In brief
Paris has made telephone sales calls that do not have prior consent illegal, marking a significant victory for French consumers. The change goes into effect this Tuesday, banning unsolicited calls across all sectors. Exceptions allow calls only for existing contracts or when consent has been granted. Consumer rights activists hailed the decision as a "small revolution," while business groups warn of administrative burdens and a potential loss of 50,000 jobs. The law places France alongside other European nations that already curb cold calling.
The French government has made it illegal for companies to place sales‑phone calls without a person’s prior consent. The ban starts this Tuesday and applies to all industry sectors. Calls are now allowed only if they refer to a pre‑existing contract or if the customer has explicitly agreed to receive marketing calls.
Consumer advocacy group Que Choisir Ensemble called the move "a small revolution for the sales industry." The organisation said peace and quiet is a right, urging that consumers should no longer be exposed to unwanted solicitations. They noted that the law also covers online requests, which appear to flood both cyberspace and street markets.
Business groups have voiced concerns. A Moroccan government minister estimated that the new restrictions could lead to a loss of up to 50,000 jobs in a sector that relies heavily on the French market. The head of France’s direct‑selling trade association, the Fédération de la Vente Directe, alarmed that firms would be required to obtain written consent and keep evidence of that consent, adding bureaucratic overhead.
A 2025 parliamentary report found that 97% of French people find telemarketing calls annoying, making the issue widely uniting. The same study said 72% of French are contacted by phone at least once a week, and 38% are reached daily.
Other European countries such as Germany, Austria and Italy already impose strict limits on "cold calling". In the United Kingdom, most calls are legal provided the recipient has not opted out and the number is not on a statutory do‑not‑call list.
