Module for GDPR-Compliant Data Sharing with Shipping Providers

GDPR-compliant data sharing: secure email consent with our modified eCommerce module

Since 25 May 2018, the GDPR has imposed stricter data protection rules. As an online retailer, you may only share your customers' email addresses and telephone numbers with delivery services with their explicit consent. To meet this legal requirement, we have developed a special module that integrates this functionality seamlessly into your modified eCommerce Shopsoftware.

This protects you against formal legal warnings and strengthens your customers' trust in your shop. Delivery information (email and, where applicable, telephone number) is essential for shipment tracking and smooth delivery. Our module ensures that you can use this data in compliance with the law.

How consent works during checkout

Our module integrates the consent request directly into your shop's checkout process. A simple opt-in field obtains your customers' consent to share data. This can appear on the shipping selection page or, when Express Checkout is enabled, on the order confirmation page. For customers paying with PayPal Cart (paypalcart), consent is also requested on the order confirmation page.

Seamless integration keeps checkout clear and intuitive for your customers. They can immediately see which data is shared with which provider and make an informed decision.

Transparency and management in the admin area

In your shop's admin area, you can easily assign a corresponding parcel delivery provider address to each shipping module. This extension of the existing integrated functionality ensures maximum transparency. When selecting a shipping method, customers can already see which provider will receive their data. This information is also stored in the database for every order, allowing you to review it at any time.

If a customer consents to data sharing during checkout, this is clearly recorded in the database. You can view the consent directly in the relevant customer order in the admin area. This information is also included as legal text in the order confirmation email, providing additional legal certainty.

New in version 1.1: full control for your customers

With the new version 1.1, we have added an important function that gives your customers even more control over their data:

• Withdrawal of consent at any time: Customers receive a link in the order confirmation email that lets them withdraw their consent at any time. This option is therefore also available for guest orders.
• Withdraw or renew consent in the customer account: Registered customers can also withdraw consent on the order detail page in their customer account. Depending on the module settings, you can even allow them to give consent there retrospectively.

Overview of functions

• Consent text integrated into checkout (opt-in checkbox)
• Consent displayed during checkout and in order management
• Optional text block for order and information emails
• Separate texts for HTML and plain text emails
• Configurable default shipping provider address
• Option for customers to withdraw their consent (separate process/link)
• No core file changes – adjustments are made mainly through templates and language entries

Benefits for shop operators

• GDPR compliant: consent to share data is actively obtained and documented.
• Transparency: customers clearly see what their data is used for.
• Documentation: the customer's decision is stored against the order in the system.
• Flexible use: suitable for various shipping providers (e.g. DHL, DPD, GLS, UPS).

Easy integration and compatibility

The module is ideally suited to current modified eCommerce Shopsoftware from version 2.x/3.x. It integrates into your system without core changes. Only a few small template adjustments are needed for it to work correctly.

Source code & further development

You can also find the current version of the module on GitHub:
MITS_carrier_data_privacy on GitHub

We will be happy to help with questions about the module, GDPR-compliant integration or other topics relating to modified shops.

See for yourself!

See a demonstration of the module in our demo shop: https://www.modified-demo.ecomtech.eu

Download free now – installation by us on request

The module is now available to you free of charge. If you wish, we can professionally install it and adapt it to your template for a flat service fee. Simply contact us using our contact form, and we will take care of professional integration into your modified eCommerce Shopsoftware. This keeps you on the safe side and ensures you meet all GDPR requirements in e-commerce.