Films without a distributor in Québec: special authorization

If you are a video material retail dealer, all films you sell or rent must bear a Régie sticker. Normally, producers will already have affixed such a sticker on their films. Exceptionally, if you wish to sell or offer a film for rental for which there are no distributors in Québec, you must request special authorization from the Régie.

Application process

  1. First, to confirm that the film really has no distributor in Québec, please search our film directory.
  2. You must then provide proof that you are authorized to sell, rent, exchange or lend this film on video. We suggest that you have the person or company that holds the distribution rights for Québec sign a document to that effect. A template for such a document is available here.
  3. For each film, you must submit and application for a filing certificate, along with a copy of the video material. The Régie will verify the documents, and will classify the film into one of the age categories provided by the Act.
  4. Upon payment of the prescribed duties, the Régie will issue a sticker (or stickers) that you must affix on the videos or DVDs in the manner described here.

Restrictions

  • A special authorization does not authorize you to sell or rent the authorized material outside your store. If you wish to sell this material to other retail dealers, you must get a general distributor’s licence [en français].
  • In addition, should a distributor acquire the rights and distribute a film for which the Régie has previously granted you special authorization, the Régie would notify you and revoke your authorization.