The Consumer Protection Act (CPA), through the Internet Sales Contract Regulation (ISCR), allows vehicles to be sold online and remotely to consumers. Regardless of your business model, whether you’re selling online or at your business, the CPA, the Vehicle Inspection Regulation (VIR) and the Automotive Business Regulation (ABR) must be followed. The ISCR applies to Alberta residents purchasing goods or services from Alberta businesses that sell online. This regulation does not apply if a consumer is buying from a private individual.
Remote consumers can purchase or lease a motor vehicle from an AMVIC-licensed business without visiting the automotive business’s registered premises for the purpose of purchasing the vehicle. Online sales are permitted as long as the business has a brick and mortar location.
Disclosure requirements
Internet consumers must be provided with all required information, and it must be prominently displayed on the business’s website. There are separate disclosure requirements in the ABR and the ISCR; all requirements from both the ABR and ISCR must be met. For example, the ISCR requires disclosure of refund policies. The ABR is specific in requiring a Mechanical Fitness Assessment and disclosure of the vehicle history information. Disclosure of information as set out in the ISCR and the ABR can be found on amvic.org. The Government of Alberta has also produced a helpful fact sheet on internet shopping.
Please visit amvic.org for more information.