Introduction to ISO/IEC 27701:2019
ISO/IEC 27701:2019 is a groundbreaking international standard that extends the requirements and controls of ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27002 to include privacy information management. As a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS), it provides a structured framework for managing Personally Identifiable Information (PII) in accordance with global privacy laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), CCPA, HIPAA, and others.
Developed in response to the increasing demand for harmonized approaches to information security and privacy, ISO/IEC 27701 equips organizations with the necessary tools to establish, implement, maintain, and continuously improve their privacy management systems.
To initiate ISO/IEC 27701 compliance process, contact support@pacificcert.com.
Scope and Applicability
ISO/IEC 27701 is applicable to both data controllers and data processors, providing specific guidance depending on the role an organization plays in the data lifecycle. The standard can be applied across all industries and organization sizes, making it suitable for:
- Technology and SaaS providers
- Financial and insurance institutions
- Healthcare and medical services
- E-commerce platforms
- Public sector organizations and NGOs
The standard is especially relevant for organizations seeking to demonstrate accountability and transparency in how they manage personal data and privacy risks.
Certification Process
ISO/IEC 27701 certification is an extension of ISO/IEC 27001. This means that an organization must already be ISO/IEC 27001 certified or implement both standards simultaneously. The process includes:
- Conducting a gap analysis against the requirements of ISO/IEC 27701
- Identifying whether the organization acts as a data controller, processor, or both
- Defining PII-specific risk assessments and applying privacy controls
- Updating the organization’s ISMS (Information Security Management System) to include privacy management objectives
- Implementing applicable Annex A (for controllers) and Annex B (for processors) controls
- Developing privacy-specific documentation such as data protection impact assessments (DPIAs), consent policies, and data transfer protocols
- Undergoing an audit by an accredited certification body
Start the certification journey with Pacific Certifications, support@pacificcert.com.
Documentation Required
Implementing ISO/IEC 27701 requires a robust set of privacy-specific documents that complement the existing ISMS documentation:
- Privacy policies and notices
- Records of processing activities (RoPA)
- PII inventory and data mapping
- Data subject consent and preference records
- Third-party data processing agreements
- Breach notification procedures and reporting logs
- DPIAs and privacy risk assessments
- Evidence of PII controller/processor roles and responsibilities
Pacific Certifications can help with audit and certification, contact us at support@pacificcert.com.
Eligibility Criteria
Organizations eligible for ISO/IEC 27701 include those:
- Already certified to ISO/IEC 27001
- Collecting, processing, or managing PII of employees, customers, or third parties
- Operating in sectors regulated under data privacy legislation
- Seeking to enhance trust and transparency with stakeholders
The standard is particularly beneficial for companies managing cross-border data transfers and operating in jurisdictions with overlapping regulatory expectations.
Certification Costs
The cost of ISO/IEC 27701 certification depends on several factors, including the size and complexity of the organization, the number of employees and locations, the scope of the Privacy Information Management System (PIMS), whether it is being integrated with existing certifications like ISO/IEC 27001, the organization’s industry and risk profile, and the readiness level of its current data protection and privacy controls.
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Certification Timeline
Here is a certification timeline for ISO/IEC 27701:2019:
Stage | Description | Estimated Timeframe |
1. Gap Analysis | Assessment of current controls vs. ISO/IEC 27701 requirements | 1–2 weeks |
2. PIMS Implementation | Develop and implement privacy controls and documentation | 2–4 months (varies widely) |
3. Internal Audit | Conduct internal audit to verify implementation and readiness | 1–2 weeks |
4. Management Review | Top management reviews audit findings and ensures continual improvement | 1 week |
5. Stage 1 Audit | Review of documentation and readiness by the certification body | 1–2 days |
6. Stage 2 Audit | On-site or remote audit of actual implementation and effectiveness | 2–5 days (based on scope) |
7. Audit Report & Corrections | Addressing non-conformities or observations raised during the audit | 1–4 weeks |
8. Certification Decision | Final decision and issuance of ISO/IEC 27701:2019 certificate | 1–2 weeks |
9. Surveillance Audits | Annual audits to ensure ongoing compliance and improvements | Once per year (for 3 years) |
Average timeline: 10–14 weeks, depending on existing ISMS readiness and internal capacity.
Requirements of ISO/IEC 27701:2019
The standard introduces additional requirements and controls beyond those in ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27002. These include:
- PII Roles and Responsibilities: Clarification of obligations for data controllers and processors
- Privacy Risk Assessments: Identification and evaluation of risks related to PII processing
- Transparency and Consent Management: Controls to ensure individuals are informed and can exercise choice over their data
- Subject Rights Management: Procedures to facilitate data access, correction, erasure, portability, and objection
- Data Sharing and Transfer Protections: Safeguards for transferring personal data across jurisdictions, including third-party management
- Security Controls for PII: Encryption, anonymization, and pseudonymization where appropriate
The requirements are mapped in Annex A and Annex B to provide control sets tailored to data controllers and processors.
Benefits of ISO/IEC 27701 Implementation
- Demonstrates compliance with global privacy regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA
- Enhances trust with customers, regulators, and partners
- Reduces legal, financial, and reputational risk from data breaches
- Aligns security and privacy objectives under a single management system
- Facilitates smoother cross-border data transfer and vendor management
- Supports due diligence during mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships
The global landscape for privacy is rapidly evolving. Countries worldwide are adopting GDPR-style regulations, and businesses are under mounting pressure to provide transparent, secure, and ethical handling of personal data. ISO/IEC 27701 provides an internationally recognized mechanism to prove that an organization meets these expectations.
Adoption is growing among cloud service providers, healthcare systems, fintech platforms, and AI-powered technologies that require lawful, fair, and accountable data processing. Organizations implementing ISO/IEC 27701 often use it to unify privacy operations across multiple jurisdictions and customer segments.
Adopt a forward-thinking privacy governance model with ISO/IEC 27701 — support@pacificcert.com.
How Pacific Certifications Can Help
Pacific Certifications offers comprehensive support for:
- PIMS readiness assessments and ISO/IEC 27001 integration
- Role-based privacy control implementation for controllers and processors
- DPIA and data mapping workshops
- Internal audits and mock assessments
- Audit and pre-Audit
- End-to-end certification support
If you are looking to comply with the requirements of ISO/IEC 27701:2019 standard and achieve the certification, contact us at support@pacificcert.com!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is ISO/IEC 27701 mandatory for GDPR compliance?
No, but it provides a formal structure to demonstrate accountability and best practices in line with GDPR principles.
Can ISO/IEC 27701 be implemented independently of ISO/IEC 27001?
No. It is an extension and must be implemented alongside an ISMS based on ISO/IEC 27001.
Is ISO/IEC 27701 suitable for SaaS companies?
Yes, especially those that manage large volumes of customer PII or operate globally.
How does ISO/IEC 27701 differ from ISO/IEC 27018?
ISO/IEC 27018 focuses on privacy in cloud environments for PII processors, while ISO/IEC 27701 covers a broader range of privacy management across all PII handlers.
How long is certification valid?
Certification is valid for three years with annual surveillance audits.
Ready to get ISO 27701 certified?
Contact Pacific Certifications to begin your certification journey today!
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