Does my service benefit from an exemption?
We estimate that up to a third of the phone-paid service market is eligible for an exemption from registration with us. There are also exemptions from specific Code provisions available for certain categories of services that we believe can comply with certain outcomes of the Code through other means. It’s worth your while to check to see if your company or service is exempt.
Current registration exemptions:
You are exempt from registering with the PSA if you operate premium rate services on either the 087 number range or voice shortcodes costing 20p or less, unless the service category is:
- an information, connection and signposting service (ICSS), regardless of number range
- a professional advice service
- a live entertainment service.
Services falling within the above categories are required to register with the PSA.
Current Code provision exemptions:
SMS virtual chat services exemption
We also welcome exemption requests
We’re committed to ensuring our regulation does not get in the way of services that consumers want and enjoy. If you do have an exemption to discuss, contact our compliance department. You’ll need to identify what the barrier is and have thought about how you will meet the relevant Code Requirement by other means. We can then discuss the best way forward.
Current exemptions:
| Provider | Permission | Reason for granting permission | ||
| Apple Distribution International Ltd | Bespoke permission to operate without strict adherence to Requirement 3.2.8(d) | The objective of Requirement 3.2.8(d) is achieved through Apple’s payment method setup process, where customers are required to activate direct carrier billing | ||
| Boku Network Services UK Ltd | Bespoke permission to operate the registration exemption on behalf of merchants which operate exclusively through Boku Network Services UK Ltd | Boku Network Services UK Ltd is a qualifying intermediary | ||
| Fonix Mobile Plc | Bespoke permission to operate the registration exemption on behalf of specific merchants which operate exclusively through Fonix Mobile Plc | Fonix Mobile Plc is a qualifying intermediary | ||
| Google Commerce Ltd | Bespoke permission to operate the App store exemption on behalf of its app store merchants | Google Commerce Ltd is a qualifying intermediary app store |