APEC Privacy Recognition for Processors (PRP) Certification

The APEC Privacy Recognition for Processors (PRP) System was designed for organisations (data processors) who process data on behalf of client organisations (data controllers), to demonstrate their ability in providing effective implementation of a controller’s privacy requirements. The PRP certification is based on 2 of the 9 principles of APEC Privacy Framework: Security Safeguards and Accountability.

Singapore recognises the APEC CBPR and PRP certifications for overseas transfers of personal data under the PDPA. This means that organisations in Singapore can easily transfer personal data to the overseas certified recipient without meeting additional requirements.

• Template contract clause for transfers of data to overseas recipients that hold CBPR or PRP certifications can be found here
• Learn about the announcement here

The directory of PRP-certified organisations can be found here.

To learn more:

• PRP Information Kit (482.33KB)
• APEC CBPR/PRP Brochure (2.14MB) (updated 17 Jun 2020)
• IMDA’s Accountability Agent Participation Documents
• Other IMDA Data Protection Certifications:
  • Data Protection Trustmark
  • APEC Cross-Border Privacy Rules System

To be eligible, your organisation must be subject to the laws of Singapore. 

Interested organisations (also known as data intermediaries) who process data on behalf of the data controllers can apply for APEC PRP. They should be either (1) formed or recognised under the laws of Singapore, or (2) resident, or having an office or a place of business, in Singapore, and in any case, not a public agency (as defined in the Personal Data Protection Act 2012). 

Upon submission of the application, the Applicant Organisation is bound by the Terms of Agreement (758.72KB) of the APEC PRP.

To apply, click here.

Application fee of S$535 (inclusive of GST) is payable to IMDA.

Assessment fee, payable to the Assessment Body, ranges and depends on the size of the organisation (e.g. annual sales turnover, no. of sites, etc) and the Assessment Body you engaged. Please approach the Assessment Bodies listed in this website for a quotation to confirm the actual fee.

To encourage organisations to take up more than one certification (i.e. DPTM, CBPR and PRP), one application fee of S$535 (inclusive of GST) is payable to IMDA when organisations apply for multiple certifications in a single application process.

The Assessment Body (AB) acts as an independent body to assess that an organisation’s data protection practices conform to the APEC PRP requirements. An organisation may select any of the following seven ABs:

For more information on how to be an assessment body, please refer to our information kit (324.47KB).

The PRP certification is based on the APEC Privacy Framework which features 2 out of 9 privacy principles: Security Safeguards and Accountability.  The framework was endorsed by 21 APEC economies to promote accountable and responsible transfers of personal information between the APEC economies.  

• PRP Requirements and Self-Assessment Form (352.66KB)

Funding Support:

Eligible organisations can consider applying to Enterprise Singapore (ESG) to seek support for some of the costs for APEC PRP certification and consultancy services. Details on the criteria and application process can be found below:

• ESG Enterprise Development Grant

Interested organisations may refer to this Quick Guide on Enterprise Development Grant Application (225.83KB).  

Professional Consultancy Services:

Organisations can refer to the List of Consultancy Service Providers (under DPTM Requirements and Resources section) if they wish to engage professional consultancy services to prepare them for the APEC PRP certification.

For questions, please refer to our FAQs.

For queries, please email Data_Protection_Certifications@imda.gov.sg or call 6377 3800.