PCI DSS requirements apply to all system components, unless it is has been verified that a particularhas been verified that a requirement is not applicable for a particular system.  Decisions about the applicability of PCI DSS requirements are not to be based on an entity’'s perception of the risk of not implementing the requirement.  Organizations may not choose which PCI DSS requirements they want to implement, and risk assessments cannot be used as a means of avoiding or bypassing applicable PCI DSS requirements.

The applicability of specific PCI DSS requirements to a particular system maywill vary according to the function of that particular system.  For example, PCI DSS Requirements 3.45 - 3.67 for the secure storage of cardholder data would not be applicable to systems that do not in anystore or manage the storage of cardholder data. It way storeould also have to be verified that the system does not have any access to stored cardholder data, or manacryptoge the storage ofraphic keys, cardholder dataor the encryption/decryption mechanisms for those requirements to be considered "not applicable" for that system. It would also have to be verified that the system does not have any access to stored cardholder data, cryptographic keys, or the encryption/decryption mechanisms, in order for those requirements to be considered “not applicable” for that system. 

In another example, PCI DSS Requirement 2.13.1 for securing wireless technologies would not apply to a system component that was verified as not having any wireless technology.  Similarly,

Some PCI DSS Rrequirements for secure firemay also be applied at the netwall configurations (Requirements 1ork level rather than on every system.1 - 1.3) apply to those components performing firewall functions.

Some PCI DSS requirements may also be applied at the network level, rather than on every system.  For example, requirements for intrusion-detection and/or intrusion-prevention systems to monitor traffic in the CDE may be implemented at the network level rather than on every system in the environment.  Again, it The assessor would have to be verified by the PCI DSS assessorneed to verify that the network-level control provideds coverage for all systems thato which the requirement applies to.

Determining that any PCI DSS requirement is not applicable to a system must be verified and supported with documented evidence. Any controls used to reduce the applicability of PCI DSS requirements (for example, controls to ensure a system component cannot access cardholder data) must also be verified to be implemented properly and working as intended.