About the new Code and Registration Scheme

What it is
On 1 September 2011, PhonepayPlus is introducing a new Code of Practice and mandatory industry Registration Scheme. This is designed to improve transparency for those doing business in the premium rate services (PRS) market and to help drive up levels of compliance. To allow sufficient time for everyone who needs to register to do so before the enforcement of the Code on 1 September, the registration period commenced on 1 April.

What it costs
The annual registration fee for the Financial Year 2011/12 is £100 +VAT per organisation, irrespective of the number of services provided. To encourage early registration, discounted fees are applicable as follows:

• £50 plus VAT for registration from 1 April to 31 July; and
• £80 plus VAT for registration from 1 August to 31 August.

Payment from the following credit/debit cards will be accepted:

Visa/Visa Credit/Mastercard/Visa Electron

To register you will need to:

• Create a password and secure login;
• Enter all required organisation details; and
• Pay the annual registration fee with a credit/debit card.

You will also need to have the following to hand:
• Your Companies House company number or Charity Commission number (if relevant)

Click here to read our 'How to register your company/organisation' Fact Sheet.

Who it affects

Under the new Code, no organisation is allowed to operate a premium rate service unless they are registered, nor can they do PRS business with any other organisation that is not registered. The entire PRS industry is affected by the Scheme, with the following exceptions:

• 0871/2/3 providers and services are exempt from registering for the Scheme;
• Charities engaged in PRS activity must register for the Scheme, but are exempt from paying the registration fee; and
• PRS providers with annual PRS revenue of less than £5,000 must register for the Scheme, but are exempt from paying the registration fee.

All three exceptions will be evaluated after the initial 12-month period.