POPIA-Compliant E-commerce: 12 Must-Have Features for South African Online Stores

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POPIA-Compliant E-commerce:
12 Must-Have Features for South African Online Stores

Running a successful e-commerce business in South Africa means more than just having an attractive website and great products. Since the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) came into effect, South African online stores must ensure they handle customer data responsibly. A POPIA-compliant e-commerce website doesn’t just keep you on the right side of the law, it builds trust with your customers and safeguards your brand’s reputation.

Here are 12 must-have features for a compliant and trustworthy online store:

1. SSL Certificate

Secure Socket Layer encryption ensures that customer data is transmitted securely, protecting sensitive information such as passwords and payment details.

2. Clear Privacy Policy

Your website should feature a transparent, easy-to-read privacy policy outlining how customer information is collected, used, and stored.

3. Cookie Consent Banner

Inform visitors about cookies and tracking technologies, with the option to accept or reject them in line with POPIA requirements.

4. Opt-In Marketing Permissions

Email marketing lists must use a clear opt-in process .No pre-ticked boxes.

5. Secure Payment Gateway

Partner with trusted payment processors that use industry-standard security protocols.

6. User Account Protection

Encourage strong passwords and provide two-factor authentication where possible.

7. Data Access & Deletion Requests

Allow customers to request access to, or deletion of, their personal data with ease.

8. Minimal Data Collection

Only request the personal details necessary to complete a purchase or service.

9. Terms & Conditions Page

Clearly outline customer rights, responsibilities, and your store’s return or refund policy.

10. Regular Security Updates

Keep your e-commerce platform and plugins up to date to patch vulnerabilities.

11. Staff Training

Ensure anyone handling customer data understands POPIA compliance and privacy protocols.

12. Breach Notification Process

Have a clear plan in place to notify customers promptly in the event of a data breach.

Why POPIA Compliance Matters

For South African online stores, POPIA compliance is not optional, it’s a legal obligation. More importantly, it demonstrates respect for your customers’ privacy, helping you stand out in a crowded market.

At Engage24, we design and develop POPIA-compliant e-commerce websites that not only meet regulatory requirements but also create seamless, secure shopping experiences. By integrating these 12 must-have features, your business can confidently grow online while maintaining customer trust.

We hope this info helps you and your business. If you need any assistance, please Get in touch.

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