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Canadian Export Resources

*This information is provided for general guidance only and may change without notice. Always verify details with the official source before taking action.*

🇪🇺 GDPR Compliance Guide

GDPR Compliance for
Canadian Exporters

Essential guidance for Canadian businesses expanding into European markets and handling EU citizen data.

🇪🇺 EU Compliance
Privacy Protection
Canadian Business Focus

What is GDPR?

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a European Union law that affects how Canadian businesses can collect, process, and store personal data from EU residents.

Important for Canadian Exporters

If you market to or serve customers in the EU, GDPR may apply to your Canadian business, even if you don't have a physical presence in Europe.

Key Principles

  • Lawful basis: You typically need a legal reason to process personal data
  • Transparency: Be clear about what data you collect and why
  • Data minimization: Generally collect only data you actually need
  • Individual rights: People may have rights to access, correct, or delete their data

GDPR May Apply When

  • You offer goods/services to EU residents
  • You monitor EU residents' behavior
  • You process EU residents' personal data

Key GDPR Requirements

Important compliance areas Canadian businesses often consider when entering European markets

Data Processing Lawfulness

Ensure you have a legal basis for processing personal data from EU visitors

Consent Management

Implement proper cookie consent and privacy notice systems

Data Subject Rights

Provide mechanisms for data access, correction, and deletion requests

Privacy by Design

Build privacy considerations into your website and marketing systems

GDPR Compliance Checklist

Areas Canadian businesses often evaluate before entering EU markets

Privacy Policy compliant with GDPR requirements
Cookie consent banner with granular controls
Data processing records and documentation
Right to be forgotten (erasure) procedures
Data portability mechanisms
Breach notification procedures
Privacy impact assessments
GDPR-compliant email marketing practices

Professional Tip

Consider working with a privacy lawyer or GDPR consultant to ensure full compliance before launching in European markets.

Potential Penalties for Non-Compliance

GDPR violations can result in significant financial penalties and market access restrictions

Administrative Fines

Up to €20 million or 4% of annual turnover

For the most serious violations

Lower-tier Fines

Up to €10 million or 2% of annual turnover

For less serious but still significant violations

Additional Consequences

Market access restrictions

Potential blocks from European market entry

Impact on Canadian Businesses

These penalties may apply to Canadian businesses that violate GDPR while serving EU customers. Compliance is generally important if you want to succeed in European markets.

Need GDPR Compliance Help?

Our team helps Canadian businesses implement GDPR-compliant marketing and website practices for European expansion.

GDPR-Compliant Marketing

We aim to implement privacy-focused marketing strategies that comply with GDPR while maximizing your reach in European markets.

Learn More

Website Compliance Review

Get a comprehensive review of your website's GDPR readiness before expanding into European markets.

Get Review

Ready for European Market Entry?

Let us help you navigate GDPR compliance while building a strong digital presence in Europe.

⚠️ Disclaimer

Disclaimer: Information is for general guidance only and is not legal or financial advice. Rules, costs, and requirements can change. Always verify details with the proper authorities before making decisions.