On 1st May, 1999 the 'Telecommunications (Data Protection and Privacy) (Direct Marketing) Regulations 1998' (revised on 16th August 99) became law.

The act is very clear. Before you make a call to any existing, or potential new customer, who has not given you express permission to contact them, you should screen their telephone number against the TPS Register. This should be done every 28 days.

Any breach of the new legislation will be dealt with by the Data Protection Registrar and can attract fines of up to £5,000.00, and in some cases may lead to the removal of your data protection register entry.

The TPS Legislation Refers to Individuals, Sole Traders and (except in Scotland) Partnerships. Corporate bodies can place their telephone numbers onto the Corporate Telephone Preference Service (CTPS) Register.

The cost of the TPS Register is £ 4,400 per annum plus VAT (see TPS website). However, Admar can screen your data against the register from as little as 1p per record, and if you have 10 or less searches per day it is completely free of charge.

If you only have a few numbers to check you can use our free SpeediSCREEN Software or our online site both of which are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year

Screening Options Available:

• ADMAR Bureau - any format - service via email - contract rates available
• ADMAR OnLine - check one-off numbers and upload files
• SpeediSCREEN -Screen single numbers or Excel Files on your Desktop

Below is a link to the I.C.O website but you may also find this information on exemptions useful.