ISO/IEC 27701 - Privacy Information (PIMS)
Protect Data, Build Trust
In today's digital age, data has become the lifeblood of modern business. It fuels innovation, drives marketing strategies, and fosters strong customer relationships. However, with this ever-growing reliance on data comes a heightened responsibility to protect it. At Glocert International, we specialize in providing independent third-party ISO/IEC 27701 certification that validates your organization's Privacy Information Management System (PIMS). As a leader in the Testing, Inspection, and Certification industry, we conduct thorough ISO 27701 audits that verify your PIMS meets international standards, helping you demonstrate privacy compliance and build trust with stakeholders.
What is ISO/IEC 27701?
ISO/IEC 27701:2019 is an international standard that provides guidelines for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS). Published in August 2019, it extends ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27002 to provide requirements and guidance for privacy management.
ISO/IEC 27701 can be implemented either as a standalone Privacy Information Management System or integrated with an existing ISO 27001 Information Security Management System (ISMS). While it's designed as an extension to ISO 27001 and shares many common principles, organizations can achieve ISO/IEC 27701 certification independently. The standard helps organizations manage privacy risks, protect personal data, and demonstrate compliance with privacy regulations worldwide including GDPR, CCPA, and other data protection laws.
Key Components of ISO/IEC 27701
- PIMS Requirements: Builds upon ISO 27001 ISMS requirements with specific privacy controls
- PII Controller Guidance: Controls for organizations that determine the purposes and means of processing personal data
- PII Processor Guidance: Controls for organizations that process personal data on behalf of controllers
- Privacy Risk Assessment: Systematic identification and evaluation of privacy risks
- Privacy by Design: Integration of privacy considerations into system design and operations
Why is ISO/IEC 27701 Important?
ISO/IEC 27701 is essential for organizations handling personal data in today's privacy-conscious environment. Here's why this standard is crucial:
1. Privacy Regulation Compliance
Privacy regulations worldwide are becoming increasingly stringent. ISO/IEC 27701 certification provides evidence of compliance with:
- GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) in the EU/EEA
- CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act) in California, USA
- PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act) in Canada
- LGPD (Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados) in Brazil
- PDPA (Personal Data Protection Act) in Singapore and other jurisdictions
2. Enhanced Privacy Management
ISO/IEC 27701 helps organizations:
- Implement a structured approach to privacy management
- Identify and manage privacy risks systematically
- Protect personal data throughout its lifecycle
- Establish accountability and governance for privacy
3. Stakeholder Trust
Certification demonstrates to customers, partners, and regulators that your organization takes privacy seriously and has implemented internationally recognized privacy controls.
4. Competitive Advantage
ISO/IEC 27701 certification can be a differentiator in competitive tenders and contracts, particularly when dealing with privacy-sensitive data or operating in regulated industries.
ISO/IEC 27701 PIMS Requirements
ISO/IEC 27701 extends ISO 27001 with additional requirements and controls specifically for privacy management. The standard is organized into several key sections:
PIMS-Specific Requirements (Clause 5)
Adds privacy-specific requirements to ISO 27001 clauses covering context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, and improvement.
Guidance for PII Controllers (Clause 6)
Contains 27 controls for organizations that act as PII controllers, covering:
- Conditions for collection and processing
- Obligations to PII principals (data subjects)
- Privacy by design and by default
- Sharing, transfer, and disclosure of PII
- PII retention and disposal
Guidance for PII Processors (Clause 7)
Contains 12 controls for organizations that process PII on behalf of controllers, covering:
- Processing instructions from the PII controller
- PII processor obligations
- Sub-processor management
- PII return, transfer, or disposal
Key Control Examples
- Lawfulness of Processing: Ensure processing has a lawful basis under applicable privacy laws
- Consent: Obtain and manage consent for processing when required
- Data Subject Rights: Enable rights to access, rectification, erasure, and portability
- Privacy Impact Assessment: Conduct assessments for high-risk processing activities
- Data Breach Notification: Establish procedures for detecting and notifying breaches
Benefits of ISO/IEC 27701 Certification
Achieving ISO/IEC 27701 certification provides organizations with numerous strategic, operational, and compliance benefits:
Enhanced Privacy Protection
Protect personal data and privacy through systematic privacy controls and risk management processes.
Regulatory Compliance
Demonstrate compliance with GDPR, CCPA, and other global privacy regulations, avoiding costly penalties.
Increased Customer Trust
Build confidence with customers and partners by demonstrating commitment to privacy protection.
Improved Risk Management
Identify, assess, and mitigate privacy risks proactively, reducing the likelihood of data breaches.
Competitive Advantage
Stand out in competitive tenders where privacy certification is required or preferred.
Cost Savings
Reduce costs associated with privacy breaches, regulatory fines, and reputational damage.
Integrated Management System
Seamlessly integrate privacy management with your existing ISO 27001 ISMS framework.
Global Recognition
Gain internationally recognized certification that is accepted and respected worldwide.
Our ISO/IEC 27701 Certification Process
At Glocert International, we follow a structured and systematic approach to conduct ISO/IEC 27701 certification audits. Our audit process is designed to be transparent, efficient, and supportive, verifying that your PIMS meets all ISO/IEC 27701 requirements:
Application Process
Submit your application with required documentation. We review your organization's scope and readiness for certification.
Initial Audit (Stage 1)
Documentation review and readiness assessment. Our auditors verify that your PIMS documentation meets ISO/IEC 27701 requirements.
Initial Audit (Stage 2)
On-site audit to verify PIMS implementation. Our auditors assess the effectiveness of your privacy controls and processes.
Technical Review
Independent review of audit findings by our technical committee to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Decision and Approval
Certification decision based on audit findings. Upon successful completion, certification is approved.
Certification Issuance
Receive your ISO/IEC 27701 certificate, valid for three years, with international recognition.
Surveillance Audits
Annual surveillance audits to ensure continued compliance and effectiveness of your PIMS.
Re-certification Audit
Comprehensive audit before certificate expiry to renew certification for another three-year period.
Steps in Obtaining ISO/IEC 27701 Certification
While obtaining ISO/IEC 27701 certification may seem daunting, following a structured approach makes the process manageable. Here's the path your organization should take:
- Initial Assessment: Determine if you'll implement ISO/IEC 27701 as a standalone PIMS or integrate it with ISO 27001 ISMS. If you have ISO 27001, this creates synergies; if not, you can still proceed with standalone implementation. (Note: Gap analysis should be conducted by an independent consultant, as certification bodies cannot provide consultation services.)
- Gap Analysis and Readiness Assessment: Assess your current privacy and security practices against ISO/IEC 27701 requirements to identify gaps and areas for improvement.
- PIMS Documentation Development: Create comprehensive documentation including privacy policy, privacy risk assessment, procedures for PII handling, and security controls (if implementing standalone).
- Implementation and Training: Implement privacy controls, train staff on privacy awareness, and establish privacy processes throughout the organization.
- Internal Audit and Management Review: Conduct internal audits to verify PIMS effectiveness and hold management reviews to ensure continuous improvement.
- Pre-assessment Audit (Optional): Consider a pre-assessment audit to identify any remaining issues before the formal certification audit.
- Final Assessment and Certification: Undergo the formal certification audit (Stage 1 and Stage 2) conducted by Glocert International's accredited auditors.
- Surveillance Audits and Recertification: Maintain certification through annual surveillance audits and prepare for recertification every three years.
Typical Timeline: The certification process typically takes 4-8 months from application to certificate issuance, depending on your organization's size, complexity, and current maturity level in privacy and security management.
ISO/IEC 27701 Certification Pricing
Our ISO/IEC 27701 certification pricing is transparent and based on your organization's size, complexity, and scope. We offer competitive rates with no hidden fees. Use our free ISO 27701 cost calculator to get an instant estimate, or contact us for a customized quote tailored to your specific needs.
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Use our IAF MD 5 compliant cost calculator to get a personalized estimate based on your organization's size, complexity, and risk level.
Calculate Your Cost NowWhat's Included in ISO/IEC 27701 Certification Pricing:
- Documentation review and PIMS assessment
- Stage 1 and Stage 2 audit days (calculated per IAF MD 5)
- Technical review and certification decision
- ISO/IEC 27701 certificate (valid 3 years)
- Certificate listing on our public register
- First year surveillance audit
- Ongoing audit services and support
Note: ISO/IEC 27701 pricing may vary based on audit complexity, travel requirements, and additional services. Small organizations typically start from $4,500, medium organizations from $7,500. Contact us for a detailed, no-obligation quote.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Find answers to common questions about ISO/IEC 27701 certification:
ISO/IEC 27701 is an international standard for Privacy Information Management Systems (PIMS). You need it to systematically protect personal data, comply with privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA, build customer trust, and reduce the risk of privacy breaches. ISO/IEC 27701 certification demonstrates to stakeholders that you have implemented internationally recognized privacy controls.
ISO/IEC 27701 is designed as an extension to ISO 27001, specifically for privacy management. While it can be implemented as a standalone Privacy Information Management System (PIMS), it builds upon ISO 27001's information security principles by adding privacy-specific requirements and controls for protecting personal information. Organizations with existing ISO 27001 certification can more easily integrate ISO/IEC 27701, but it's not mandatory to have ISO 27001 first.
The timeline varies based on your organization's size, complexity, and whether you already have ISO 27001 certification. Typically, the ISO/IEC 27701 certification process takes 4-8 months from application to certificate issuance. This includes gap analysis, PIMS implementation, documentation preparation, internal audits, and the formal certification audit (Stage 1 and Stage 2).
While ISO/IEC 27701 does not guarantee GDPR compliance on its own, it provides a comprehensive framework that addresses most GDPR requirements. The standard was developed with GDPR and other privacy regulations in mind, and certification demonstrates that you have implemented robust privacy controls. However, organizations must still ensure they meet specific legal requirements of applicable regulations.
A PII Controller (similar to "data controller" in GDPR) determines the purposes and means of processing personal data. A PII Processor (similar to "data processor" in GDPR) processes personal data on behalf of the controller. ISO/IEC 27701 provides different sets of controls for controllers (27 controls) and processors (12 controls), and organizations may need to implement controls for one or both roles.
ISO/IEC 27701 certification costs vary based on organization size, complexity, and scope. Small organizations (up to 25 employees) typically start from $4,500, medium organizations (26-100 employees) from $7,500, and large organizations require custom pricing. Costs include audit days, technical review, certificate issuance, and first-year surveillance. Use our free ISO 27701 cost calculator for an instant estimate.
Yes, ISO/IEC 27701 can be implemented as a standalone Privacy Information Management System (PIMS) without requiring ISO 27001 certification. While ISO/IEC 27701 is designed as an extension to ISO 27001, organizations can implement the privacy controls independently. However, many organizations choose to implement both standards together as ISO/IEC 27701 incorporates many information security principles from ISO 27001, creating a more comprehensive approach to data protection.
While not required, having ISO 27001 first can be beneficial as it establishes foundational information security controls that complement privacy management. Organizations with ISO 27001 may find it easier to implement ISO/IEC 27701 as they already have security processes in place. However, if your primary focus is privacy management, you can proceed directly with ISO/IEC 27701. Organizations often pursue both certifications simultaneously for an integrated security and privacy management system.
After certification, your ISO/IEC 27701 certificate is valid for three years. You'll undergo annual surveillance audits to ensure continued compliance. During the third year, you'll complete a recertification audit to renew your certificate. Glocert International provides ongoing audit services through surveillance audits to help you maintain compliance and demonstrate continuous improvement of your PIMS.
Any organization that processes personal data can benefit from ISO/IEC 27701, but it's particularly valuable for: healthcare providers, financial services, technology companies, e-commerce platforms, marketing agencies, cloud service providers, human resources firms, and any organization subject to GDPR, CCPA, or other privacy regulations.
Preparation for your ISO/IEC 27701 audit involves: ensuring your ISO 27001 ISMS is up to date, completing your PIMS documentation, conducting internal audits, performing management reviews, ensuring all privacy controls are implemented and documented, preparing evidence of compliance, and addressing any non-conformities from internal audits. Glocert International can provide pre-assessment audits to help identify and address issues before the formal certification audit.
Why Choose Glocert for ISO/IEC 27701 Certification?
Accreditations
Glocert International is a globally accredited Conformity Assessment Body for ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 by IAS Inc, USA, a member of the IAF (International Accreditation Forum) and signatory to a number of bilateral, regional and international agreements.
This provides international recognition and acceptance to certificates issued by Glocert International in the following schemes:
- ISO 9001 – Quality Management Systems (QMS)
- ISO 20000-1 – Information Technology Service Management Systems (ITSMS)
- ISO 22301 – Business Continuity Management Systems (BCMS)
- ISO 27001 – Information Security Management Systems (ISMS)
- ISO/IEC 27701 – Privacy Information Management Systems (PIMS)
- ISO 55001 – Asset Management Systems (AMS)
Expertise in Privacy Auditing
Our team of experienced auditors possess in-depth knowledge of ISO/IEC 27701, privacy standards, and industry best practices. We understand that every organization is unique, which is why we conduct thorough ISO/IEC 27701 certification audits that assess your specific privacy requirements, risk profiles, and compliance with PIMS requirements.
Continuous Audit Support
Beyond ISO/IEC 27701 certification, we provide ongoing audit services through surveillance audits to help you maintain compliance and demonstrate continuous improvement of your PIMS. We pride ourselves in providing the highest standard of audit services in the industry and it is a major reason why more and more organisations choose us as their certification partner for their ISO/IEC 27701 certification needs.
Related Certifications
Many organizations combine ISO/IEC 27701 with other certifications for comprehensive governance. Consider pairing ISO/IEC 27701 with ISO 27001 for information security management (recommended but not required), ISO 42001 for AI management, or ISO 9001 for quality management to create a comprehensive management system framework.
Unlock the Full Potential of Your Organization
Contact us today to learn more about our ISO/IEC 27701 certification and audit services and how we can verify your organization's privacy information management system. Use our free ISO 27701 cost calculator to get an instant estimate.
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