The CPCC has established the Zero-Rating Program to permit organizations that qualify for the program to purchase media “zero-rated” or levy free. Buyers are required to be certified in advance by the CPCC and to purchase from a CPCC-authorized seller.
Who can buy media levy-free?
Following is a list of the types of organizations that can qualify to join the Zero-Rating Program as buyers:
- advertising agencies
- broadcasters
- conference and training companies
- courts, tribunals and court reporters
- duplication facilities
- educational institutions
- firms duplicating audio and data for business
- government departments
- law enforcement agencies
- medical institutions
- the music, film and video industries
- religious organizations
- software companies
- technology companies
- telemarketing firms
Buyers who wish to participate must complete an online application and pay an annual fee. All applications are subject to the CPCC’s approval.
Terms of the Zero-Rating Agreement for Buyers include:
- Buyers are required to guarantee that no blank media purchased under the program will be acquired for personal use, sold, rented or distributed to any third party.
- Buyers are required to guarantee that zero-rated media will not be used for any unauthorized copying of music.
- The certificate number issued to each registered buyer must be used each time media is acquired zero-rated.
- All registered buyers are required to report annually to the CPCC the quantities and source(s) of any media purchased under the program
- All registered buyers are subject to audit by the CPCC. The CPCC may request copies of invoices, or may conduct on-site audits of purchase records.
Zero-Rating Program Tip sheet for BUYERS 2011
Applying to the Zero-Rating Program
The Three Step Application process:
1) Fill in the online application (approximately 10 to 15 minutes).
2) Make payment:
- $60 (plus appropriate taxes) for for-profit organizations
- $15 (plus appropriate taxes) for non-profit organizations
3) Respond to email requests with appropriate information (applicants will be asked to verify their email address and provide faxed evidence).
Using the Zero-Rating Program
Once your application has been processed, you will be notified via email if you have been approved and supplied with your Zero-Rating Certificate Number. To make a levy free purchase, the certificate number must be presented to a registered zero-rating distributor and must be valid on the date of purchase.