name gdpr-dpa language en description Drafts GDPR Article 28-compliant Data Processing Addenda with schedules ready for execution. Use when drafting or updating a DPA, vendor GDPR addendum, controller-processor agreement, or data protection addendum involving sub-processors, breach notification, audits, international transfers, or SCCs.
GDPR Data Processing Addendum (DPA)
Produces an Article 28-compliant DPA aligned with the governing service agreement, covering processing details, security, sub-processor controls, breach notice, audits, and deletion terms.
Quick Start
Gather before drafting:
Party details: legal names, addresses, registration numbers (Controller + Processor)
Underlying agreement reference (name, date, SOWs/order forms)
Processing description: subject matter, duration, nature, purpose, operations
Data inventory: data subject categories, personal data types, special categories (Art 9), criminal data (Art 10)
Transfer map: processing locations, transfer mechanism (adequacy, SCCs, BCRs, Art 49)
Security baseline: certifications, TOMs
Sub-processor list + approval model (general vs specific) with objection window
Incident response SLAs and audit preferences
Termination: return/deletion formats, timelines, retention constraints
Drafting Workflow
Draft header, recitals, effective date, and order-of-precedence clause with the main agreement.
Define GDPR terms: Controller, Processor, Personal Data, Processing, Sub-processor, Data Protection Laws, Personal Data Breach, Services.
Insert Article 28(3) mandatory clauses (see checklist below).
Add security (Art 32), breach notification (Arts 33-34), and assistance (Arts 32-36) clauses.
Add sub-processor governance (Art 28(2), 28(4)) with flow-down obligations.
Add audit and compliance evidence provisions (Arts 28(3)(h), 40, 42).
If data leaves the EEA, add international transfer terms (Art 46 SCCs, Art 47 BCRs, Art 49 derogations).
Add termination, return/deletion obligations, and backup handling.
Populate Schedules A-D from inputs; mark gaps as [REQUIRED].
Article 28(3) Mandatory Clause Checklist
GDPR basis Clause Required content Art 28(3)(a) Instructions Process only on documented Controller instructions; notify if instruction violates law Art 28(3)(b) Confidentiality Authorized personnel bound by confidentiality Art 28(3)(c) Security Appropriate TOMs per Art 32 Art 28(3)(d) Sub-processors No sub-processing without authorization; flow-down equivalent obligations Art 28(3)(e) Data subject rights Assist Controller with Chapter III requests Art 28(3)(f) Assistance Assist with Art 32-36 obligations including DPIA and prior consultation Art 28(3)(g) Return/Deletion Return or delete personal data at end of services; certify Art 28(3)(h) Audits/Info Make information available; allow and contribute to audits
Key Decision Points
Decision Options Input needed Sub-processor authorization General / Specific Controller policy, objection window Audit model On-site / Remote / Third-party / Certification Vendor policy, existing reports Breach notice SLA 24h / 48h / Other Risk tolerance, incident playbooks Data return format CSV / JSON / Native export System compatibility Transfer mechanism Adequacy / SCCs / BCRs / Art 49 Data flows and locations
Schedule Templates
Schedule A — Approved Sub-processors
Name Location Processing Activity Authorization Type Notice Period TBD TBD TBD General/Specific 30 days
Schedule B — Description of Processing
Field Details Subject matter Duration Nature of processing Purpose Processing operations Categories of data subjects Categories of personal data Special categories (Art 9) Criminal data (Art 10) Processing locations
Schedule C — Technical and Organizational Measures
Domain Measures Access control Encryption/pseudonymization Logging/monitoring Availability/resilience Incident response Testing/evaluation Physical security
Schedule D — Audit/Certification Evidence
Evidence Date Scope Reference ISO 27001 SOC 2 Type II
Pitfalls
No absolute security promises. Use "appropriate" measures per Art 32; tie to risk profile.
Special categories / children's data require heightened safeguards and stricter access controls.
Missing transfer basis is a blocker. If any non-EEA transfer occurs, specify the mechanism and attach SCCs or equivalent before finalizing.
Schedule consistency. Keep schedules aligned with DPA body text; ensure sub-processor lists are current.
Order of precedence. Data protection terms must prevail over conflicting service agreement terms.
Mark uncertain legal citations with [VERIFY].