The BC Government has passed a new Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act, which will significantly change how certain consumer contracts are regulated in the province. These changes affect what is allowable for several things including direct sales in consumer’s homes and door-to-door sales, subscription contracts, auto renewal requirements and more.

While the Act itself has already become law, many of the details will be set out in regulations that are now being developed. These regulations will determine how the new rules apply in practice — for example, what counts as a subscription, how cancellation rights are enforced, what deductions are permitted on refunds, and what disclosures must be included in contracts.

What is Changing
The new Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act strengthens consumer rights with broader cancellation and refund provisions, tighter rules on automatic renewals, and stricter disclosure requirements. Short-term renewals under 60 days must allow cancellation anytime without penalty, while long-term renewals over 60 days are void unless they include clear cancellation rights, pro-rated refunds, and advance notice 30 to 60 days before renewal. Contracts must now provide more detailed information on rights and renewal terms, and direct sales of many items like furnaces, home security, and water heaters are prohibited outside a supplier’s permanent place of business (like door-to-door).
 
Why It Matters to Local Businesses
For many Langley businesses — from subscription-based services to trades and home maintenance contractors — these regulations impact:

• How contracts are written and enforced
• What cancellation rights consumers have
• When and how refunds must be provided
• The size of down payments that can be accepted
• Administrative and compliance obligations (e.g. renewal notices, disclosure requirements)

The Chamber’s Role
The Langley Chamber will be providing formal input into the regulations to ensure they balance consumer protection with the practical realities of running a small business. Our goal is to make sure that the new rules are workable, fair, and do not create unnecessary red tape for local entrepreneurs.

We Want Your Feedback
If your business could be affected by these changes — particularly if you operate in:

• Fitness, wellness, or other personal services
• Subscription-based services (digital or physical)
• Home improvement, renovation, or contracting
• Door-to-door or in-home sales

— we want to hear from you.

Please contact the Chamber with your feedback, questions, or examples of how these changes may affect your operations. Your input will help shape the Chamber’s submission to government as regulations are finalized.