PCI DSS
Global standard for securing payment cardholder data
WEEE
EU directive for waste electrical and electronic equipment management
Quick Verdict
PCI DSS secures payment card data for merchants worldwide via audits and controls, while WEEE mandates EU producers finance EEE recycling. Companies adopt PCI DSS contractually to process cards; WEEE legally to sell electronics and meet EPR.
PCI DSS
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard v4.0
Key Features
- 12 requirements organized into 6 control objectives
- 300+ granular sub-requirements for cardholder data protection
- Contractual enforcement by payment brands and banks
- Validated network segmentation reduces compliance scope
- Quarterly ASV scans and annual penetration testing
WEEE
Directive 2012/19/EU on waste electrical and electronic equipment
Key Features
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) model
- Open scope for all EEE categories
- 65%/85% collection rate targets
- Selective depollution and treatment standards
- National registration and harmonized reporting
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) v4.0 is a global contractual framework for protecting cardholder data (CHD) and sensitive authentication data (SAD). It mandates technical and operational controls for entities storing, processing, or transmitting payment card information, using a control-based approach with 12 requirements across 6 objectives.
Key Components
- 12 requirements in 6 objectives: secure networks, data protection, vulnerability management, access controls, monitoring/testing, policies.
- Over 300 sub-requirements with testing procedures.
- Defined/customized implementation paths; compliance via SAQ/ROC, ASV scans, QSA audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Contractual obligation for merchants/service providers to avoid fines, processing bans.
- Reduces breach risks/costs ($37/record avg.); builds trust.
- Enhances security hygiene, supports GDPR alignment.
Implementation Overview
- Scoping CDE, gap analysis, remediation, validation.
- Applies to all card-handling entities; Levels 1-4 dictate audits.
- Continuous: quarterly scans, annual pentests. (178 words)
WEEE Details
What It Is
Directive 2012/19/EU (WEEE Directive) is a binding EU regulation mandating Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). It promotes waste prevention, reuse, recycling, and recovery via an open-scope framework covering all EEE since 2018, prioritizing the waste hierarchy.
Key Components
- Producer registration/reporting in national registers
- Collection targets: 65% of average EEE placed on market or 85% generated
- Selective treatment/depollution (Annex II) and recovery standards
- EPR via collective PROs or individual schemes; compliance through audits
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for EU producers/importers to avoid fines/market bans
- Mitigates environmental/health risks, combats illegal exports
- Enables critical raw material recovery, supports Green Deal
- Builds trust, reduces costs via eco-design
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, multi-country registration, PRO joining, POM data systems, reverse logistics setup. Applies EU-wide to producers; national enforcement/audits required. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | PCI DSS | WEEE |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Payment card data security controls | EEE end-of-life collection/treatment |
| Industry | Payment processing, merchants globally | EEE manufacturers/importers in EU/EEA |
| Nature | Contractual standard, voluntary certification | Mandatory EU directive, national enforcement |
| Testing | Quarterly scans, annual pentests by QSAs | Annual reporting, treatment audits by authorities |
| Penalties | Fines, card processing bans | National fines, market access restrictions |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PCI DSS and WEEE
PCI DSS FAQ
WEEE FAQ
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