This is the first time in ten years that the commission has published a new set of SCCs for transferring personal data from the EA. It’s difficult to say when these new SCCs will be enforced and adopted. Unlike the current two sets of SCCs, which are based on whether the importer is a data processor or data controller, the new SCCs take a modular approach combined with general provision to cater for four different transfer scenarios and distinguish responsibilities under SCCs on this basis. The modules consist of:  

Module 1: Controller-to-Controller  

• This module is based on the scenario of a data transfer between two data controllers  

Module 2: Controller-to-Processor 

• This module is based on the scenario of a data transfer between a data controller and a data processor  

Module 3: Processor-to-Sub-Processor  

• This module is based on the scenario of a data transfer between a data processor and a data sub-processor  

Module 4: Processor-to-Controller  

• This module is based on the scenario of a data transfer between a data processor to a data controller 

Though not entirely clear, it seems as though the controllers and processors are to select the module which is best suited to their situation. The commission notes that the ability to do so makes it possible for parties to tailor their obligations under these SCCs to their specific roles and responsibilities.  

These SCCs are complex. The reason being we are trying to document data for a number of different data transfer scenarios with different clauses applying to different modules. Companies are going to have to sit down with the draft SCCs and really work out they apply to them.  

Read the Blog: Schrems II Decision: EDPB Publishes Recommendations 

The New SCCS and Data Protection Safeguards  

Section II of the new SCCs is all about the obligation of the parties and includes nine clauses. Clause 1 is very key in that it sets out the Data Protection Safeguards. These safeguards imbue the protections that travel with the personal data that leaves the EEA. Clause 1 starts with a warranty by the exporter that it has used reasonable efforts to determine the importer is able to satisfy the obligations of the SCCs. This connects back to the Data Transfer Impact Assessment that is a key part of the EDPB recommendations that we’ve discussed previously. 

These Data Protection Safeguards include: 

• Purpose: Importer is not to use data for an incompatible purpose 
• Transparency: Importer is to inform the data subject of identity and recipients.  
• Accuracy: Parties are to ensure that data is accurate, relevant, and limited to what is necessary  
• Storage: Importer will retain data for no longer than necessary  
• Security: Importer (and exporter during transmission) should implement appropriate and organizational measures  
• Special Data: Importer to apply specific restrictions and safeguards  
• Onward Transfers: Can only transfer to a third party if they agree to be bound by the SCCs 
• Processing Under Authority of Importer: Importer to ensure any person acting under its authority only acts on its instructions  
• Documentation: Parties must be able to demonstrate compliance with the SCCs and keep appropriate documentation and make it available to supervisory authorities on request 

It is important to note that each modular approach applies differently to each of these safeguards.  

Read the Blog: Schrems II Dealing with International Transfers 

Final Thoughts on the New SCCs and EDPB Recommendations  

It’s a positive step forward to now have SCCs that cover all types of data transfers and have solutions provided for non-EEA exporters, which weren’t outlined before. The biggest question to consider now is: do companies wait for the new SCCs to be finalized before fully adopting them during this sunset period of the old SCC guidelines? 

Further Schrems II reading:  

• DataGuidance: Schrems II Portal 
• DataGuidance News: Schrems II: What you need to know 
• OneTrust Blog: The Schrems II Impact: EDPB and SCC Updates – Linkedin Live Recap
• TrustWeek 2020 Webinar: Schrems II: What it Means for Your Privacy Program
• EDPB Recommendations: Recommendations 01/2020 on measures that supplement transfer tools to ensure compliance with the EU level of protection of personal dataard – 41st Plenary session: EDPB adopts recommendations on supplementary measures following Schrems II   

Next steps on Schrems II:  

Get Started with OneTrust: OneTrust Schrems II Solutions