Short Answer: If your business makes marketing calls or sends marketing messages to Singapore telephone numbers, you must check Singapore’s Do Not Call (DNC) Registry first, unless an exemption applies or the person has given clear consent. Each check result is valid for 21 days, so lists must be rechecked regularly.
What is Singapore’s Do Not Call Registry?
The Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) manages Singapore’s Do Not Call Registry under the Personal Data Protection Act 2012 (PDPA). It lets people opt out of marketing messages sent to their Singapore number, whether mobile, fixed-line, residential or business. There are three separate registers:
- No Voice Call Register
- No Text Message Register
- No Fax Message Register
The DNC provisions have been in effect since 2 January 2014.
Does it apply to Malaysian businesses?
The rules apply to marketing messages addressed to Singapore telephone numbers. The responsibility covers organisations that send the messages, organisations that cause them to be sent, and organisations that authorise them. In practice, this means a Malaysian company calling Singapore numbers, or hiring someone to do it, needs to follow the rules.
How long is a DNC check valid?
21 days. On 1 February 2021, Singapore reduced the DNC checking validity period from 30 days to 21 calendar days. Some older websites still say 30 days, so make sure your process uses 21.
Are there exemptions?
Yes. The main ones include:
- Business-to-business messages. Singapore’s DNC provisions do not cover qualifying telemarketing messages directed at businesses for business purposes.
- Clear consent. If a person clearly agrees to receive marketing messages and the business records that consent in writing or another accessible form, you may send them marketing messages even if their number is registered.
- Ongoing relationships. Organisations with an ongoing relationship with a person may send messages about similar or related products without checking the registry, but the person can still opt out.
When someone withdraws consent or opts out, organizations have 21 days to stop sending marketing messages to that number.
What happens if a business breaks the rules?
The PDPC investigates complaints and can take enforcement action, including financial penalties, against organisations that breach the DNC provisions.
How is this different from Malaysia?
Malaysia does not have a national Do Not Call registry. Instead, Malaysia’s PDPA gives individuals the right to object to their data being used for direct marketing, and businesses must stop when someone objects. So a campaign that covers both countries needs two processes: consent and opt-out tracking for Malaysia, and DNC checks every 21 days for Singapore.
A simple checklist for Singapore campaigns
- Decide whether each contact is a business or a consumer.
- For consumer numbers, check the relevant register (voice, SMS or fax) before the campaign.
- Note the check date and stop using the result after 21 days.
- Keep records of consent and of every DNC check.
- Record opt-outs immediately and remove them within 21 days at the latest.
How can CALLMARK Solutions help?
CALLMARK Solutions provides call centre services for businesses reaching customers in Singapore, alongside our Malaysian inbound and outbound services. If you are planning a campaign that crosses the border, we can help you plan the calling process around both countries’ rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to check the DNC Registry for B2B calls?
Telemarketing messages that target other businesses are excluded from the DNC provisions.
- Is the DNC check valid for 30 days?
No. Since 1 February 2021, results are valid for 21 days.
- Can I call a registered number if the person agreed?
Yes, if they gave clear and unambiguous consent in written or other accessible form.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Please check the PDPC’s latest guidance or speak to a legal professional before running a campaign.
