France Aims to End Cold Calls with New Telemarketing Ban

Sun Sep 06 2026 05:11:51 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

France has outlawed unsolicited telemarketing, a move hailed by consumers as a small revolution, while businesses warn of extra paperwork and job losses.

France has banned all unsolicited telemarketing calls, declaring peace and quiet a right for consumers. The law, effective from Tuesday, only allows calls that refer to an existing contract or have prior written consent. Consumer groups celebrate the reform as a small revolution, citing that 97% of people are annoyed by the calls. Business groups, however, warn of added administrative burdens and possible job losses in countries like Morocco that depend on the French market.

France Aims to End Cold Calls with New Telemarketing Ban

France has outlawed unsolicited telemarketing calls, a move hailed by consumer groups as a small revolution for the sales industry.

The ban takes effect from Tuesday, prohibiting all unsolicited calls across sectors. Exceptions exist for calls that relate to an existing contract or where the company has prior written consent.

Marie‑Amandine Stévenin, president of Que Choisir Ensemble, emphasised that peace and quiet is a right and that the law stops exposing consumers to unwanted solicitations. Stévenin added that many consumers are annoyed by marketing demands online and in daily life.

The reform has sparked pushback from business groups. A Moroccan government minister warned that the restrictions could eliminate up to 50,000 jobs in a call‑centre sector heavily reliant on the French market.

Frédéric Billon, head of France’s direct‑selling trade association, criticised the reforms for adding administrative burdens, noting companies must obtain written consent and maintain proof of it.

A 2025 parliamentary report found 97% of French people are annoyed by telemarketing calls, 72% are contacted on their mobile at least once a week, and 38% receive calls daily. The report highlighted that this issue unites people across France.

Other European countries impose similar restrictions, including Germany, Austria and Italy. In the UK, telemarketing calls are legal if the recipient has not opted out and the number is not on a statutory do‑not‑call list.