Why a Data Processing Agreement (DPA) is essential when outsourcing fulfilment from the Netherlands
When you outsource your order fulfilment to a logistics partner in the Netherlands or elsewhere in the EU, you are not only entrusting them with your products, but often also with your customer data. This is where the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR / AVG in Dutch) comes in.
What is the GDPR?
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is European legislation designed to protect the personal data of individuals within the EU. It sets strict requirements on how companies collect, store, and process customer information. This includes typical webshop data such as names, addresses, e-mail addresses, order history, and sometimes even payment details.
Is a Data Processing Agreement (DPA) mandatory between a webshop and a fulfilment company?
Yes. Under the GDPR, every company that processes personal data on behalf of another company is considered a processor. A fulfilment company falls into this category, because it uses the data provided by the webshop to pack and ship orders.
That means:
- The webshop is the data controller (responsible for the data).
- The fulfilment provider is the data processor (processing on behalf of the controller).
The law requires both parties to formalise their responsibilities in a Data Processing Agreement (DPA). This document sets out how customer data is handled, who is responsible for security measures, how data breaches are reported, and how long data is stored.
Why is this important?
For companies outside the EU, the GDPR can seem complex. But if you sell to European customers, compliance is not optional, it is mandatory. Without a DPA in place, both the webshop and the fulfilment partner run the risk of penalties, reputational damage, and legal disputes.
By working with a professional fulfilment partner in the Netherlands, you ensure that your logistics operations not only run smoothly, but also comply with European privacy law. This protects your customers’ trust and your business.
Hexspoor’s approach
At Hexspoor E-fulfilment we take GDPR compliance seriously. That’s why we always conclude a clear and up-to-date Data Processing Agreement with every client. This way, both webshop and fulfilment company know exactly where they stand, and together we can focus on what matters most: satisfied customers and flawless logistics.