Auto-renewal traps — where a free trial or annual deal quietly becomes an ongoing charge nobody remembers agreeing to — have long frustrated South African consumers. This rule shifts the burden onto the business to proactively remind the consumer well in advance, rather than relying on the consumer to remember and cancel in time.
Source: Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008, 2026 amendment regulations
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply to all subscriptions, or only ones I signed up for through direct marketing?
The notice requirement specifically targets automatically renewing agreements arising from direct marketing arrangements — it's worth checking your specific contract's terms.
What should I do if a business renews my contract without giving proper notice?
You can raise it directly with the business first, and if unresolved, escalate a complaint to the National Consumer Commission.
Does this stop businesses from auto-renewing subscriptions altogether?
No — auto-renewal itself remains legal; the rule simply requires adequate advance warning and a genuine opportunity to opt out.