Canadian Short Code Certification

When considering mobile program compliance for Canada, please don’t forget to check against Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL).

Certification Documentation

CSC Application Form

In place of the program brief used in the United States, this CSC Application Form is slightly more detailed in its requirements. Below is listed some key information you will want to have on hand when completing this form in addition to the message content, CTAs and links to T&Cs.

1. Party Roles - The CWTA will want to know any and all company entities involved with the short code program that is undergoing certification.
2. “Call” Flow - You must provide not only the message responses for system keywords, but all active keywords and their associated responses involved in the flow and conduct of the mobile program.
3. Explicit Message Frequency - While U.S. carrier standards have shifted to a simple “recurring” or non-recurring approach with regard to message frequency, the CWTA still requires that programs whose messages are recurring detail the frequency of that recurrence explicitly (e.g. “2msgs/mo,” “1msg/wk,” etc).
4. Marketing & Traffic Projections - Even if you’re estimating, the CWTA will want to see them.

CWTA Ready for Testing Document

This form is essentially a repeat of details you will provide in your CSC Application Form, but is a concise focus on keywords, their responses and customer support information such as web pages, numbers and email addresses. Convey typically completes this document on behalf of our customers using the information you provide in the aforementioned CSC Application Form, but you are welcome to request and view this document at any time.

Important Notes

• Short codes leading with digit “4” are not permitted
• A text message has a maximum length of 320 characters
• Programs requiring a guarantee (explicitly or implicitly) that a text message will be delivered may not be supported

Canadian Short Code CTA

Your Canadian CTA should include a bare minimum of:

• Opt-in Instructions
• Msg&Data Disclaimer
• Explicit message frequency if recurring

Canadian Short Code Program Changes

Once an application is approved, that is the scope of the program for the requested short code. If the scope of the program changes after approval, a revised application must be submitted which clearly outlines the changes to the original program.