UAE PDPL
UAE federal regulation for personal data protection
AS9120B
Aerospace QMS standard for parts distributors.
Quick Verdict
UAE PDPL mandates privacy protections for onshore data processing with rights and breach rules, while AS9120B is a voluntary QMS certification ensuring aerospace distributor traceability and counterfeit prevention. Organizations adopt PDPL for legal compliance, AS9120B for supply chain access.
UAE PDPL
Federal Decree-Law No. 45/2021 on Personal Data Protection
AS9120B
AS9120B Quality Management Systems for Distributors
Key Features
- Counterfeit and suspect unapproved parts prevention
- Robust traceability and chain-of-custody controls
- Risk-based external provider evaluation and monitoring
- Configuration management for split lots
- Product preservation and storage requirements
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
UAE PDPL Details
What It Is
UAE PDPL (Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 Concerning the Protection of Personal Data) is a comprehensive federal regulation establishing economy-wide personal data governance. Effective January 2022, it applies onshore with extraterritorial reach, using a risk-based approach for processing controls like fairness, minimization, and security.
Key Components
- Core principles: lawfulness, purpose limitation, accuracy, storage limitation, accountability.
- Obligations: Records of Processing Activities (RoPA), DPO/DPIA for high-risk (sensitive data, new tech), data subject rights (access, erasure, objection).
- Security: encryption, pseudonymisation per international standards.
- No certification; compliance via Bureau oversight and penalties up to AED 5M.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for onshore/private sector; aligns with GDPR for multinationals. Mitigates fines, breach risks; builds trust, enables secure data flows, supports digital economy.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, data inventory/RoPA, DPIAs, vendor DPAs, breach workflows. Applies to controllers/processors handling UAE data; suits all sizes via risk tiers. Audit-ready records demonstrate compliance.
AS9120B Details
What It Is
AS9120B is the IAQG quality management system standard for aviation, space, and defense distributors. It augments ISO 9001:2015's high-level structure with distributor-specific requirements. Primary purpose: ensure traceability, prevent counterfeit parts, and maintain product conformity without altering characteristics. Adopts risk-based thinking and PDCA approach.
Key Components
- Over 100 aerospace additions to ISO 9001 clauses 4-10.
- Core areas: context analysis, leadership, planning, support, operations (traceability, preservation, external providers), performance evaluation, improvement.
- Built on 10-clause HLS; requires documented information, not full manual.
- Certification via accredited bodies, OASIS listing.
Why Organizations Use It
- Commercial necessity for OEM/Tier-1 supply chains.
- Mitigates risks like traceability loss, counterfeits.
- Enhances market access, customer trust, efficiency.
- Builds resilience, reduces nonconformities.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, audits (6-12 months).
- Cross-functional teams; prioritizes supplier controls, traceability.
- For distributors globally; multi-site scalable.
Key Differences
| Aspect | UAE PDPL | AS9120B |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Personal data processing, privacy rights, security | Aerospace distribution QMS, traceability, counterfeit prevention |
| Industry | All onshore UAE sectors, private entities | Aerospace parts distributors globally |
| Nature | Mandatory federal privacy law, enforced by Data Office | Voluntary QMS certification standard by IAQG |
| Testing | DPIAs for high-risk processing, no certification | Internal audits, management reviews, third-party certification |
| Penalties | Administrative fines up to AED 5M, sectoral sanctions | Loss of certification, market exclusion, no legal fines |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about UAE PDPL and AS9120B
UAE PDPL FAQ
AS9120B FAQ
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