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This page provides general guidance, not legal advice. Regulations change frequently. Consult a qualified legal professional for compliance decisions specific to your business and target markets.

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Why Compliance Matters

Outbound calling is regulated in most countries. Non-compliance is not just a policy issue — it is a financial and legal risk.
RegionRegulationConsequence
GermanyUWG (Unfair Competition Act)Up to €300,000 per violation for unsolicited B2C calls
AustriaTKG (Telecommunications Act)Up to €50,000 per violation
EUGDPR / ePrivacyUp to 4% of annual global revenue or €20 million
EUAI ActMandatory disclosure that callers are speaking with AI
USTCPA500–500–1,500 per call in statutory damages; class action lawyers actively monitor
USFCC rulesAutomated dialing systems require prior express consent
CanadaCASLUp to $10 million per violation for organizations
AustraliaDo Not Call Register ActHeavy fines enforced by ACMA
itellicoAI provides schedules, campaign Settings, and the Local legal compliance window control to help you stay compliant, but it is your responsibility to ensure your campaigns meet local requirements.

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DACH Region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland)

Germany, Austria, and Switzerland have strict regulations on outbound calling. Cold calling to consumers without prior consent can result in fines up to €300,000 (Germany) or €50,000 per violation.
Germany’s Gesetz gegen den unlauteren Wettbewerb (UWG) governs telemarketing alongside General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (DSGVO).Business-to-Consumer (B2C):
  • Prior explicit consent required — Cold calling to consumers is prohibited without consent
  • No presumed consent exists
  • Business Hours: 8 AM to 9 PM local time (weekdays recommended)
  • Providing a phone number in public directories does NOT constitute consent
Business-to-Business (B2B):
  • Allowed under presumed consent if:
    • Prospect has documented interest in your product/service
    • Interest must be concrete, not abstract
    • You can demonstrate presumed agreement to be called
  • Documentation is critical — Keep records of demonstrated interest
Enforcement:
  • BNetzA (Federal Network Agency) enforces violations
  • Fines up to €300,000 per violation
  • Automated dialing systems (robocalls) prohibited without consent
Recommended setup:
  1. Verify you have documented consent or legitimate business interest
  2. Set business hours to 8 AM – 9 PM (Europe/Berlin timezone)
  3. Keep detailed records of consent source and date
  4. Never call numbers on opt-out lists
Austria’s Telecommunications Act (TKG 2021) implements strict cold calling rules.B2C:
  • Cold calling is prohibited — No presumed consent framework exists
  • Stricter than Germany — explicit opt-in required
  • ECG opt-out list — National do-not-call registry
B2B:
  • More lenient than B2C but still requires justifiable business relationship
  • Document business connection before calling
Business Hours:
  • While not explicitly mandated, follow German standards: 8 AM – 9 PM local time
  • Avoid weekends for cold outreach
Recommended setup:
  • Use Europe/Vienna timezone
  • Configure Mon–Fri 9 AM – 6 PM for conservative compliance
  • Verify contacts are not on ECG opt-out list
Switzerland’s Unfair Competition Act (UCA) governs telemarketing.Key requirements:
  • Asterisk opt-out: Anyone can register their number with an asterisk (*) in the phone directory to opt out
  • Calling opted-out numbers is unfair unless pre-existing business relationship exists
  • Caller ID display required: Must show registered, authorized phone number
Business Hours:
  • No specific legal hours, but best practice: 8 AM – 8 PM weekdays
  • Respect business relationship context for timing
GDPR note:
  • Switzerland is not EU, but Swiss law is heavily influenced by GDPR
  • Apply similar data protection standards
Recommended setup:
  • Use Europe/Zurich timezone
  • Configure Mon–Fri 9 AM – 6 PM
  • Ensure your caller ID is properly registered
  • Keep records of business relationships

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European Union

For campaigns targeting EU countries, comply with the ePrivacy Directive (2002/58/EC) and GDPR (2016/679):
  • Prior opt-in required for marketing calls in most EU countries
  • Business Hours: No EU-wide standard, but respect cultural norms
  • Recommended: Mon–Fri 9 AM – 6 PM local time
  • Avoid lunch hours (12–2 PM in many countries, especially France, Spain, Italy)

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International

For campaigns targeting U.S. consumers, comply with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (47 USC § 227):
  • Time restrictions: 8 AM – 9 PM recipient’s local time
  • Applies to B2C marketing/sales calls
  • Exemptions: Transactional calls, B2B, prior consent
  • Fines: Up to $43,792 per violation
  • FCC TCPA Rules
Recommended setup: Use 8 AM – 9 PM with the contact’s timezone (America/New_York, America/Chicago, etc.)
Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) governs commercial electronic messages:
  • Prior consent required for commercial calls
  • Provincial regulations vary
  • Best practice: 8 AM – 9 PM local time
  • Quebec has additional consumer protection rules
  • Enforced by CRTC
Australia’s Do Not Call Register Act 2006 establishes strict telemarketing rules:
  • Time restrictions: Mon–Fri 9 AM – 8 PM, Sat 9 AM – 5 PM (no Sunday calls)
  • Based on recipient’s local time
  • Heavy fines for violations
  • Must check against Do Not Call Register
  • Managed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)

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Next Steps

Schedules

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Campaign Launch

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