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GDPR Compliance Risk

WooCommerce is a US-based service subject to the CLOUD Act. EU organizations using this service risk non-compliance with GDPR data transfer requirements.

WooCommerce logo

GDPR-Compliant Alternative to WooCommerce

🇺🇸Automattic Inc. · US-based · Subject to CLOUD Act

Open-source e-commerce plugin for WordPress enabling businesses to sell online with flexible customization.

Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to WooCommerce

Since the landmark Schrems II ruling in 2020, transferring personal data to US-based services like WooCommerce has become a significant legal risk for EU organizations. The US CLOUD Act gives American authorities the power to access data held by US companies, regardless of where that data is physically stored — even if it's in an EU data center.

While the EU-US Data Privacy Framework (DPF) adopted in 2023 provides a new legal basis for transfers, privacy experts and legal scholars have raised concerns about its long-term viability. The framework could face the same fate as its predecessors (Safe Harbor and Privacy Shield), both of which were struck down by the Court of Justice of the EU.

For organizations that want to eliminate compliance risk entirely, switching to a European-based e-commerce platforms is the most straightforward solution. Below are the best GDPR-compliant alternatives to WooCommerce, all headquartered in Europe with data stored in EU data centers.

CLOUD Act Exposure

US authorities can access your data stored by WooCommerce, even if servers are located in Europe.

GDPR Fine Risk

Non-compliant data transfers can result in fines up to 4% of annual global revenue under GDPR Article 83.

EU Alternative Available

4 GDPR-compliant European alternatives available with full EU data residency.

4 GDPR-Compliant Alternatives to WooCommerce

European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency

PrestaShop logo

PrestaShop

🇫🇷

by PrestaShop SA

French open-source e-commerce platform powering over 300,000 shops worldwide with extensive customization options.

GDPR CompliantEU-BasedOpen SourceEU-hosted
freemiumMigration:●●●2-3 days

Why switch?

  • PrestaShop offers built-in multilingual support for 75 languages.
  • Full GDPR compliance ensures data protection for EU customers.
  • B2B features include customer groups and specific pricing rules.

Consider

  • Migration from WooCommerce may require significant data transfer effort.
  • PrestaShop has a steeper learning curve for new users compared to WooCommerce.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit PrestaShop
Shopware logo

Shopware

🇩🇪

by shopware AG

German e-commerce platform offering open-source and enterprise solutions for online stores of all sizes.

GDPR CompliantEU-BasedOpen SourceISO 27001SOC 2 Type IISOC 2Self-Hostable
freemiumMigration:●●●2-4 hours

Why switch?

  • Shopware's API-first approach allows for easier integration with other systems.
  • B2B Suite offers tailored features for business-to-business transactions.
  • Shopware's drag-and-drop CMS simplifies content management for users.

Consider

  • Migrating from WooCommerce may require significant data transfer efforts.
  • Shopware's learning curve can be steep for users familiar with WordPress.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Shopware
Saleor logo

Saleor

🇵🇱

by Saleor Commerce

Saleor by Saleor Commerce is an open-source e-commerce platform designed for building and managing online stores. It offers features such as customizable storefronts, product management, order processing, and payment integration. Developers can utilize GraphQL APIs for flexibility and scalability in e-commerce solutions.

GDPR CompliantEU-BasedOpen SourceSOC 2
freemiumMigration:●●●2-3 days

Why switch?

  • Saleor's GraphQL API enables faster data retrieval and flexibility.
  • Saleor supports multi-channel selling, enhancing market reach.
  • Cloud hosting options reduce server management overhead and costs.

Consider

  • Migration from WooCommerce may require significant data restructuring.
  • Saleor's learning curve is steeper for non-developers compared to WooCommerce.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Saleor
Medusa logo

Medusa

🇩🇰

by Medusa Commerce

Danish open-source headless commerce engine built with Node.js for developers building custom storefronts.

GDPR CompliantEU-BasedOpen SourceSelf-Hostable
freeMigration:●●●2-4 hours

Why switch?

  • Medusa's headless architecture allows for greater frontend flexibility.
  • Node.js framework enables faster performance and scalability.
  • GDPR compliance ensures data protection for EU customers.

Consider

  • Migration from WooCommerce may require significant data transfer effort.
  • Limited plugin ecosystem compared to WooCommerce's extensive marketplace.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Medusa

Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison

ServiceHQ LocationGDPR NativeEU Data CentersCLOUD Act FreePricing
🇺🇸WooCommerce
United StatesNoPartialNofreemium
🇫🇷PrestaShopFRYesYesYesfreemium
🇩🇪ShopwareDEYesYesYesfreemium
🇵🇱SaleorPLYesYesYesfreemium
🇩🇰MedusaDKYesYesYesfree

Frequently Asked Questions

Is WooCommerce GDPR compliant?

WooCommerce is a US-based service operated by Automattic Inc.. While it may have some GDPR compliance measures, as a US company it is subject to the CLOUD Act, which allows US authorities to access data stored by US companies regardless of where the data is physically located. This creates a fundamental conflict with GDPR requirements for data protection.

What are the GDPR risks of using WooCommerce?

The main GDPR risks include: (1) Data transfers to the US may lack adequate protection since the Schrems II ruling invalidated Privacy Shield, (2) US authorities can demand access under the CLOUD Act, (3) Your organization may face GDPR fines up to 4% of annual revenue for non-compliant data transfers, and (4) User consent may not be sufficient to legitimize transfers given the systematic access by US authorities.

What are the best GDPR-compliant alternatives to WooCommerce?

The top GDPR-compliant alternatives to WooCommerce include PrestaShop, Shopware, Saleor. These European services store your data in EU data centers and are fully subject to GDPR protections.

How do I migrate from WooCommerce to a GDPR-compliant alternative?

Most migrations involve three steps: (1) Export your data from WooCommerce using their data export tools, (2) Create an account with your chosen EU alternative, and (3) Import your data into the new service. We provide detailed migration guides for each alternative to make the switch as smooth as possible.

Can EU companies legally use WooCommerce?

Since the Schrems II ruling (2020), EU organizations face significant legal risk when using US cloud services like WooCommerce. While the EU-US Data Privacy Framework (2023) provides a new legal basis, its long-term stability is uncertain. Many EU data protection authorities recommend using EU-based alternatives to avoid compliance risks entirely.

Other GDPR Alternatives in E-commerce Platforms

GDPR Alternative to WixGDPR Alternative to SquarespaceGDPR Alternative to ShopifyGDPR Alternative to BigCommerce

Related Pages

Migration Resources

Last updated: January 29, 2026