GDPR Cookies for WooCommerce 1.3.1

To make your WooCommerce store GDPR compliant regarding cookies, it isn't enough to just show a "We use cookies" message. Under 2026 standards, you must block tracking scripts (like Facebook Pixel or Google Analytics) until the user explicitly clicks "Accept."

Here are the best ways to handle this in WooCommerce.

1. Top Recommended Plugins for 2026

These plugins are "Consent Management Platforms" (CMPs). They don't just show a banner; they actively stop cookies from loading until consent is given.1

Plugin

Best For

Key GDPR Feature

Complianz

Full Legal Setup

Includes a "Wizard" that generates your Cookie Policy and scans your site for WooCommerce-specific cookies.

CookieYes

Ease of Use

Very popular (1M+ installs). Great at automatically categorizing cookies into "Necessary," "Analytics," and "Marketing."

Cookiebot

Automation

Best for large stores; it performs a monthly automated scan and update of your cookie declaration.

2. Essential GDPR Features You Need

When choosing or setting up your solution, ensure these four things are active:

Prior Consent (The "Blocker"): No non-essential cookies should be placed before the user clicks "Accept."2

Granular Choice: Customers must be able to accept "Analytics" cookies but reject "Marketing" cookies.3

Equal Buttons: The "Reject" button must be just as easy to find and click as the "Accept" button. Avoid "Dark Patterns" where the Reject button is hidden or grayed out.4

Consent Logging: You must keep a secure, timestamped log of who consented and when, in case of a legal audit.5

3. Specific WooCommerce Considerations

WooCommerce uses "Strictly Necessary" cookies to function (like the cart and session cookies).6 Under GDPR, these do not require consent because the site cannot work without them.

Necessary Cookies: woocommerce_cart_hash, woocommerce_items_in_cart, wp_woocommerce_session_. 7These are usually exempted.

Third-Party Cookies: If you use Stripe, PayPal, or Facebook for WooCommerce, these plugins often drop tracking cookies. Ensure your CMP (like Complianz or CookieYes) is configured to block these scripts specifically.

4. How to Implement (Step-by-Step)

Install a CMP: I recommend Complianz for WooCommerce because it has a specific integration for "WooCommerce placeholders" (e.g., blocking a Map or Video until consent).

Run a Scan: Let the plugin scan your site to find all active cookies.

Generate Policy: Use the plugin’s built-in tool to create a "Cookie Policy" page.

Link to Checkout: Go to WooCommerce > Settings > Accounts & Privacy and ensure your Privacy Policy is linked so customers can see it before they buy.8

Would you like me to help you compare the pricing for the Pro versions of these plugins, or perhaps help you draft a GDPR-compliant cookie policy for your store?