Consumer Protection BC licenses and regulates certain telemarketers. The regulation restricts telemarketers to specific calling times and requires them to keep records relating to each distance sales contract.

Direct marketing through the phone is a legitimate and effective way for many types of businesses and fundraisers to maintain and build relationships with existing and prospective customers and donors.

Not all telemarketers are required to be licensed in BC. Those telemarketers who conduct business in BC or who contact consumers in BC by telephone or fax for the purpose of entering into a distance sales contract are required to be licensed.  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 Telemarketing Licensing Regulation.

Exemptions from licensing include charities who call or fax consumers directly and may include educational institutions, political organizations, and firms conducting surveys.

Consumer Protection BC receives consumer complaints about telemarketers. The regulation allows Consumer Protection BC to monitor telemarketers and take appropriate enforcement action for violations.