The following provides general advice and information only. For legal purposes, please refer to the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act, the Telemarketer Licensing Regulation, and related regulations.

WHO REQUIRES A LICENCE:

 Q. What telemarketers require a licence?

A. All telemarketers who conduct business in British Columbia or who contact consumers in British Columbia by telephone or fax for the purpose of entering into a distance sales contract are subject to the Telemarketer Licensing Regulation. As well, all telemarketers who initiate contact with consumers for the purpose of soliciting a consumer, on behalf or for the benefit of another supplier, for a contribution of money or other property by the consumer (i.e. third-party fund raisers) are subject to the regulation. The regulation falls under the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act which provides for the licensing of telemarketers.

Q. What telemarketers don't need a licence?

A. There are exemptions to the law. Those who don't require a licence include charities, educational institutions, political organizations, banks, credit unions and firms conducting surveys.

Q.  Do telemarketers located in British Columbia but who do not contact BC consumers require a licence?

A. Yes, if telemarketers conduct business in British Columbia they need a licence, whether or not they contact BC consumers.

Q. Do telemarketers located outside of British Columbia but who contact BC consumers require a licence?

A. Yes, if telemarketers contact BC consumers, they require a licence, regardless of where they are located. For more information around the licensing requirements of telemarketers, please visit our Telemarketing licensing page.  

WHAT THE LAW REQUIRES OF LICENSEES:

Q. When can telemarketers call consumers?

A. Telemarketers can call consumers on weekdays between 9 am and 9:30 pm and weekends between 10 am and 6 pm. No calls are permitted on statutory holidays. The time refers to the local time of the person being contacted. In addition, a telemarketer may not contact a consumer more than once in every 30 day period for the same good or service without the consumer’s permission.

HOW CONSUMERS ARE PROTECTED:

Q. How will the consumer know if the telemarketer is licensed?

A. The consumer may ask telemarketers for their licence number. If there is an issue, the consumer should also note the date and time of the call, the originating number and other information in order to provide information to Consumer Protection BC.  You can also check our website to see if a telemarketers is licensed with Consumer Protection BC. 

Q. How can consumers complain about telemarketers?

A. Consumers may call Consumer Protection BC at 1-888-564-9963 or e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  We also provide a variety of tips to help consumers make informed decisions.