Fact Sheet

Effective February 1, 2010, regulations on gift cards and gift certificates in Nova Scotia will:

• prohibit expiry dates
• prohibit fees, except for customization and replacement
• require that the following information be printed on the card:
   
  • expiry dates and fees (if applicable)
  • refund policy (if applicable)
  • contact details for consumers to check their balance

Regulations cover all types of gift cards and certificates from establishments such as  department stores, groceries, specialty stores, malls, spas, restaurants, recreation centers and hotels.

Exception to this rule are:

• cards issued for charitable purposes, i.e. cards used for fund-raising activities
• cards issued for promotional purposes, i.e. discount cards and "buy one get one"
• pre-paid telecom cards
• pre-paid credit card branded cards, i.e. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club

Before February 1, 2010, gift cards with dollar values that have not expired by February 1, 2010, and those issued on or after that date, will no longer have valid expiry dates.

Gift cards for goods and services that do not indicate dollar values purchased prior to February 1, 2010, will continue to expire on their scheduled date.  Any card issued for goods and services purchased on or after February 1, 2010, will no longer have expiry dates.

For more information, call 1-800-670-4357.