Europrivacy certification for GDPR compliance

In this blog, we explore the benefits of GDPR certification and take an in-depth look into the EU’s leading certification scheme – Europrivacy™/®  

As data protection expectations mature, the way organisations demonstrate GDPR compliance is becoming even more formalised. Regulators, partners, and customers want to know that personal dataInformation which relates to an identified or identifiable natural person. is safeguarded, and processes meet the highest standards of data protection. 

But how can businesses demonstrate GDPR compliance?  

Certifications provide a recognised way for organisations to validate their data protection practices. And beyond proving compliance, certification can also build trust, reduce risk, and set your organisation apart in an increasingly competitive, privacy-conscious market. 

To help you understand how this applies in practice, let’s take a look at why your organisations needs GDPR certification, what Europrivacy certification offers and how you can achieve it. 

Why your organisation needs GDPR certification

Public awareness of data protection is continuing to grow, along with the demand for transparency and accountabilityPerhaps the most important GDPR principle, which requires controllers to take responsibility for complying with the GDPR and, document their compliance.. Today’s customers, business partners, and regulators want clear evidence that organisations are doing more than the bare minimum to protect personal data. 

For many organisations, certification isn’t just about meeting compliance requirements. It can also help solve day-to-day privacy challenges and make sense of complex data protection laws. For organisations with limited time or no in-house expertise, certification provides a practical and structured way to meet GDPR requirements with confidence. 

Certification can help you tackle various challenges, including:

• Understanding how the GDPR applies to cross-border transfers
•  Knowing when a Data Protection Impact AssessmentA formal documented assessment which allows decision-makers to identify, manage and mitigate any data protection risks associated with a project. (DPIA) is required
•  Mapping what personal data your organisation collects and where it is stored 

What is Europrivacy certification?

Europrivacy ™/® is a highly regarded and officially recognised certification scheme designed to assess, document, certify, and strengthen compliance with the General Data Protection RegulationRegulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data (General Data Protection Regulation). (GDPR). It provides structured resources and guidance to help organisations implement and demonstrate strong data protection practices.  

Approved by the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) under Article 42 of the GDPR, Europrivacy serves as the official European Data Protection Seal. Recognised by all EU Member States’ Supervisory Authorities, this seal provides a unified and credible framework for GDPR certification across the European Economic Area.  

Certify what matters

A key feature of Europrivacy is that it focuses on certifying specific data processing activities, rather than the organisation as a whole. This means companies can target their certification efforts on high-risk or high-value processing operations. 

Benefits of the European Data Protection Seal 

Organisations that achieve Europrivacy certification can proudly display the European Data Protection Seal as a mark of their adherence to rigorous privacy requirements. 

Benefits include: 

• Enhanced trust and reputation: Displaying the seal reassures customers, partners, and regulators that your organisation meets high, independently verified data protection standards
• Regulatory recognition: Europrivacy is recognised by all EU Supervisory Authorities, making it easier to demonstrate compliance and reduce the risk of investigations or penalties
• Competitive advantage: Certification helps you to stand out in the marketplace, especially in sectors where data handling is a key differentiator
• Stronger internal governance: The certification processA series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end. requires a detailed review of data protection policies and practices, helping improve internal compliance and operational efficiency
• Simplified global operations: For organisations working internationally, Europrivacy certification can support smoother cross-border operations by aligning with other privacy frameworks and reducing legal complexity
• Reduced legal and financial risks: By identifying compliance gaps, Europrivacy certification helps organisations meet GDPR requirements and minimise the risk of regulatory action or legal challenges

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Europrivacy compare to other certification schemes? 

Europrivacy offers a more comprehensive and adaptable framework than other certification schemes, encompassing 212 criteria with 663 requirements, including domain- and technology-specific requirements. It’s designed to align with the GDPR, comply with both ISO/IEC 17065 and 17021-1 requirements, and support joint certifications. Continuous monitoring of European and national regulations keep it aligned with evolving standards. 

What value does Europrivacy bring for data controllersEntities (such as an organisation) which determine the purposes and means of the processing of personal data. and processors?

Europrivacy enables data controllers and processors to methodically assess and document GDPR compliance, mitigate risks, and demonstrate adherence through independent certification. It builds trust with customers by ensuring data processing activities respect data subjects’ rights and undergo regular audits. 

What value does Europrivacy bring for data subjects? 

Europrivacy helps organisations build trust by assuring data subjects that their personal data is handled securely and in compliance with the GDPR. This certification signifies that appropriate technical and organisational measures are in place, their rights are respected, and regular audits ensure ongoing protection.  

How does Europrivacy address domain and technology specific risks? 

Europrivacy applies complementary criteria to address domain- and technology-specific risks, ensuring GDPR compliance across various applications. Developed with European research expertise, the criteria evolve alongside technological advancements, providing a robust framework to assess and protect data subjects in specific processing activities. 

How does Europrivacy assess high-risk data processing? 

Europrivacy distinguishes high-risk data processing from regular activities by requiring the application of complementary criteria. These additional criteria are specifically assessed when the data processing activity involves high-risk elements, ensuring that all associated risks are thoroughly evaluated and address to maintain GDPR compliance.

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As an official Europrivacy partner, The DPO Centre can support your organisation at every stage of the certification journey, from gap analysis and remediation to audit preparation and ongoing compliance. If you need assistance navigating the Europrivacy framework, contact us today.  

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In case you missed it… 

• Building a privacy office: Key strategies for EU/UK compliance
• Territorial scope of EU data protection laws 
• Understanding data protection liabilities for C-suite execs and senior leaders 

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