GDPR-Compliant eCommerce Development Agency

A GDPR-compliant eCommerce store processes customer data under a documented lawful basis, collects only the data necessary for each purpose, obtains valid consent for marketing and analytics tracking, fulfils data subject rights requests (access, erasure, portability), maintains records of all data processing activities, and implements appropriate technical and organisational security measures. For UK brands, compliance also requires adherence to UK GDPR, which mirrors EU GDPR with minor post-Brexit differences.

Yes. IWD works with UK and European eCommerce brands on GDPR compliance across Shopify Plus, Adobe Commerce, and BigCommerce. Our EU-based team has delivered GDPR-compliant builds for UK DTC brands, EU enterprise retailers, and B2B portals across multiple markets. We understand both EU GDPR and UK GDPR (the retained legislation following Brexit), and we work across GMT and CET business hours to align with UK and European client schedules.

Shopify Plus provides native GDPR tools including customer data export, customer erasure webhooks triggered by deletion requests, and a privacy policy generator. However, native Shopify tools do not cover cookie consent management, GA4 Consent Mode V2 integration, custom DSAR workflows, third-party app data handling, or EU data residency. These require custom development and a proper consent architecture. See our Shopify GDPR compliance guide for a full breakdown.

Adobe Commerce (Magento 2.x and above) includes a native GDPR module that adds data export and deletion request functionality for customer accounts. Enterprise GDPR compliance for Adobe Commerce requires additional work: cookie consent management, GA4 Consent Mode V2, B2B portal data access controls, EU data residency configuration, multi-language privacy notices, and third-party extension data auditing. IWD implements this as part of every EU or UK Adobe Commerce project. See our Adobe Commerce GDPR guide.

GA4 Consent Mode V2 is Google's framework for adjusting how Google Analytics and Ads tags behave based on user consent signals from your cookie consent management platform. Without it, Google tags fire regardless of consent, which is non-compliant with GDPR. With Consent Mode V2 correctly implemented, Google tools use modelling to fill data gaps from non-consenting users while remaining compliant. For eCommerce stores, this is critical for maintaining attribution accuracy while respecting privacy. IWD implements Consent Mode V2 as standard on all UK and EU builds.

Yes. We design and implement cookie consent solutions that are technically compliant rather than just visually compliant. This includes categorising all cookies and scripts on your store, blocking third-party scripts until consent is given, integrating with your analytics and ad tracking tools via Consent Mode, recording and storing consent decisions in an audit log, and providing a preference centre where users can update or withdraw consent at any time. We work with your existing CMP or implement one as part of the project.

Under GDPR Article 17, individuals can request that their personal data be erased. For eCommerce stores, this means customer accounts, order history linked to personal data, marketing preferences, and browsing data must all be erasable on request within 30 days, unless retention is required for another lawful purpose such as tax record keeping. IWD builds right-to-erasure workflows that automate the deletion process across your store platform, connected ERPs, email marketing tools, and third-party systems.

Yes. For brands requiring EU data residency, we advise on and implement cloud infrastructure using EU-based hosting providers: AWS Frankfurt, Google Cloud EU regions, and Azure West Europe. We also execute data processing agreements (DPAs) with platform providers, third-party tools, and cloud vendors, and advise on cross-border data transfer mechanisms including Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) and adequacy decisions when EU personal data flows to non-EU processors.

Our GDPR audit scope and cost depends on the size of your store, the number of third-party integrations, and your platform (Shopify Plus, Adobe Commerce, or BigCommerce). A standard audit for a mid-size store takes 3-7 days and covers data mapping, consent review, third-party risk assessment, analytics compliance, and a prioritised gap report. Complex multi-market stores with many integrations may take up to 14 days. Contact us to discuss your store and we will provide a fixed-price audit proposal.

Yes. GDPR guidance from the ICO (UK) and EU Data Protection Authorities evolves regularly. We offer quarterly compliance reviews included in our monthly support retainer for UK and EU clients. These check your store against current guidance, monitor for new requirements such as changes to Consent Mode or cookie classification updates, and alert you when new integrations or platform updates introduce privacy risks to your store.

Headless eCommerce introduces additional GDPR complexity because data flows across multiple APIs, edge functions, and third-party services rather than through a single platform. Cookie consent signals must propagate correctly from the frontend (React, Next.js) to analytics and tracking tools. Customer data at rest and in transit must be secured across microservices. Right-to-erasure must trigger deletion across all connected data stores. IWD architects GDPR compliance into headless builds from the design phase, not as an afterthought.

IWD combines certified eCommerce platform expertise (Shopify Plus Partner, Adobe Commerce Gold Partner) with genuine GDPR technical implementation capability. A specialist legal or compliance firm may provide a GDPR gap report, but cannot implement the technical solutions on your Shopify Plus or Adobe Commerce store. IWD bridges the gap: we audit, design, and build GDPR-compliant eCommerce platforms as part of a single certified agency engagement. EU-based team. GMT-aligned. One vendor for compliance and commerce.