France Enacts Strict Ban on Unsolicited Telemarketing Calls
The law, supported by President Emmanuel Macron’s government, takes effect on 11 August 2026, following years of consumer complaints and a coordinated campaign by 11 consumer groups.
France has implemented a comprehensive ban on unsolicited telemarketing calls, with the legislation officially entering into force on Tuesday, 11 August 2026. The measure, which has been backed by President Emmanuel Macron’s government, represents a significant shift in consumer protection policy, moving away from previous opt-out systems that were frequently ignored by call centres.
Authorities estimate that approximately three-quarters of people in France receive at least one unsolicited sales call every week. The new law aims to curb this intrusion by prohibiting businesses from contacting consumers without their prior consent. Alice Vilcot, chief of staff at the Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Prevention of Fraud, confirmed that this consent can be withdrawn at any time by the consumer.
The penalties for non-compliance are substantial. Companies found making illegal unsolicited calls face fines of up to €375,000 per call, while individuals responsible for such calls can be fined up to €75,000. These financial deterrents were established after Parliament approved the law last year, responding to years of complaints and a joint campaign by 11 consumer organisations that described the practice as relentless harassment.
Exceptions to the ban remain for specific commercial scenarios. Businesses may contact customers with new commercial offers if an existing contractual relationship is already in place. Additionally, companies can reach out if explicit consent has been given, such as when a consumer checks a consent box on a form. Consumers can report violations through a dedicated government website.
The regulatory shift has triggered concerns in Morocco, where Employment Minister Younes Sekkouri stated in March that 40,000 to 50,000 jobs in the country’s call centres were at risk. Sekkouri noted that the French market accounts for more than 80% of revenue in the sector, highlighting the international economic implications of the new French consumer protection framework.
