What is DPA (Data Processing Agreement)?

A contract between a data controller and a data processor required by GDPR Article 28.

A Data Processing Agreement (DPA) is the contract required by GDPR Article 28 between a controller (you) and a processor (your vendor) that defines the subject matter, duration, nature, purpose of processing, types of personal data, categories of data subjects, and obligations of the parties. PDF Verified provides a pre-signed DPA on every paid plan. For Enterprise customers we also support custom DPA negotiation and signed addenda.

What must be in a DPA

Per GDPR Article 28(3): subject matter, duration, nature, purpose; types of personal data and data subjects; processor obligations (process only on documented instructions, ensure confidentiality, take security measures, engage sub-processors only with consent, assist with data subject rights, delete/return data at end, allow audits).

Sub-processors

A DPA must list sub-processors (vendors of the processor that also touch data) — for PDF Verified that includes Supabase (Postgres + storage), Resend (email delivery), Twilio/WhatsApp Business (messaging), Smile ID (KYC), Stripe + Paystack (billing). The full sub-processor list lives at /legal/dpa.

Cross-border data transfers

When personal data leaves the EU, the DPA must reference SCCs or an adequacy decision. PDF Verified uses 2021 SCCs (Modules 2 and 3) for transfers to non-EU sub-processors.