Standards Comparison

    PIPL

    Mandatory
    2021

    China's comprehensive law for personal information protection

    VS

    ISO 41001

    Voluntary
    2018

    International standard for facility management systems

    Quick Verdict

    PIPL mandates privacy protection for Chinese data with strict fines and consent rules, while ISO 41001 is a voluntary FM standard for efficient facility services. Companies adopt PIPL for legal compliance in China; ISO 41001 for operational excellence and certification.

    Data Privacy

    PIPL

    Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL)

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months
    Facility Management

    ISO 41001

    ISO 41001:2018 Facility management — Management systems

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Distinguishes FM organization from demand organization
    • HLS and PDCA for IMS integration
    • Stakeholder requirements lifecycle management
    • Risk planning with continuity preparedness
    • Operational service integration controls

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    PIPL Details

    What It Is

    PIPL (Personal Information Protection Law) is China's comprehensive national regulation, enacted August 2021 and effective November 1, 2021, with 74 articles across eight chapters. It governs collection, processing, storage, transfer, disclosure, and deletion of personal information of natural persons in China, applying extraterritorially to foreign entities. Adopting a risk-based, consent-centric approach, it integrates with Cybersecurity Law and Data Security Law.

    Key Components

    • Core principles: lawfulness, necessity, minimization, transparency, accountability.
    • Processing rules, individual rights, cross-border mechanisms (security reviews, SCCs, certification).
    • Sensitive personal information protections, automated decision-making rules.
    • Compliance via impact assessments, audits; no formal certification.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Legally mandatory to avoid fines up to 5% annual revenue or RMB 50M.
    • Enables China market access, builds consumer trust, reduces breach risks.
    • Enhances operational resilience, supports strategic data governance.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased framework: gap analysis, data mapping, policies, controls, monitoring.
    • Applies universally to organizations handling Chinese personal information.
    • Involves executive sponsorship, training, ongoing CAC compliance.

    ISO 41001 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 41001:2018 is a certifiable management system standard for facility management (FM). It specifies requirements to demonstrate effective FM delivery supporting the demand organization's objectives, meeting interested parties' needs, and ensuring sustainability. Built on the High-Level Structure (HLS) and PDCA cycle, it applies a process-based, risk-oriented approach.

    Key Components

    • Core clauses: Context (4), Leadership (5), Planning (6), Support (7), Operation (8), Performance evaluation (9), Improvement (10).
    • FM-specific elements: demand organization alignment, stakeholder requirements, service integration, business continuity.
    • Principles: risk/opportunity management, continual improvement.
    • Certification via accredited third-party audits.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Strategic alignment of FM with business goals.
    • Cost control, risk reduction, occupant wellbeing.
    • Compliance with regulations, ESG/sustainability (incl. 2024 climate amendment).
    • Competitive edge in tenders, stakeholder trust.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, policy/objectives, processes, audits.
    • Applicable to all sizes/sectors; 6-24 months typical.
    • In-house/outsourced FM; integrates with ISO 9001/14001.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    PIPL
    Personal information processing, privacy rights, cross-border transfers
    ISO 41001
    Facility management systems, service delivery, asset lifecycle

    Industry

    PIPL
    All handling Chinese personal data, global extraterritorial
    ISO 41001
    All sectors, public/private, any size globally

    Nature

    PIPL
    Mandatory national law, enforced by CAC
    ISO 41001
    Voluntary certification standard, HLS-based

    Testing

    PIPL
    DPIAs, security reviews, CAC audits
    ISO 41001
    Internal audits, management reviews, certification audits

    Penalties

    PIPL
    Fines up to 5% revenue, business suspension
    ISO 41001
    No legal penalties, loss of certification

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about PIPL and ISO 41001

    PIPL FAQ

    ISO 41001 FAQ

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