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 adopts a risk-based approach with GDPR-like principles: fairness, purpose limitation, minimization, accuracy, security, and accountability. Scope covers onshore UAE processing, including extraterritorial effects for foreign entities handling UAE residents' data, excluding free zones and sectors like health/banking.

Key Components

• Core processing controls (Articles 5-8)
• Data subject rights (access, portability, erasure; Articles 13-19)
• DPO appointment and DPIAs for high-risk activities (Articles 10-12, 21)
• Security measures and RoPAs mandatory for all controllers/processors
• Breach notification and cross-border transfer rules (Articles 9, 22-23) Built on international norms; enforced by UAE Data Office without certification but via records and audits.

Why Organizations Use It

Mandated for compliance to avoid penalties; enhances trust, aligns with global standards for multinationals, mitigates breach risks, and supports digital economy growth amid sectoral overlaps.

Implementation Overview

Phased: discovery/gap analysis, remediation (RoPA, DPIAs, security), operationalization (DPO, rights workflows), monitoring. Applies to private onshore entities; high complexity demands tools/training for mid-large organizations.

What It Is

BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety is a GFSI-benchmarked certification framework for food manufacturers, processors, and packers. It ensures product safety, legality, authenticity, and quality through a structured management system combining senior management commitment, Codex HACCP-based plans, and prerequisite programs like GMP/GHP.

Key Components

• Nine core clauses: senior management, HACCP, FSQMS, site standards, product/process controls, personnel, risk zones, traded products.
• Fundamental requirements (e.g., traceability, allergen management) critical for certification.
• Built on risk assessments, internal audits, CAPA, and grading (AA/A/B/C/D).
• Annual third-party audits, announced/unannounced.

Why Organizations Use It

• Mandated by retailers for supply chain access.
• Reduces recalls, demonstrates due diligence, enhances resilience.
• Builds trust, cuts duplicate audits, supports FSMA compliance.

Implementation Overview

• Phased: gap analysis, documentation, training, mock audits.
• Applies to food sites globally; 6-12 months typical.
• Requires multidisciplinary teams, digital tools for sustainment. (178 words)