Consumer Protection Act (CPA): Direct Marketer Registration Requirements

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has announced that, in terms of Regulation 4, Section 11(3) of the Consumer Protection Act, No. 68 of 2008 (CPA), all direct marketers are required to register with the National Consumer Commission, the NCC, to remain compliant. On 15 April 2026, the Consumer Protection Act amendment Regulations were published, wherein they revised Regulation 4.  This regulation introduces opt-out and database cleansing obligations.

This requirement applies to businesses that market directly to consumers through:

• Marketing emails
• SMS campaigns
• WhatsApp marketing
• Cold calling and telesales
• Bulk electronic advertising
• Property marketing databases

Why is Registration Required?

The regulation aims to ensure that all direct marketers:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date databases.
• Remove consumers who have opted out of receiving marketing communications.
• Clearly identify their business in all marketing communications.
• Provide consumers with a clear unsubscribe or opt-out option.
• Comply with POPIA and PAIA requirements relating to consent and direct electronic marketing.

Failure to register and comply with the regulations may result in an administrative fine of up to R1 million or 10% of the direct marketer’s annual turnover, whichever is greater.

As this registration process is still relatively new, users may experience occasional system glitches. We encourage applicants to persevere and follow the process outlined below.

The registration process requires businesses to submit company and contact information together with the registration fee.  This registration must be renewed annually.  The initial registration fee is R2 574.00, the annual renewal fee is R1 930.50 and the cleansing fee is R0.12 per data entry.  These fees are at 2026 and will be escalated annually.

Once registered all firms must cleanse their marketing databases against the NCC’s opt-out registery on a monthly basis and remove contacts who have opted out.  At June 2026, this process is still to be confirmed by the NCC.

Registration Process

1. Visit the NCC website.
2. Select eServices & OORS in the top-right corner of the website.
3. Choose Direct Marketers (if registering a company).
4. Accept the Terms and Conditions.
5. Complete the online registration form.
6. Upload the required supporting documents:
   • B-BBEE Certificate or Affidavit
   • CIPC Registration Documents
   • VAT Registration Number (if applicable)
   • Tax Clearance Certificate
7. Submit your application.

If your submission is successful, you will receive the following confirmation message:

“Your registration was submitted successfully. You will receive a confirmation with a reference number via email shortly.”

1. You will receive an email containing your unique reference number.
2. The NCC will review your application and advise you of the next steps via email.
3. Once approved, you will receive a username and password to access your profile.
4. Log in using the credentials provided.
5. Enter the One-Time PIN (OTP) sent to you.
6. You have now successfully accessed your NCC profile.

If you would also like to register as a consumer, follow the relevant registration option available on the NCC portal.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, legislative and regulatory requirements may change without notice.

PPs accepts no responsibility for any loss, liability, or inconvenience arising from reliance on the information contained in this article. Readers are encouraged to consult the National Consumer Commission (NCC) or obtain professional advice to confirm the latest compliance requirements and registration procedures.