Consumer protection laws in British Columbia just changed.
The provincial government made a few key amendments—which came into effect on August 1, 2026—to better reflect today’s marketplace. These amendments strengthen consumer rights around contract terms, automatic renewals and high-pressure direct sales. The changes also benefit reputable businesses, creating a fairer, more transparent marketplace.
In B.C., Consumer Protection BC administers the laws on the province’s behalf to inform consumers of their rights and help businesses stay compliant with the law. If you have a business in B.C., it’s important to understand how these changes might impact your operations.
These might affect you if you:
- Sell goods or services online, over the phone, by email or by fax
- Sell goods or services customers don’t receive right away or don’t pay for up front
- Make contracts in-person outside your place of business (like home visits)
- Offer fitness services (such as gyms, personal training, ski passes, sports camps and so on)
- Offer subscriptions or membership services
Here are three key changes to be aware of:
1. Stricter contract requirements
Many of the recent amendments update rules around contracts, from required disclosures before signing a contract to prohibited terms.
Before a consumer agrees to a purchase and enters into a contract, businesses must provide clear, specific information up front at no cost. Contracts must list out key details around an agreement (such as itemized cost breakdowns or a description of goods and services) and be easy to understand without burying hidden terms in the fine print. Contracts must also clearly state refund policies, return and exchange terms, cancellation policies and renewal terms. These requirements apply to online, phone, email and physical contracts.
There is also a new ban on unfair terms in contracts between businesses and consumers that, if included, void the contract. These prohibited contract clauses include terms that:
- Prevent consumers from joining class action lawsuits
- Stop consumers from posting reviews
- Include mandatory dispute resolution mechanisms
2. Automatic subscription renewals
The law has also been changed to prevent customers from being charged for unwanted renewals. These subscription renewal rules affect businesses like streaming services, food delivery subscriptions and more.
Businesses with auto-renewing subscription or membership contracts must meet cancellation and customer notification requirements, or those renewals are void. Businesses must also allow customers to cancel subscription renewals at any time without charges or other penalties.
3. High-pressure door-to-door sales
There are also new restrictions around door-to-door sales of certain high-cost household items and services. Now, the law prohibits the door-to-door sale of items like furnaces, air conditioners, duct cleaning services, water heaters, home security systems and more. Businesses are also prohibited from offering or arranging credit in any door-to-door sale.
Any new contracts entered into or renewed on or after August 1, 2026, must meet the new requirements. Businesses should review and update their contract templates, subscription renewal procedures and sales practices to comply with the new laws.
Learn more about these changes at www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/guidance-for-businesses-law-changes.
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Disclaimer: This material is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a legal interpretation and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Any businesses that might be impacted by these changes should seek professional legal guidance.
