Swedish DPA Publishes New Accreditation Standards for GDPR Certification Bodies
The Swedish Data Protection Authority (IMY) has set new requirements for the accreditation of certification bodies, which are essential for compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). These requirements will be implemented by the Board for Accreditation and Technical Control (Swedac) when accrediting certification bodies that issue certifications under GDPR. Certification serves as a valuable tool for organizations, enabling them to demonstrate that their processing of personal data aligns with legal standards.
With the establishment of these requirements, certification bodies in Sweden can now begin operations to issue certifications for personal data processing. This includes certifications for processing activities across the European Economic Area (EEA) and those primarily occurring in Sweden. By ensuring that certification bodies are accredited by Swedac, the integrity and independence of the certification process are maintained.
Accreditation acts as a quality assurance mechanism, confirming that the assessments performed by certification bodies are unbiased, accurate, and adhere to internationally recognized standards. Certification bodies must obtain accreditation to operate under the Data Protection Regulation effectively. The certificates issued must follow certification schemes that have been approved by the relevant supervisory authority or the European Data Protection Board (EDPB), thereby guaranteeing a high level of data protection.
The IMY’s decision paves the way for certification bodies to seek accreditation from Swedac. However, organizations wishing to have their certification schemes approved must submit an application to IMY. This new framework aims to enhance compliance with GDPR and strengthen data protection efforts across Sweden and the EEA.
