The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) introduces a mechanism for personal data transfers to third countries or international organisations that do not ensure an adequate level of data protection, based on approved certifications. According to Article 42 of the GDPR, the European Commission, the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) and the national data protection authorities (DPAs) shall encourage the establishment of data protection certification mechanisms and of data protection seals and marks, for the purpose of demonstrating compliance with the GDPR of processing operations by controllers and processors. The specific needs of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises shall be taken into account.
The GDPR also provides that the certification mechanisms shall be voluntary and available via a transparent process. The certification shall be issued by the competent supervisory authority or by the certification bodies accredited by the supervisory authority or by the national accreditation body. The certification shall be valid for a maximum period of three years and may be renewed, under the same conditions, if the relevant requirements continue to be met. The certification shall be withdrawn, as the case may be, by the competent supervisory authority or by the certification bodies, where the requirements for the certification are not or are no longer met.
The GDPR further stipulates that the certification shall be issued to a controller or processor who has demonstrated, in accordance with the approved certification criteria, that the processing of personal data is in compliance with the GDPR. The certification shall specify the scope and purpose of the processing, the criteria applied and the duration of the validity of the certification. The certification shall not reduce the responsibility of the controller or the processor for compliance with the GDPR and shall not be interpreted as an endorsement of the quality or reliability of the products or services of the controller or the processor by the supervisory authority or the certification body.
The GDPR also states that the certification mechanisms shall contribute to the proper application of the GDPR, taking account of the specific features of the various processing sectors and the different risks for the rights and freedoms of data subjects. The certification mechanisms shall allow for the verification of compliance with the GDPR of processing operations by controllers and processors not established in the EU, regardless of the location of the processing. The certification mechanisms shall also provide for the possibility to demonstrate compliance with the GDPR for personal data transfers to third countries or international organisations under Article 46, which sets out the rules and requirements for the transfer of personal data to third countries or international organisations based on appropriate safeguards, such as binding corporate rules, standard contractual clauses, codes of conduct or certification mechanisms.
Reference:
GDPR, Articles 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48 and 49.
EDPB Guidelines 1/2018 on certification and identifying certification criteria in accordance with Articles 42 and 43 of the Regulation 2016/679, pages 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15.
Free CIPP/E Study Guide, pages 9, 10, 11 and 12.