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Table of Contents

Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) For Personal Data Transfer – Introduction
Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) For Personal Data Transfer – Purpose
Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) For Personal Data Transfer – Definitions
Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) For Personal Data Transfer – Scope
Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) For Personal Data Transfer – Rules
Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) For Personal Data Transfer – Standard Contractual Clauses Templates

Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) For Personal Data Transfer – Definitions

Overview

Standard Contractual Clauses For Personal Data Transfer – Definitions establishes the precise legal meanings of key terms used within the Saudi Standard Contractual Clauses for Personal Data Transfer. These definitions ensure consistent interpretation of cross-border transfer obligations, safeguards, and responsibilities under the Saudi Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), its Implementing Regulations, and the Regulation on the Transfer of Personal Data Outside the Kingdom.

Clear terminology is essential to ensure lawful transfers, regulatory oversight, and continuity of Personal Data protection beyond the Kingdom.

SDAIA's Official Text

The text below reproduces official PDPL law, regulation, or guideline issued by the Saudi Data & AI Authority, verified against the original SDAIA source. No changes or reinterpretation applied.

Definitions

In this document, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the following terms shall have the meanings assigned to each of them below:

  • The Kingdom: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)

  • The Law: The Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) issued by Royal Decree No. (M/19) dated 9/2/1443 AH and amended by Royal Decree No. (M/148) dated 5/9/1444 AH.

  • Regulations: The Implementing Regulations of the Law “Includes both of the implementing Regulations and the implementing Regulation for Personal Data Transfer outside the Kingdom.”

  • The Competent Authority: Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA)

  • Appropriate Safeguards: The requirements imposed by the competent authority on controllers, which include adherence to the Law and Regulations when transferring or disclosing personal data to entities outside the Kingdom. This applies in cases where exemptions are granted from the conditions for providing an appropriate or minimum level of personal data protection, to ensure appropriate level of protection when transferring personal data outside the Kingdom that meets at least the standards prescribed by the Law and Regulations.

  • Standard Contractual Clauses: Mandatory provisions governing the transfer of personal data outside the Kingdom that ensure appropriate level of protection for such data not less than the standard prescribed by the Law and Regulations. These provisions are in accordance with a standard form issued by the competent authority.

  • International Organization: A legal body comprising members from at least three countries, operating in multiple sovereign states, established through a formal legal document such as a treaty or agreement based on international law, and this legal document defines the aims and objectives of the international organization and its structures, decision-making powers and jurisdiction. (e.g. the United Nations, the World Bank, the League of Arab States, the Arab Monetary Fund). These organizations engage in international activities and must comply with various Personal Data protection laws across different jurisdictions.

  • Transfer of Personal Data: Transfer, disclosure (or granting of access) of Personal Data from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Controllers, Processors, or other recipients in countries or international organizations other than the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia where neither the Personal Data Exporter nor the Importer of the Personal Data.

  • Third-Party Data Transfers/Subsequent Transfers: The transfer of Personal Data from an external country or international organization to Controllers or Processors within the same country/organization or in another country/organization.

Plain-Language Explanation

The explanation below is provided to help you understand the SDAIA’s legal text and does not replace or override the official PDPL law, regulation, or guideline.

The Kingdom

This definition establishes the territorial scope of the SCCs. All compliance assessments, safeguards, and enforcement considerations originate from the legal framework of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Law

This term anchors the SCCs directly to the Saudi Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), including its amendments. All contractual obligations under the SCCs must align with the PDPL’s requirements and protections.

Regulations

This definition clarifies that the SCCs operate alongside both the general Implementing Regulations and the specific regulation governing transfers outside the Kingdom, ensuring a unified regulatory framework for cross-border data movement.

The Competent Authority (SDAIA)

Identifying SDAIA confirms its exclusive role in issuing, supervising, and enforcing SCC requirements. SDAIA determines acceptable safeguards and evaluates compliance with transfer obligations.

Appropriate Safeguards

This provision explains that SCCs function as a compensatory protection mechanism when transferring Personal Data for cases where exemptions from adequacy or minimum protection conditions apply under the Law and the Transfer Regulation. These safeguards ensure continuity of Saudi-level protection standards.

Standard Contractual Clauses

This definition confirms that SCCs are mandatory, standardized contractual provisions issued by the Competent Authority. They are designed to ensure that transferred Personal Data remains protected to a level not lower than that required under Saudi law.

International Organization

This definition clarifies that international organizations are treated as distinct transfer recipients due to their multi-jurisdictional nature. Transfers to such entities require SCCs to ensure accountability and protection across borders.

Transfer of Personal Data

The transfer, disclosure, or granting of access to Personal Data from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Controllers, Processors, or other recipients in a country or international organization outside the Kingdom.

Third Party Data Transfers/Subsequent Transfers

This provision confirms that protection obligations extend beyond the initial transfer. Any onward or subsequent transfer must continue to comply with the same safeguards and contractual protections established under the SCCs.

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