European Union: European Union and Singapore signed Digital Trade Agreement (DTA) including cross-border data transfer regulation

Description

European Union and Singapore signed Digital Trade Agreement (DTA) including cross-border data transfer regulation

On 7 May 2025, the European Union and Singapore formally signed the EU-Singapore Digital Trade Agreement. The agreement includes binding provisions ensuring the free flow of data across borders for business purposes. It prohibits the adoption of restrictions such as requiring data to be processed using domestic computing infrastructure. Exceptions may apply only for legitimate public policy objectives, provided they are non-discriminatory and proportionate. It establishes standards for cross-border digital trade in line with global practices and mutual review mechanisms, while safeguarding regulatory space for legitimate public interest.

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Scope

Policy Area
Data governance
Policy Instrument
Cross-border data transfer regulation
Regulated Economic Activity
cross-cutting
Implementation Level
bi- or plurilateral agreement
Government Branch
executive
Government Body
central government

Complete timeline of this policy change

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2023-07-20
under deliberation

On 20 July 2023, the EU and Singapore launched negotiations for a bilateral Digital Trade Agreement…

2024-07-25
adopted

On 25 July 2024, the EU and Singapore concluded negotiations for a bilateral Digital Trade Agreemen…

2025-04-08
adopted

On 8 April 2025, the European Union and Singapore published the Agreement on Digital Trade, which i…

2025-05-07
adopted

On 7 May 2025, the European Union and Singapore formally signed the EU-Singapore Digital Trade Agre…