholder data
BRC
Global standard for food safety in manufacturing
Quick Verdict
PCI DSS secures cardholder data for payment processors via strict controls and audits, while BRC ensures food safety through HACCP and site standards for manufacturers. Companies adopt PCI DSS for contractual compliance; BRC for retailer access and GFSI benchmarking.
PCI DSS
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)
BRC
BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety
Key Features
- Codex HACCP-based food safety plan
- Senior management commitment and culture
- Fundamental non-negotiable requirements
- Site standards and risk zoning
- Environmental monitoring and food defense
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
PCI DSS Details
What It Is
PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is a contractual security framework managed by the PCI Security Standards Council. It mandates protection of cardholder data (CHD) and sensitive authentication data (SAD) for merchants and service providers handling payment cards. Its control-based approach organizes 12 requirements into 6 objectives, emphasizing scope minimization and ongoing compliance.
Key Components
- 12 core requirements covering network security, data protection, vulnerability management, access controls, monitoring, and policies.
- Over 300 sub-requirements with testing procedures.
- v4.0 introduces customized approaches, MFA emphasis, and future-dated controls.
- Validation via SAQs, ROCs, QSAs, and ASVs based on transaction volume levels.
Why Organizations Use It
- Contractual obligation from card brands to avoid fines, processing bans.
- Reduces breach risks and costs ($37/record average).
- Builds customer trust, enables market access.
- Enhances overall cybersecurity hygiene.
Implementation Overview
- Assess-Repair-Report cycle with scoping, gap analysis, remediation.
- Applies globally to all card-handling entities.
- Costs $5K-$200K+; requires audits for high-volume entities. (178 words)
BRC Details
What It Is
BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety is a GFSI-benchmarked certification framework for food manufacturers. It ensures product safety, legality, authenticity, and quality through a structured management system combining senior management commitment, Codex HACCP-based plans, and GMP/GHP prerequisites.
Key Components
Nine core clauses cover governance (Clause 1), HACCP (Clause 2), FSQMS (Clause 3), site standards (Clause 4), product/process controls (Clauses 5-6), personnel (Clause 7), risk zones (Clause 8), and traded products (Clause 9). Fundamental requirements are non-negotiable, with grading (AA/A/B/C/D) based on non-conformities. Built on risk assessments and annual audits.
Why Organizations Use It
Provides market access to retailers, reduces duplicate audits, demonstrates due diligence, and mitigates recall risks from allergens/pathogens. Enhances resilience, aligns with FSMA, and builds stakeholder trust.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: gap analysis, documentation, training, internal audits, certification audit. Suited for manufacturers globally; requires 6-12 months, CAPEX for site upgrades, and ongoing surveillance.
Key Differences
| Aspect | PCI DSS | BRC |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Protects cardholder data storage, processing, transmission | Food safety management, HACCP, site standards, personnel |
| Industry | Payment card handling merchants, service providers globally | Food manufacturers, packaging, storage worldwide |
| Nature | Contractual security standard, voluntary certification | GFSI-benchmarked food safety certification standard |
| Testing | Quarterly ASV scans, annual QSA ROC/SAQ, pentests | Annual on-site audits, internal audits, unannounced options |
| Penalties | Fines, card processing bans via contracts | Certification withdrawal, delisting by retailers |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PCI DSS and BRC
PCI DSS FAQ
BRC FAQ
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