Are you looking to transfer personal data outside the European Union (EU) to a country that does not offer an adequate level of protection? If so, then it is mandatory to use the standard contractual clauses (SCCs) to ensure the transfer of this data is in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

However, drafting SCCs from scratch can be a daunting task, and it is crucial to ensure they are legally sound and meet the requirements of the European Data Protection Board. That is why the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has developed an ICO Standard Contractual Clauses template.

The ICO SCCs template provides a standard set of contractual clauses that can be used by controllers and processors to safeguard the transfer of personal data to third countries. The template includes four different sets of SCCs and a guidance note to help you determine which SCCs are applicable to your situation.

The four sets of SCCs included in the ICO template are:

1. Controller to controller transfers – for transfers of personal data between two controllers.

2. Controller to processor transfers – for transfers of personal data from a controller to a processor.

3. Processor to processor transfers – for transfers of personal data between two processors.

4. Processor to controller transfers – for transfers of personal data from a processor to a controller.

The template is designed to be flexible, allowing you to customize the clauses to meet your specific needs, such as including additional security measures or adapting clauses to reflect local laws and regulations in the third country.

Using the ICO SCCs template has several benefits:

1. Saves time – rather than starting from scratch, you can use a trusted template that has been developed by experienced data protection professionals.

2. Ensures compliance – the template is designed to meet GDPR requirements, so you can feel confident that you are compliant with data protection regulations.

3. Reduces risk – by using a standard set of clauses that have been reviewed by legal experts, you can minimize legal and financial risk.

The ICO SCCs template is an essential tool for any organization that transfers personal data outside the EU. By using this template, you can ensure that your transfer agreements meet the necessary legal requirements, thus protecting both your organization and individuals` data.