EU Representative for Manufacturers
GDPR Article 27 compliance for non-EU manufacturers exporting to Europe. Customer data, warranty, IoT products. EU Rep from €490/yr.
Key Takeaways for Manufacturers
- Manufacturers export physical goods to EU customers — they process EU personal data
- Product registration, warranty, support, IoT data — all trigger GDPR
- Smart products create ongoing data processing throughout product lifecycle
- €490/year — 15-minute setup
Does GDPR Apply to Manufacturers?
Yes — absolutely. Manufacturing companies are often overlooked in GDPR discussions, but they process substantial personal data through their EU business activities. If you manufacture products and sell them to EU customers (directly or through distributors), GDPR applies to your business, and Article 27 requires you to appoint an EU Representative.
Manufacturing encompasses more than just production. Your company’s sales data, customer support records, warranty registrations, product safety alerts, IoT telemetry data, and distributor communications all involve personal data of EU individuals.
EU Shield services: GDPR Article 27 EU Representative · GPSR Responsible Person for product sellers — each €490/year flat, all 27 EU states.
Manufacturer Data Under GDPR
- Customer data: Names, addresses, phone numbers, email contacts of EU buyers and end users
- Distributor contacts: Individual contact data of EU distributors, retailers, and agents
- Warranty & registration: Product registration forms, warranty claims — personal data plus product data
- Support & returns: Customer service tickets, RMA processes, repair records
- IoT telemetry: Smart products send usage data, location data, diagnostics — ongoing personal data processing
- Safety recalls: Contacting affected EU customers requires processing their personal data
Smart Products & GDPR
If your products are connected (IoT), they create a continuous data processing relationship with EU users. A smart thermostat sends temperature data and usage patterns. A connected vehicle sends location, driving behavior, and diagnostic data. A smart home hub processes voice commands and device interactions. Each data point is personal data under GDPR, and the legal obligation continues for the product’s lifetime.
Industry-Specific Risks
Automotive: Vehicle registration, connected car data, service records — extensive processing for EU customers.
Consumer electronics: Product registration, firmware updates, repair history — personal data throughout product lifecycle.
Industrial equipment: B2B doesn’t exempt you. Contact data of EU maintenance staff, operators, and safety managers is personal data.
Pharmaceutical / medical devices: Plus special category health data, clinical data, adverse event reporting.
Ready to get compliant?
€490/year. 15-minute setup. Active next business day.