As of March 1, 2023, new measures governing cold calling will come into effect. We take stock together of the changes made.
From March 1, 2023, many changes will take place, and some will directly affect the lives and finances of the French, such as fuel price caps at Total Energiesor the increase in the price of cigarettes (with prices that can now exceed 11 € on certain packets).
But in this article, we will mainly dwell on the entry into force of the new measures governing telephone canvassing. In effect, the decree of October 13, 2022 will finally be applied this Wednesday.
This decree notably sets official limits to this practice, the aim being “to protect consumer privacy and put an end to abusive cold calling at all hours”. As Olivia Grégoire, Minister Delegate in charge of small and medium-sized enterprises, Trade, Crafts and Tourism, recalled, “this framework was eagerly awaited and was the subject of discussions between representatives of the call center sector and consumer associations. The decree reconciles the right to more tranquility for the French and the maintenance of jobs in France”.
Also to read : The government is attacking cold calling, no more being harassed by insurance companies
Days and times, limitation of the number of calls, which changes on March 1
Indeed, it should be remembered that call centers employ no less than 56,000 people in France. So concretely, what are the changes brought by this decree? First of all, telephone canvassing will now only be authorized from Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.. By extension, no commercial phone calls will be tolerated on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidaysexcept with the consent of the consumer.
Always with a view to avoiding abuse, a user cannot be solicited more than 4 times per month by the same company or entrepreneur. Finally, when the consumer expresses his refusal to be contacted during a call, the professional must avoid any new communication In “60 calendar days from this refusal”.
Note that if you notice breaches of these rules, it is always possible to report the offenders on the Bloctel platform. And this even if the companies don’t care a bit. On the other hand, the penalties incurred in the event of a violation, namely €75,000 for a natural person and €375,000 for a legal personshould discourage the most insistent.
