> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.itellico.ai/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Outbound Calling Compliance > Legal requirements and regulations for outbound calling campaigns across DACH, EU, US, and international markets 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. ## 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. | Region | Regulation | Consequence | | ------------- | ---------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | **Germany** | UWG (Unfair Competition Act) | Up to **€300,000** per violation for unsolicited B2C calls | | **Austria** | TKG (Telecommunications Act) | Up to **€50,000** per violation | | **EU** | GDPR / ePrivacy | Up to **4% of annual global revenue** or **€20 million** | | **EU** | AI Act | Mandatory disclosure that callers are speaking with AI | | **US** | TCPA | **$500–$1,500 per call** in statutory damages; class action lawyers actively monitor | | **US** | FCC rules | Automated dialing systems require prior express consent | | **Canada** | CASL | Up to **\$10 million** per violation for organizations | | **Australia** | Do Not Call Register Act | Heavy fines enforced by ACMA | itellicoAI provides [schedules](/launch/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. *** ## 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)](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/englisch_uwg/) governs telemarketing alongside [General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (DSGVO)](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/679/oj/eng). **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)](https://ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/Erv/ERV_2021_1_190/ERV_2021_1_190.pdf) 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)](https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/1988/223_223_223/en) 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 *** ## European Union For campaigns targeting EU countries, comply with the [ePrivacy Directive (2002/58/EC)](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2002/58/oj/eng) and [GDPR (2016/679)](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/679/oj/eng): * **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) *** ## International For campaigns targeting U.S. consumers, comply with the [Telephone Consumer Protection Act (47 USC § 227)](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/47/227): * **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](https://www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/tcpa-rules.pdf) **Recommended setup**: Use 8 AM – 9 PM with the contact's timezone (America/New\_York, America/Chicago, etc.) Canada's [Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL)](https://fightspam.gc.ca/) 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](https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/internet/anti.htm) Australia's [Do Not Call Register Act 2006](https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2006A00088/latest/text) 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](https://www.donotcall.gov.au/) * Managed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) *** ## Next Steps Configure calling schedules for your campaigns Create your first outbound campaign