Your phone rings while you are working, making supper or waiting for an important call. It is another sales pitch.

The National Consumer Commission’s National Opt-Out Registry, launched on 7 October 2026, is intended to give consumers more control over unwanted marketing calls, SMSes, emails and other electronic communication. Registration is free.

What you can do now

The NCC has told TechCentral that consumers can already create a profile and register blocks against direct marketers listed on the system. You do not have to wait until next year to record those preferences.

However, registering a block will not necessarily stop tomorrow’s calls. Businesses are still being brought onto the system and given time to update their marketing lists.

How to register

The process outlined by the NCC spokesperson is:

1. Visit the NCC’s official website and select “eServices & OORs”.
2. Choose “New Consumer” and follow the registration prompts.
3. Have your details ready: your ID or passport number, name, physical address, email address and contact number.
4. Follow the verification email to proceed.
5. Open “Pre-emptive block” and select the listed marketers you want to block.

Creating a profile is only the first step. You also need to record your blocking choices. 

Why the calls may continue

The NCC’s published rollout gives marketers until December 2026 to register, followed by a period from December through April 2027 to check their contact lists against consumers’ preferences and remove blocked details. 

Its launch statement referred to consumer blocking from May 2027. The subsequent clarification to TechCentral says blocks can already be submitted, with enforcement following the rollout. Recording your choice now does not mean every marketer will act on it immediately. 

Keep your expectations realistic

This is a way to record that you do not want direct marketing. It is not a filter that intercepts every unwanted call, and it should not be treated as protection against scammers.

Use the official NCC website when registering. As a practical precaution, keep a screenshot or confirmation of your selections so you have a record of what you submitted.

• Visit the NCC’s official website and registration link.
• Read the NCC’s rollout announcement.

The Bottom Line

You can start recording your marketing preferences now. The useful step is to register and select the marketers you want to block, while allowing for the phased rollout. An instant end to every unwanted call would be an unrealistic promise.