The code applies only to retail shops that participate in the voluntary program.^[1] One of its key features is the "Item Free Scanner Policy".^[2]: 3 If the price of an item scans incorrectly during checkout at the point of sale, the customer is entitled to request a price adjustment; if the item's price is less than $10, they receive it for free, and if the item's price is at least $10, the customer receives a $10 discount.^[4] If the customer purchases more than one of that item, the first one is subject to the price adjustment, and the others are charged at the posted sale price.^[4] The sale price may include that posted in the shop, in an advertising flyer, or in online advertisements.^[3]

Items covered by the code include those that have a Universal Product Code (UPC), a Price look-up code (PLU), or other barcodes that are scanned at the point of sale by a barcode reader.^[2]: 2 The code does not apply to items that are individually priced (that is, they have a price tag), items that are weighed (such as produce), prescription drugs, and cosmetics available only "behind-the-counter".^[3]

Problem resolution edit

A customer unsatisfied with the cashier's point-of-sale resolution for a price discrepancy should first attempt to resolve it with the shop's manager or supervisor.^[1] If this does not result in a resolution, the consumer may call the Retail Council of Canada Scanner Price Accuracy Committee at a toll-free telephone number to register a complaint.^[2]: 5 About 92% of the 1000 annual calls received by the committee are not legitimate complaints.^{[1][5][dubious – discuss]}

Incorrect charges for individually priced items are covered by the Competition Act, and unresolved price discrepancies reported to the Competition Bureau.^[3]

There are few participating retail chains, but they represent over 7,000 shops throughout Canada, excluding those in Quebec which are covered by the provincial Consumer Protection Act.^[1] Among them are Best Buy, Canadian Tire, Costco, Giant Tiger, Home Depot, Lawtons, Loblaw Companies, Rona, Safeway, Shoppers Drug Mart, Sobeys, Toys "R" Us, and Walmart.^[1][5][3][6]

Shops of participating merchants are required to post a sign about the code near the entrance to the shop,^[3] and some also post a notice or sticker at the point of sale.^[6]

• Scanner Price Accuracy Code at the Retail Council of Canada
• Scanner Price Accuracy Voluntary Code—Code of practice at the Competition Bureau
• Scanner price accuracy at the Competition Bureau
• Scanner Price Accuracy Code FAQs at the Retail Council of Canada