Is Your PIM Solution Ready for Loi 25 Compliance?

As privacy and data protection requirements evolve, Québec businesses must now comply with Loi 25 (formerly Bill 64), which mandates strict standards for safeguarding personal information. Although Product Information Management (PIM) systems generally focus on managing product-related data—such as descriptions, specifications, and pricing—rather than direct client information, PIM systems must align with compliance practices to support overall data security and privacy.

Loi 25 Compliance for PIM: Staying Ahead in Data Protection

Loi 25, modeled closely on GDPR, applies broadly to any data that could reveal personal information. PIM systems may handle indirect data, such as supplier details or product use cases, which can sometimes overlap with privacy requirements. Staying proactive in data protection practices is critical to maintaining customer trust, even if the primary data focus is on products.

Key Aspects of Loi 25 Compliance for PIM Solutions

1. Ensuring Data Minimization and Purpose Limitations

   Under Loi 25, only necessary data should be retained and used solely for specified purposes. While PIM systems mainly manage product data, this requirement encourages systems to avoid collecting unnecessary or redundant information, minimizing risk.

   
   

   Recommendation: Configure your PIM system to strictly control what data is gathered and retained, focusing solely on essential product information. Regular data audits help ensure only relevant data is stored.

   
   

2. Transparency and Security in Product Information

   Loi 25 emphasizes data transparency and protection. This applies to all types of sensitive information, even in product-focused databases. PIM systems can support compliance by ensuring robust encryption and limited access, particularly for sensitive supplier or internal product data.

   
   

   Recommendation: Adopt a PIM solution with strong encryption and role-based access controls, keeping product information safe and accessible only to authorized users.

   
   

3. Privacy Impact Assessments (PIA) for New Data Processes

   Any major update in a PIM system that collects or uses additional data—such as new product attributes or third-party data—may require a Privacy Impact Assessment under Loi 25. This is particularly relevant when external data sources are integrated into a PIM.

   
   

   Recommendation: Implement a PIM that supports data assessments, allowing your team to anticipate risks and make informed adjustments to data collection or use.

   
   

4. Robust Security and Data Breach Preparedness

   Even if PIM systems manage mainly product data, a breach could expose sensitive business information. Loi 25 requires immediate notification of any data breaches, making it essential to have a secure, well-monitored PIM system.

   
   

   Recommendation: Choose a PIM with real-time monitoring and data protection features, allowing for prompt response and secure, compliant data management.

   
   

Remember: PIM Systems Rarely Handle Client Information

It’s worth noting that PIM solutions typically do not manage customer data, focusing instead on maintaining rich product data for internal and external use. However, given the broader scope of Loi 25, maintaining careful data governance remains important for reducing compliance risk and reinforcing good data stewardship across all areas of your business.

Partner with Us for PIM Solutions Aligned with Loi 25

At flwid, we understand the nuances of managing PIM systems under Québec’s evolving data regulations. Our PIM solutions are tailored to maintain secure, compliant data flows and ensure efficient, privacy-conscious product management. Let us help you configure your PIM for the best in data safety and compliance!

Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your compliance journey. Reach out at info@flwid.ca.