Canadian manufacturers or importers of blank audio recording media who wish to sell media at a “zero-rate” to certified buyers must be approved as a Zero-Rating Program distributor by the CPCC before the media is sold to a Zero-Rating Program buyer. The CPCC has the sole authority to determine whether or not an applicant qualifies for the program. All qualifying distributors must be in compliance with the current private copying tariff.  It is not possible to buy or sell media under the program through retail stores.

Approved agreements will be signed by the CPCC, and one signed copy returned to the applicant along with a certificate number.

Zero-Rating Program Tip sheet for DISTRIBUTORS

Special Distributors

Distributors of blank audio recording media may also be certified to purchase media levy free directly from Canadian manufacturers or importers for resale to certified zero-rated buyers. These companies are referred to as “special distributors”. Special distributors are only able to make zero-rated purchases from Canadian distributors that have also been certified by the CPCC. It is important to note that the special distributor contract only applies to the purchasing and selling of blank media; it does not authorize the organization to use the media internally or for duplication.  Special distributors are subject to the current private copying tariff.

Zero-Rating Program Tip sheet for SPECIAL DISTRIBUTORS

Applying to the Zero-Rating Program for Distributors

To apply to be a distributor or special distributor in the Zero-Rating Program, two complete and signed copies of the CPCC Zero-Rating Program Registration Agreement: Distributor Program should be sent to the CPCC for approval. Approved agreements will be signed by the CPCC, and one signed copy returned to the applicant along with a certificate number.

There is no administrative fee for distributors to participate in the program. The contract is for one year but automatically renews at the end of each 12-month term.

Terms of the CPCC Zero-Rating Program Registration Agreement include:

• The validity of each certificate number used to make levy-free purchases must be verified prior to sale, including the range of media covered along with the identity of the purchaser as the holder of that certificate number. If sales are made to a purchaser who is not certified on the date of sale, the distributor is responsible for paying the levy.
• The details of each levy-free transaction must be recorded and reported to the CPCC bi-monthly in electronic form following the reporting calendar established by the applicable private copying tariff.
• Any zero-rated media sold or disposed of in any manner not permitted by the zero-rating contract is leviable and the distributor will be responsible for paying the levy.
• Zero-rated media may not be sold levy free in any retail establishment.
• Any media purchased using the CPCC Zero-Rating Program Registration Agreement: Distributor Program may not be used for internal or duplication purposes unless the company also has a buyer’s zero-rating certificate number. The distributor will be responsible for paying the levy if media is used for internal or duplication purposes without a valid buyer zero-rating contract.
• Zero-Rating Program distributors are required to keep detailed records of the purchase and sale of zero-rated media and may be subject to an audit by the CPCC.

Information and Applications

If you are a manufacturer, importer or distributor of media interested in registering to sell zero-rated media royalty free, please send an email to CPCC requesting an information package and application.

Technical requirements for reporting zero-rated purchases

Technical requirements for reporting zero-rated sales