Telemarketing Regulations to Tighten Up in 2026

By Netvora Tech News

---

The rules governing telemarketing are set to become even stricter from July 1, 2026, according to a letter from Minister Beljaarts of Economic Affairs to the Dutch Parliament. Currently, people can be called if they have given permission to the caller or if they are a customer. In the future, people will only be contacted if they have given prior consent to the caller, eliminating the option of contacting customers based on a business relationship. The tightened regulations will not apply to non-profit organizations, charity lotteries, and publishers of newspapers, magazines, and journals. These entities will still be able to contact customers based on a business relationship. Minister Beljaarts believes it is essential for businesses to have sufficient time to adapt their operations to the new regulations, which is why the new rules will come into effect on July 1, 2026. "It is not acceptable for consumers to be pressured at the door or over the phone to, for example, take out a new energy contract," Beljaarts said. "While it is wise to take a little more time to think about such matters." The Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) receives many complaints from people about these sales methods, with the minister emphasizing the importance of addressing the root cause of these complaints.

Background

The current telemarketing regulations have been criticized for allowing companies to pressure consumers into making purchasing decisions. The new regulations aim to provide consumers with more protection and ensure they are not subjected to aggressive sales tactics.

Key Changes

• Consent will be required from customers before they can be contacted
• Contacting customers based on a business relationship will no longer be allowed
• Non-profit organizations, charity lotteries, and publishers of newspapers, magazines, and journals will be exempt from the new regulations

Impact

The tightened regulations are expected to have a significant impact on the telemarketing industry, with companies needing to adapt their sales strategies to comply with the new rules. Consumers, on the other hand, will benefit from increased protection and a reduction in aggressive sales tactics.