PIPL
China's comprehensive law protecting personal information processing
IFS Food
Global standard for food safety and quality compliance
Quick Verdict
PIPL mandates data protection for China personal info globally, enforcing consent and transfers with heavy fines. IFS Food certifies food safety processes voluntarily via audits for manufacturers. Companies adopt PIPL for legal compliance, IFS for retailer access and trust.
PIPL
Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL)
Key Features
- Extraterritorial scope targeting foreign entities serving Chinese individuals
- Penalties up to 5% annual revenue or RMB 50 million
- Consent-first bases without legitimate interests option
- Volume thresholds for cross-border security assessments
- Separate explicit consent for sensitive personal information
IFS Food
IFS Food Version 8
Key Features
- Product and Process Approach with audit trails
- Minimum 50% on-site production evaluation
- 10 Knock-Out requirements blocking certification
- Risk-based food fraud and defense controls
- Annual audits with unannounced Star status
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
PIPL Details
What It Is
Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL) is China's first comprehensive national regulation, effective November 1, 2021, governing collection, use, storage, transfer, and deletion of personal information. It targets domestic and foreign organizations processing data of individuals in China, with extraterritorial reach. PIPL adopts a risk-based approach focused on consent, minimization, and accountability, intersecting with Cybersecurity Law and Data Security Law.
Key Components
- **PrinciplesLawfulness, necessity, minimization, transparency, accuracy, security.
- Seven legal bases, consent-dominant (no legitimate interests).
- Individual rights: access, correction, deletion, portability, ADM explanations.
- Cross-border: SCCs, certification, CAC security reviews with volume thresholds.
- Governance: PIPIAs, DPOs for large handlers, breach notifications.
Why Organizations Use It
- Avoid fines up to 5% revenue or RMB 50M.
- Enable China market access and operations.
- Enhance trust, reduce breach risks, build resilience.
- Strategic advantage in data governance, talent attraction.
Implementation Overview
Phased framework: gap analysis, data mapping, policies, controls, audits. Applies to all handling China PI; 6-12 months typical, cross-functional effort, no formal certification but CAC enforcement.
IFS Food Details
What It Is
IFS Food Version 8 is a GFSI-benchmarked certification standard for auditing product and process compliance in food manufacturing. It ensures products are safe, legal, authentic, and meet customer specifications through a risk-based Product and Process Approach (PPA) emphasizing on-site verification.
Key Components
- Organized into governance, HACCP/PRPs, operational controls, and performance monitoring
- Checklist with ~200 requirements across 5 sections; 10 Knock-Out (KO) criteria
- Built on HACCP principles with supplier controls, traceability, and integrity topics like fraud/defense
- Annual audits yielding Higher Level (≥95%) or Foundation Level (≥75%) scores
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandated by European retailers for market access and private-label supply
- Reduces duplicative audits, enhances trust, and demonstrates due diligence
- Mitigates risks (recalls, contamination, fraud) while boosting resilience
- Provides competitive advantages like Star status via unannounced audits
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, FSMS development, training, validation, certification
- Targets food processors globally; site-specific with accredited bodies
- Involves PPA audits (≥50% on-site), traceability tests, internal audits
Key Differences
| Aspect | PIPL | IFS Food |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Personal data collection, processing, transfer, rights | Food manufacturing safety, quality, process compliance |
| Industry | All sectors handling China personal data, extraterritorial | Food processors, packers, primarily European retailers |
| Nature | Mandatory national law with CAC enforcement | Voluntary GFSI certification standard |
| Testing | DPIAs, security assessments, CAC reviews | Annual on-site audits, product traceability tests |
| Penalties | Fines to 5% revenue, business suspension | Certification loss, no legal fines |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PIPL and IFS Food
PIPL FAQ
IFS Food FAQ
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