South African businesses and consumers have until Friday, 6 November 2026, to comment on draft guidelines for the National Opt-Out Registry.

Editorial composite. Portrait adapted from DOC / SAnews.gov.za; illustrated background.

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) extended the consultation by 15 business days in a notice issued on 13 October. Its notice gives the closing date but does not specify a closing hour.

The deadline concerns feedback on the proposed guidelines. It is not the date consumers can start using the registry to block unwanted marketing.

How to submit comments

Written submissions can be emailed to [email protected] and [email protected].

Comments can also be delivered to the NCC at 01 Dr Lategan Road, Block C, Groenkloof, Pretoria, directed to the Divisional Head for Enforcement and Legal Services and marked for Jabulani Mbeje’s attention.

The draft guidelines and extension notice provide the consultation documents.

Three provisions worth checking

The draft reaches beyond call centres. It covers direct marketing by retailers, estate agencies, dealerships, insurers and other suppliers, including businesses that outsource their campaigns.

It proposes annual registration renewal and regular database cleansing.

It also distinguishes marketing from ordinary customer communication. Confirming deliveries, resolving account queries and providing after-sales support are not automatically direct marketing. Adding a sales pitch to a service call can, however, bring that promotional content within the rules.

Consent is another important issue. The draft says existing consent cannot override an applicable registered block, and fresh consent does not override one unless the consumer removes it.

These remain draft guidelines. The document says they do not bind the NCC, National Consumer Tribunal or courts, although people interpreting or applying the Act must take them into account. Businesses need to distinguish this proposed practical guidance from obligations under the Consumer Protection Act and amended regulations.

When does consumer blocking begin?

The NCC’s published rollout places consumer pre-emptive blocking from May 2027.

Registration for direct marketers runs until December 2026. The timetable then provides for businesses to test the cleansing of marketing lists from December to April 2027, without charge during that phase.

SBL’s earlier registry explainer covers that phased introduction. Today’s immediate issue is the opportunity to comment on how the guidelines should work before the consultation closes.

Sources

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